New route to nursing degree welcomes first students

The first students have been welcomed to an innovative new Forth Valley College course designed to create a direct route into nursing study at the University of Stirling.

Developed through the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership, the Fast Track to Nursing programme has been created by the University of Stirling and Forth Valley College with support of a £64,758 Test of Change grant.

The first cohort began studying at Forth Valley College's Stirling campus in August 2026, with a second cohort due to be recruited in January 2027.

The six-month programme enables eligible learners to progress directly into Year 1 of the University of Stirling's BSc Nursing degree in either Adult or Mental Health Nursing.

It is designed to widen access to nursing education and help address challenges highlighted in the Scottish Government's Ministerial Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce Report published in 2025.

Clear pathway

Professor Ashley Shepherd, University of Stirling, said: "Fast Track to Nursing is an important step in widening access to the nursing profession.

"Through the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership, we wanted to create innovative opportunities for talented and motivated individuals who may not have previously considered university study as an achievable route.

"By providing a clear pathway into our BSc Nursing programme, we can support more people to realise their potential, while helping to address the challenges facing nursing recruitment in Scotland.

"We look forward to welcoming the first cohort to the University of Stirling in September 2027."

The programme is aimed at individuals who aspire to a nursing career but do not currently meet the entry requirements for direct admission to the University's undergraduate nursing degree. It is open to school leavers, adult returners and career changers interested in nursing. Students study numeracy, communication, mental health and wellbeing, physiology, and academic study skills.

Students who successfully complete the course and meet progression requirements will be guaranteed a place on the University of Stirling's BSc Nursing programme without the need for a further interview.

Valuable initiative

Sarah Higgins, Forth Valley College's Vice Principal Learning and Student Experience, said: "This course is a valuable initiative to bridge the gap in nursing undergraduates, offering a tailored curriculum that combines foundational core skills knowledge with essential academic skills development.

"It serves as an accessible pathway for individuals passionate about nursing, providing them with the tools to succeed in the undergraduate nursing program at the University of Stirling."

Jane Muir, Curriculum Manager in the Department of Care, Sport, Business and Communities at Forth Valley College, added: "The positive response to the programme reflects the strength of the partnership between the College and the University and the continuing demand for accessible and supportive routes into nursing and higher education."

The programme was welcomed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland. Eileen McKenna, RCN Scotland's Associate Director Nursing, Policy and Professional Practice, said: "This course aims to help widen access into nursing for the right candidates. It will provide those passionate about nursing with the tools they need to be successful in their future studies, and to subsequently join the workforce as confident and skilled professionals."

Test of Change funding has supported the design and development of the programme, including curriculum creation, recruitment strategies and partnership coordination.