Applications to study nursing in wales rise as cardiff university proposes degree closure
Applications to study nursing in Wales have risen in 2024, with an increase in the acceptance rate among international students, according to newly released data. However, this positive trend comes amid Cardiff University’s shocking proposal to shut down its nursing school and cut 400 academic jobs, sparking concerns over the future of nursing education in the country.
Growth in applications and acceptances
Data from the Universities and colleges admissions Service (UCAS) reveals a significant rise in applications and acceptances for nursing degrees in Wales over the past five years. In 2019, just 160 international candidates applied, with only 15 accepting their offers, equating to an acceptance rate of 6.9%. By 2024, the number of applicants had soared to 1,180, with 175 students accepting their offers, pushing the acceptance rate to over 14%.
Overall, 31% of applications to nursing courses in Wales in 2024 resulted in offers being accepted. Welsh candidates were nearly twice as likely to secure places compared to those from outside the country. This surge in demand contrasts with a broader decline in applications from international students for higher education in the UK, a trend that universities say is exacerbating financial pressures.
Financial struggles and proposed cuts
Despite the rising interest in nursing degrees, cardiff university has announced a series of proposed cuts, including the closure of its nursing school. The university is grappling with multiple financial challenges, including a decline in international student enrolments, stagnant domestic tuition fees, inflation, and new national Insurance costs.
Cardiff University’s nursing school currently accommodates an estimated 800 to 1,000 students, yet Wales faces a shortage of approximately 2,000 nurses, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The proposed closure has triggered widespread concern among students, faculty, and healthcare professionals.
The Welsh Government, which was only informed of cardiff university’s plans a week before the public announcement, expressed disappointment over the inclusion of nursing courses in the cuts. A spokesperson for the government stated: “Universities are independent institutions, but we are very disappointed that nursing courses form part of these proposals and we are working urgently with HEIW (Health Education and Improvement Wales) to ensure we train the same number of nurses in Wales.”
Cardiff university’s response
Cardiff University has attempted to reassure stakeholders, stating that the proposals are not final and that discussions are ongoing. A university spokesperson said: “It’s important to stress that these are proposals and there is still a great deal of detail to work through before any final decisions are made.”
The university also confirmed that midwifery courses would continue and reiterated its commitment to delivering nursing degrees for students due to begin their studies in 2025. Additionally, the university assured that current nursing students would not face immediate disruption to their education.
Backlash from the nursing community
The proposal to shut cardiff university’s nursing school has been met with fierce opposition from healthcare leaders and professionals. Helen Whyley, executive director of the RCN in Wales, warned that the decision could severely impact the NHS and social care workforce in the region. She stated: “This proposal comes at a time when Wales is facing a severe nursing shortage, with thousands of vacancies placing immense pressure on an already overstretched workforce.”
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She further emphasised: “This decision has the potential to threaten the pipeline of registered nurses into the largest health board in Wales and undermines efforts to address the critical staffing crisis in the NHS and social care.”
The broader picture
Nursing degrees in Wales are currently offered at aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Wrexham, the University of South Wales, and Swansea. If cardiff university proceeds with its proposed closure, it could have significant repercussions for the supply of trained nurses in Wales at a time when the healthcare system is already under strain.
The controversy over cardiff university’s decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by UK universities as they struggle with financial constraints and changing student demographics. As protests are set to take place outside the Senedd, the fate of nursing education in Wales hangs in the balance, with the Welsh Government and healthcare leaders pushing for alternative solutions to safeguard the future of the profession.
