Best Student Experience
Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University has one of the largest diverse nursing provisions within the UK requiring tailored support for our nursing students. Our Aim to Prevent, Aim to Support and Aim to Succeed is a project, which was co-created with nursing students, aimed to support students throughout their nursing course. There are different elements to this project that recognise that nursing students need support both within and outside of University.
Edge Hill University
At Edge Hill University we deliver pre-registration education to 2952 student nurses, midwives and or apprentices. We work collaboratively and in partnership with over 80 practice partners, arranging over 9,500 placements for our students, providing over 1.2 million hours of placement learning. Our application stands out from the crowd because we nurture the whole person as well as encouraging excellence in learning. Each member of staff passionately believes that collectively and through working in partnership with a range of health and care partners (including our students and apprentices), we are delivering the best student experience.
Edge Hill University
Edge Hill University’s practice learning team has utilised NHSE funding for an innovative placement concept, ‘Civic Approach to Social and Health Empowerment’ (CASHE), providing student nurses with varied practice experiences that equip them with the knowledge and skill for an evolving nursing landscape. Utilising indirect supervision, these placements enrich nursing students' learning and broadens training opportunities, allowing students to develop diverse skills in managing chronic conditions, delivering care in various settings, and promoting preventive health. Additionally, it enhances understanding of wider determinants of health, the value of place-based care and also aligns the curriculum to the NHS Long Term Plan.
Keele University
Keele University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery is committed to delivering an outstanding student experience through a holistic and innovative approach to education. By combining teaching excellence with a strong focus on student well-being, inclusivity, and personal development, the school creates an environment where students thrive. Its curriculum is designed to bridge theory and practice seamlessly, supported by a culture that values student voices and fosters belonging. With an emphasis on empowering students to achieve their academic and professional potential, Keele ensures graduates are not only highly skilled but also resilient, compassionate, and prepared for the challenges of modern healthcare.
University of Derby
The Children’s Nurse Team at the University of Derby is nominated for their innovation, kindness, and compassion. Despite being small, they excel in building a supportive community, fostering individuality, and encouraging diversity. They lead initiatives like International Nurses’ Day and the Golding Award, which honours students' kindness and support. The team also engages in fundraising and provides a nurturing environment through academic and psychosocial support. Hidden curriculum includes unique elements like IPL simulated learning and international public health initiatives. The team’s efforts ensure students feel a sense of belonging and are well-prepared for the future
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow Bachelor of Nursing Programme is an excellent nurse education programme, delivered in a supportive environment, by a small team of highly motivated and inspiring teaching staff. We are consistently ranked at the top of the University league tables. In addition to exceptional support from within the department, the university has excellent student support services. We have been commended by our students in our ability to view students as a whole and offer support and welfare where needed. The small team, small cohorts, partnership approach and community feel within the department supports both home and international students
University of Leicester
Sophie has developed the Leicester Model of Nursing Mental Health Simulation, a pioneering approach to mental health nursing education at the University of Leicester. The model emphasises service user involvement and co-production, with scenarios based on real-life experiences of mental health conditions. Students engage in small-group assessments, including risk assessment, care planning, and de-escalation, followed by a reflective debriefing session. Feedback highlights the model’s effectiveness in translating theory to practice, its added realism, and the supportive learning environment it fosters. Sophie’s innovative work has significantly enhanced the student experience, making this a worthwhile nomination.
University of Nottingham
We developed a simulation of a two-vehicle road traffic incident to help students follow a critically injured patient’s journey from the scene to discharge. Initially piloted in 2023, it moved to the University’s main campus in February 2024. The event featured a lecture on major incidents, a live collision demonstration and immersion suite scenarios including the ambulance journey, A&E stabilisation, and ward discharge. This innovative approach enabled students to engage with each stage of the patient journey. The interactive, repeatable experience allowed students to reflect and deepen their understanding of trauma management, offering insights not achievable through clinical placements alone.
University of Wolverhampton
To support student retention and success, an innovative approach to students’ transition and support at levels 3 and 4 was taken at the University of Wolverhampton through the development of key hybrid roles including the ‘academic coach’ (AC). Academic Coaches, provide tailored holistic one-on-one support to Nursing students on a daily basis, guiding them through their transition into and through Higher Education and helping them navigate its complexities. We are full time professional Personal Tutors who are trained in Coaching and Mentoring, and this is the sole purpose of our job role.