First cohort of Fast Track to Nursing course starts at FVC Stirling Campus

Forth Valley College and the University of Stirling – working as part of the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership - have been developing the Fast Track to Nursing, thanks to a grant worth £64,758, from the Test of Change fund.

The grant was awarded to the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership in July 2025, to help with the design and development of an innovative Fast Track to BSc Nursing Programme, and the programme has now welcomed its first cohort of students to be based at the FVC Stirling Campus.

The Test of Change grant underpins a pioneering initiative, jointly led by Forth Valley College (FVC) and the University of Stirling (UoS), to create a six-month intensive programme enabling eligible learners to progress directly into Year 1 of the BSc Nursing degree (Adult or Mental Health).

The first cohort (pictured here) have just started their studies (August 2026) with a subsequent cohort being recruited for January 2027. The programme hopes to directly address the challenges highlighted in the Scottish Government’s Ministerial Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce Report (2025).
The funding will support the design, development, and planning phase, including curriculum creation, recruitment strategies, and partnership coordination. Once operational, the Fast Track programme will provide a clear, supportive pathway for individuals who have the potential to succeed in nursing, but do not currently meet university entry requirements.

This SCQF Level 6 full-time course is aimed at individuals who want to study nursing and who may not currently possess the qualifications for direct entry into the undergraduate nursing program at the University of Stirling.

Examples could include:
•    School leavers progressing from senior-phase school/college health and social care pathways.
•    Adult returners seeking to re-enter education and train for a healthcare career.
•    Career changers looking to transition into nursing.

The course invites applications from individual’s interested in a career in Adult and Mental Health Nursing and offers the student study in numeracy, communication and the influences on mental health and wellbeing. Also included is physiology and the structure of the human body.

Applicants must have at least one Higher at C or above preferably in English or other discursive subject, and a large aspect of the course will centre on academic study skills and student development of an awareness of how they learn. Applicants also must have a clear PVG (self-declaration).

All students who meet the criteria to join the Fast-Track programme and subsequently complete the course and achieve a pass, will be offered a place on the BSc Nursing Programme at the University of Stirling - no further interview is required. The new course will join a number of other opportunities that have been created thanks to the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership.

Sarah Higgins, FVC’s Vice Principal Learning and Student Experience, said: “The course is designed to address a shortage of nursing undergraduates across Scotland and Forth Valley College will support and encourage students who complete the programme to join the degree at the University of Stirling in Adult/Mental Health Nursing.

“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.”

Professor Ashley Shepherd, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Health, Sport & Society, 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."

Eileen McKenna, Associate Director Nursing, Policy & Professional Practice, Royal College of Nursing Scotland, said: “Nursing is a fantastic career; the range of roles and opportunities is vast. It is a worthwhile and rewarding career path, and its future depends on having a skilled, passionate and complete workforce. In recent years, we have seen a decrease in applications to nursing courses, which will have dire consequences for the workforce of the future. RCN Scotland welcomes Forth Valley College’s new Fast Track to Nursing course, launched following recommendations from the Scottish Government’s Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce report. 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.”

Jane Muir, Curriculum Manager in the Department of Care, Sport, Business and Communities at Forth Valley College, said: “The collaborative interview process has also helped ensure that applicants have a clear understanding of the expectations of the course and the progression opportunities available through the Fast Track pathway.

“Many applicants also attended a successful induction day during the summer, providing an early opportunity to meet staff and fellow students, find out more about the programme and begin preparing for the transition into college-level study. The session was well received and helped build confidence, familiarity and a sense of connection ahead of the course starting.

“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 photo shows (back row from left to right) Sue Brosnan FVC Lecturer in the Department of Care, Sport Business and Communities, Dr Anne Taylor Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Health and Sport Science (UoS) and Jane Muir Curriculum Manager in FVC's Department of Care, Sport, Business and Communities, welcoming the first cohort of students on the Fast Track to Nursing course:
Second back row: Millie Carr, Brooke McGillivray, Collette Pickard and Heather Paterson.
Third row: Kym McWatt, Kirsty Andrews and Casey Holden.
Second front row: Casy Paton, Annie McCaskell and Nadine McKenzie.
Front row: Kayleigh McCracken, Meg Casey and Sinead McCallion.

Further information can be obtained by e-mailing – jane.muir@forthvalley.ac.uk or kim.reid@forthvalley.ac.uk