There are reputable UK nursing schools and programmes that use rolling admissions or offer multiple start dates (so you can apply outside the single-September UCAS window). Below, I list 10 nursing schools with rolling / flexible admissions in the UK, explain exactly what “rolling” or “flexible” means for each school, show the practical steps to apply, and give tips so you can act fast and correctly. The focused keyword appears throughout: 10 UK nursing schools with rolling admissions.

Most UK pre-registration nursing degrees are offered through UCAS with a main September intake and a UCAS deadline. However, many universities run additional intakes (January/February), postgraduate or accelerated routes, online/top-up courses, or direct-apply routes that are processed on an ongoing basis — effectively giving applicants a rolling or flexible admissions pathway. If you need to start sooner or missed the September deadline, these options matter. I list 10 clear choices below and explain how each one works in plain language with links to official pages.

What “rolling admissions” and “multiple intakes” mean for nursing in the UK

Rolling admissions: The university reviews applications as they arrive and may offer places continuously until the course is full. Multiple intakes: The university runs more than one official start date in the academic year (for example, September and January). Both allow candidates to apply outside the single, equal-consideration UCAS window or to university portals that accept direct applications.

Why this is practical: If you missed UCAS equal-consideration deadlines, are changing careers mid-year, or need a later/earlier start date, rolling or multiple intake courses let you apply and be considered without waiting a full year.

How to identify them (quick checklist you can use for any university):

1. Check the course page for “January start”, “February start”, “next intake”, and “apply direct”.

2. Look at the university admissions policy for a clause like “rolling admissions” or “applications processed on an ongoing basis”.

3. For online/top-up programmes, check “start dates” or “next start date” — many online nursing top-ups list multiple start dates.

Practical tip: Even where a university uses UCAS, they may have January/February intakes visible on UCAS — check the UCAS course listing (it shows start dates). If the course is still open after the equal-consideration deadline, you may apply in Clearing or via a direct application route.

10 Nursing Schools with Rolling / Flexible Admissions in the UK

1. University of Stirling — Rolling admissions policy

What Stirling does: Stirling’s published admissions policy explicitly states that for programmes where there is no fixed cap or where places are unrestricted, the University uses a rolling admissions process — they process applications on an ongoing basis rather than waiting for one fixed deadline. That means some postgraduate nursing and related health programmes may accept and decide on applications continually.

Why this is useful to you: If you are applying for a postgraduate nursing conversion (e.g., MSc pre-registration or specialist nursing MSc) or a programme that the university lists as rolling, your application can be reviewed soon after submission, and you may get an offer without waiting for a fixed “equal consideration” date. This reduces waiting time and helps applicants who need to start fast or who missed UCAS deadlines for undergraduate routes.

Practical steps to apply:

1. Find the specific course page on Stirling’s website (don’t rely on generic pages). Course pages say whether applications are processed as they come in.

2. Prepare supporting documents before submission (transcripts, ID, references, English test if needed). Because decisions are made fast, delays in docs can slow admission.

3. Email the admissions team if the course page doesn’t make the intake clear — ask whether the course is open for immediate consideration or has a fixed cut-off. That way, you get a written answer.

4. If you are international, check visa CAS deadlines carefully; rolling decisions may still need to fit UKVI timelines. Stirling’s published terms and dates explain how rolling processes work with CAS timetables.

Realistic expectation: Rolling does not mean unlimited seats — places may still be limited or subject to clinical placement capacity. But you benefit by getting earlier decisions and possibly earlier offers or deferrals if places remain.

2. Birmingham City University (BCU) — January intakes for nursing degrees

What BCU does: Birmingham City University runs nursing programmes with additional start dates, and its course pages explicitly state when September applications have closed and that January entry is possible for the same programme. Their international application pages list the documents and cut-offs for the January intake. That means you can target a January start (or other mid-year start) where listed.

Why this is useful to you: If you missed the September UCAS deadline or need to rearrange work/funding, the BCU January intake lets you start sooner than waiting a full year. For international students, BCU shows clear deposit, CAS and interview deadlines aligned with January starts, so you can plan visa timelines.

Practical steps to apply at BCU:

1. Confirm the exact course page (e.g., “BSc Adult Nursing — January 2026 entry”). Course pages will say “Applications for September closed, apply for January”.

2. Check whether the application is through UCAS or direct — for many nursing programmes, you still apply with UCAS, but the start date listed will show January; follow the UCAS instructions and deadlines for mid-year starts. The UCAS course listing will include a button to “Apply” for January starts.

3. Gather documents early — BCU publishes the application deposit, CAS deadlines, and interview windows for international students; missing these deadlines can force a deferral.

Pitfall to avoid: Clinical placements and employer-funded places can be limited for mid-year starts, so check placement notes and funding info on the course page. If placements are full, the university may offer you the next intake.

 3. The Open University (OU) — Flexible start dates and online nursing top-ups

What the OU does: The Open University runs nursing programmes suited to employers and working nurses, including the BSc (Hons) Nursing that supports workplace trainees and top-up routes. Their course pages list multiple start dates (e.g., February for some regions and October for others) and the OU emphasises flexible entry and employer-linked intakes. This model is practical for learners who need non-traditional starts or who study part-time/online.

Read Also: How to Bridge from RN to BSN: Step-by-step Guide for U.S Nursing Schools

Why this is useful to you: If you’re a registered nurse seeking a top-up degree, an employer-sponsored training route, or you need to study part-time around work, the OU’s scheduled multiple start dates and employer partnerships give you options throughout the year. The OU’s model is particularly good if you want an evidence-based route with flexible enrolment and study pacing.

Practical steps to apply at OU:

1. Select the exact pathway (e.g., Future Nurse programme, BSc top-up, employer-sponsored route). Each pathway shows its start months and regional availability — note that some starts are England-only or UK-wide.

2. Check employer sponsorship — many OU nursing routes require an employer partner (especially apprenticeship/top-up routes). If you’re employed in the NHS or an approved trust, coordinate with your employer and human resources for release and funding.

3. Apply via the OU online portal and provide required professional registrations (NMC registration if top-up), transcripts and employer confirmation where needed. The OU’s online process is built for rolling/regular starts, and they list exact start dates per country.

Note: The OU’s “rolling” quality is operational: they have set start dates but many intakes across the year for certain online/part-time routes — this functions like rolling admissions for applicants who need flexibility.

4. Unicaf (UK partner programmes) — clear rolling start dates for online nursing degrees

What Unicaf does: Unicaf runs online degree programmes with multiple start dates throughout the year (monthly or quarterly), and their programme pages explicitly advertise a flexible rolling admissions model. Several Unicaf partner pages show nursing-related programmes with many commencement dates (e.g., monthly or several times a year). This is geared to distance learners and international students.

Why this is useful to you: If you require utmost flexibility — start any month, study online and work — Unicaf’s model lets you begin quickly. Note: some Unicaf degrees are validated or delivered in partnership with UK universities; check the validating university and NMC recognition if you intend to register as a nurse in the UK.

Practical steps to apply via Unicaf:

1. Find the exact programme page — Unicaf lists clear start dates (e.g., 27/01, 28/04). Confirm whether the award is from a UK partner and whether it leads to NMC registration (many online top-ups are for already-registered nurses).

2. Check professional recognition — If your goal is UK NMC registration, make sure the route is NMC-approved or is a top-up for already-registered nurses; fully online pre-registration nursing programmes that lead to NMC registration are rare due to required clinical placements.

3. Apply through the Unicaf portal — They typically operate rolling admissions, so submit your documents and choose the next available start date.

Caveat: Unicaf is a private, distance-learning provider that partners with universities. For pre-registration nursing (to practice in the UK), you must confirm NMC recognition or local registration pathways before enrolling.

5. Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) — Targeted January/February starts for postgraduate nursing routes

What MMU does: Manchester Metropolitan lists a January start page that highlights courses starting in January/February and opens applications for mid-year entry. Some MSc and pre-registration masters for nursing have start months outside September and are listed with clear application windows. For example, MMU advertises specific courses starting in February and guides application steps.

Why this is useful to you: If you’re applying for an accelerated or postgraduate nursing conversion (MSc pre-registration), MMU’s mid-year start lets you begin training sooner. These routes are often aimed at graduates changing careers and are run on a smaller cohort basis — meaning timetables and admissions are managed continuously.

Practical steps to apply at MMU:

1. Search MMU’s “January start” listing to see which nursing or health courses accept mid-year applicants. Apply via the MMU postgraduate application portal for MSc conversion courses.

2. Prepare interview and competency evidence — postgraduate nursing pathways often require service-user contact hours, references and an interview; have these ready to speed the rolling decision.

3. Check visa and DBS timelines — postgraduate routes require criminal record checks (DBS) and, for international students, CAS processing; MMU publishes these cut-offs on course pages.

Realistic expectation: Mid-year postgraduate nursing routes are competitive and cohort sizes can be small — apply early and ensure evidence of work/volunteering in health care if required.

6. Edge Hill University — January intakes for selected nursing programmes

What Edge Hill does: Edge Hill advertises a January intake for a selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses — including several nursing-related programmes (for example, MSc/accelerated routes). Their January pages list courses that will accept January 2026 applicants and provide direct links to apply.

Why this is useful to you: Edge Hill’s January entry means you don’t have to wait until September. For students who have missed UCAS or who want a quick postgraduate conversion, this gives a concrete, earlier start date.

Practical steps to apply at Edge Hill:

1. Check the Edge Hill January entry page for the nursing course you want and confirm whether to apply via UCAS or the direct postgraduate portal.

2. Follow the course-specific entry requirements — many January starts are for accelerated/PG conversion courses, which often require a previous degree and relevant experience. Edge Hill lists clear criteria per course.

3. Book any required interviews quickly — January cohorts often have tighter timelines; interview and statutory checks (DBS) will need to be completed quickly to keep the January place.

Tip: If Edge Hill’s page shows a course as “available for January” but UCAS says the application window is closed, contact the admissions team; they’ll confirm whether they’ll accept a Clearing or direct application.

7. University of Wolverhampton — direct application routes and mid-year starts

What Wolverhampton does: Wolverhampton runs a Direct Application portal for candidates who want to apply straight to the university instead of using UCAS — useful when you only want to apply to Wolverhampton or when your timing falls outside normal UCAS windows. Some nursing course listings on UCAS also show mid-year start buttons where applicable.

Why this is useful to you: Direct application can shorten the timeline, and some Wolverhampton nursing courses show mid-year application options. If your UCAS application window is closed, a direct application may be a viable alternative (subject to course rules and clinical placement capacity).

Practical steps to apply at Wolverhampton:

1. Use the “Apply Direct” page to start the application process; upload transcripts, reference and personal statement. The portal is built to handle ongoing applications.

2. Confirm clinical placement availability — For nursing, the university must secure clinical placements for every student; ask the admissions team whether placements are available for a mid-year start.

3. If you are international, follow the university’s international application guidance and CAS deadlines specific to the intake you wish to join.

Read Also: Dealing with Nursing School Rejection? Do this to Get Accepted

Warning: Direct application is not always accepted for all nursing routes; some pre-registration nursing degrees must be applied for through UCAS. Always confirm on the course page.

8. University of Sunderland — top-ups, online starts and January–April intakes

What Sunderland does: Sunderland offers top-up and online nursing programmes with multiple start dates and clear “early starts” (January–April) for some pathways. Their online campus also lists several start dates for online programmes and top-up courses, making Sunderland a practical choice for registered nurses looking to upgrade.

Why this is useful to you: If you’re already a registered nurse and want a BSc honours top-up or an online professional qualification, Sunderland’s multiple start dates and online portal give real flexibility. That makes it functionally similar to rolling admissions for part-time/distance learners.

Practical steps to apply at Sunderland:

1. Choose the correct route — Top-up (for registered nurses) vs pre-registration (new trainee nurses). Top-ups often have multiple starts and use the university’s online application portal.

2. Have professional registration ready — Top-up applications require proof of nursing registration or prior qualification. Upload NMC registration if available and employer confirmation where required.

3. Check specific start dates on the online course page and apply before the listed application deadlines for the chosen intake.

Note: Some Sunderland pre-registration courses still follow UCAS equal-consideration dates, so confirm which pathway you’re applying to.

9. Northumbria University — January intake for postgraduate/accelerated nursing routes

What Northumbria does: Northumbria publishes a January intake page and runs specific nursing postgraduate conversion courses that start in January. For example, their MSc/accelerated adult nursing pre-registration programmes list January start dates and encourage applications for that intake.

Why this is useful to you: Northumbria is well-ranked for nursing; their January starts are tailored for postgraduate conversion students or accelerated routes — a good option if you already hold a degree and want to convert to nursing without waiting for a September intake.

Practical steps to apply at Northumbria:

1. Pick the conversion or postgraduate course page and follow the “apply now” link for January entry. The page will list deadlines and required documents.

2. Prepare evidence of prior study and experience — conversion routes often require proof of degree classification and a record of relevant experience or placements.

3. Plan for DBS and clinical checks — these must be completed before placement starts; allow time for Northumbria to process checks ahead of induction.

Expectation: January conversion cohorts may be smaller and more selective — strong applications (clear statements, references and relevant experience) help.

10. University of Derby — online and January/May intakes for some nursing programmes

What Derby does: Derby runs online nursing top-up programmes and specifies multiple intakes (January, May, September) for many online courses. Their online application pages explicitly say most courses let you start in January, May or September, with the portal open for those intakes. The university also shows a nursing January intake calendar.

Why this is useful to you: If you’re a registered nurse looking to top up to a BSc, Derby’s online model with regular intakes is effectively rolling: you can choose the intake that fits your schedule and apply in good time for that intake. For pre-registration degrees, Derby also lists January nursing start dates in the academic calendar.

Practical steps to apply at Derby:

1. Use the Derby online application portal and pick the intake you want (January/May/September). The portal shows deadlines for each intake.

2. Check academic and professional entry needs — top-ups need NMC registration or recognised prior learning; online pre-registration options will list DBS and placement requirements.

3. Apply early — even with multiple intakes, deadlines exist to allow time for document checks, visa processing and clinical placements.

Reality check: Online intakes give flexibility, but if your goal is UK registration as a nurse, ensure the route includes the required clinical placement elements or is a recognised top-up for already-registered nurses.

How to pick the right rolling or multiple-intake nursing route

Use this step-by-step checklist when choosing between the 10 schools above:

1. Define your goal: Pre-registration (train to become a nurse and register with the NMC) vs top-up (you are already a nurse and want a BSc). Only pre-registration routes lead to initial NMC registration. (Check each course page.)

2. Confirm start dates and application route: Is the intake on UCAS, the university portal, or a partner (e.g., Unicaf)? If UCAS, check the listed start dates; if direct, use the university portal.

3. Check placements and capacity: Nursing needs clinical placements. Ask admissions whether mid-year placements are available for the intake you want. If placements are full, you may be offered the next available intake.

4. Prepare documents in advance: Transcripts, references, NMC registration (if top-up), DBS, English tests, personal statement geared to nursing. Rolling admissions work quickly; missing docs slow decisions.

5. Contact admissions early: Email or phone the admissions office to confirm that the course is still open for the intake you want and to ask about any additional requirements or deadlines. Universities often respond quickly and save you from wasting time.

Common questions and quick answers (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply for a pre-registration nursing degree outside UCAS?

A: Mostly no for undergraduate pre-registration nursing — those typically go through UCAS and follow the UCAS equal-consideration timeline. But some universities offer direct application for specific intakes or have postgraduate conversion courses that accept direct applications. Always check the course page.

Q: Do rolling admissions mean unlimited seats?

A: No. Rolling means the university assesses applications as they arrive. Seats still depend on placement capacity and budget. If seats fill, the university may close the intake. Always apply early.

Q: Will an online/top-up nursing course lead to UK registration?

A: Usually, top-ups are for already-registered nurses to gain an honours degree; they do not by themselves lead to initial NMC registration if you are not already registered. If your goal is initial registration, prefer pre-registration or NMC-approved conversion courses that include placements.

Final Practical Advice (Step-by-step plan)

1. Decide your exact route (pre-registration vs top-up). If pre-registration, prioritise UCAS and any mid-year UCAS-listed intakes. If top-up, look for online/start date pages (OU, Derby, Sunderland, Unicaf).

2. Pick 3 target schools from the list above that match your goal and location (e.g., Northumbria, BCU, MMU, OU, Sunderland).

3. Collect required documents now: transcripts, references, personal statement, English test, NMC registration if applicable — roll them up into one PDF per school. Rolling admissions move fast.

4. Apply through the correct route: UCAS for most undergraduate pre-registration courses; university portal for direct/mid-year or postgraduate applications. For Unicaf/online programmes, apply via the provider’s portal.

5. Email admissions for confirmation and CAS deadlines (if international). Ask specifically: “Is this intake still open? What are the final deadlines for interview, DBS, and CAS?” This prevents surprises.

Conclusion

10 Nursing schools with rolling admissions in the UK include: University of Stirling, Birmingham City University, The Open University, Unicaf (partner online routes), Manchester Metropolitan University, Edge Hill University, University of Wolverhampton, University of Sunderland, Northumbria University, and the University of Derby.

Each of these institutions offers rolling or flexible admissions for certain nursing pathways — commonly mid-year intakes (January/February), online/top-up starts, or postgraduate conversion routes — and each university page lists the specific intake(s) and application process you should follow.

Use the step-by-step checklist above: choose the correct route (pre-registration vs top-up), confirm start dates, prepare documents early, and apply through UCAS or the university portal as instructed. That practical plan will give you the fastest, cleanest path to joining one of the 10 nursing schools with rolling admissions in the UK.