Start your nursing journey in the heart of your community
Experience community nursing, general practice, and social care nursing first-hand as a BSc Adult Nursing student. Gain the clinical skills and confidence to launch a career that brings care closer to home.
The First Destination Pathway is an innovative, blended route into adult nursing, open to anyone ready to take the next step in their career. Whether you’re returning to education, changing careers, or just starting out, this pathway is designed to support your ambitions.
This pathway focuses on Community, Primary Care, and Social Care placements for BSc Adult Nursing students. It offers immersive experience in these settings, preparing you to confidently transition into roles outside traditional hospital environments once qualified.
You'll follow the same curriculum BSc Adult Nursing and meet the same standards as other adult nursing students, with added emphasis on the skills and experience needed for a career in the community.
The Destination Pathway aligns with the national agenda to bring care closer to home / 10-Year Health Plan / 3 Big Shifts (Project: The three shifts | Change NHS) by developing a skilled workforce to support people living with long-term conditions at home, social care and being cared for in primary care.
Why choose this pathway?
Study locally at Cambridge or Chelmsford
Flexible blended learning – combining online and face-to-face teaching
Focused on nursing careers in community, primary care, and social care (although clinical skills are transferrable to any clinical environment)
Access tailored support with digital, maths, and science skills
Eligible for £5,000 non-repayable financial support
Who it's for
The Destination Pathway is ideal for:
Any BSc Adult Nursing applicant interested in working outside hospital settings
Career changers and adult learners
Aspiring nurses already working as Healthcare Support Assistants in any clinical environment
Individuals from rural or hard-to-reach communities
First generation university students
Anyone passionate about delivering care where it's needed most
Whatever your background or journey, if your goal is to take nursing beyond the hospital and into the heart of communities, this pathway is for you.
How it works
You’ll follow the same core BSc Adult Nursing curriculum, with a focus on placements in community, primary care, and social care nursing. You’ll also complete one acute hospital-based placement for a rounded clinical experience.
Placement settings may include:
Community nursing teams
Rehabilitation wards
GP surgeries and minor injury units
Hospices and voluntary organisations
Social care settings, including care homes
Mental health and wellbeing services
Voluntary Sector (MIND, Samaritans, Dementia UK)
Prison healthcare, outpatient clinics, and more
You’ll benefit from full support through ARU’s academic staff, student mentors, and local learning hubs.
Outcomes and career opportunities
On graduation you’ll be well prepared to work in:
General Practice (GP) surgeries
Community health teams
Social care environments
Hospitals and beyond
The pathway enhances the clinical skills employers need most while ensuring your training remains transferable across all healthcare settings.
How to apply or register your interest
Apply through the usual process for the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing course. Once you receive your offer, you’ll be invited to register your interest in the First Destination Pathway.
No, you’ll follow the same curriculum as all BSc Adult Nursing students.
Most of your placements will be in community, primary care, or social care settings, with one hospital placement included.
No, you’ll graduate with the same BSc Adult Nursing degree.
Yes, your skills and proficiencies will be fully transferable.
Yes, you may be entitled to have some of the cost of journeys between your normal term-time accommodation and your practice placement site reimbursed by NHS Business Service Authority (NHS BSA). You may also be able to receive reimbursement for temporary accommodation during your placement up to a set maximum rate. Learn more at NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) | NHSBSA.
Placements will be local to your study campus (Cambridge or Chelmsford), with travel times up to one hour.
In many cases, yes. Some placements may not be accessible by public transport, so driving and having access to a car is recommended.
