BSc Adult Nursing Placements at ARU
Want to know more about placements on our course? BSc Adult Nursing at ARU is at our Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough campuses Your placement will be in a local hospital near your campus. We recommend getting accomodation in the town of your placement. It will be most cost effective.
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Placements are 50% of your course
Course Length: 3 years Course Structure: 50% Theory block, 50% Clinical block Course timetable: 45 weeks per year, 5 weeks annual leave per year, 37.5 hours a week Theory Blocks: 50% academic learning, taught days, self-managed learning, virtual learning 50% skills sessions Clinical Blocks: 24 hour shift pattern, working with Practice Supervisors/ Assessors and Academic Assessors in a variety of clinical areas. Also includes integrated theory days
Watch this video for more information on the placement travel requirements
Watch this video for more information shift patterns and caring responsibilities
Next
Click on the campus locations to find out more information about your placements
Click the pink icon for more information on each hospital
Watch this video for more information about the placement locations at our Chelmsford campus.Options for March 2026 intake are Chelmsford and Colchester
ARU Chelmsford
Practice Site: North Essex Acute Hospital Town: Colchester Acute Hospital Name: Colchester Hospital Trust: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT)
Departments in the hospital:
- A&E
- Emergency medicine and surgery
- Elective surgery in most specialities
- Maternity
- Paediatric
- Major Vascular surgery,
- Colorectal
- Robotic surgery
Distance to campus: 25 miles 35 minutes by car 45 minutes by Public Transport for 7am
Look at more information
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Practice Site: North EssexAcute Hospital Town: ColchesterAcute Hospital Name: Colchester Hospital Trust: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT)
Colchester is a historic town known for its Roman heritage and vibrant student life. Home to another University it offers a diverse international student community. The town has a mix of modern amenities and historical sites, including Colchester Castle. Living costs are relatively affordable, and there are plenty of student accommodations. The town is well-connected to London by train, making it easy to explore the capital.
Cheaper Alternatives Easily Commutable If you're looking for more affordable options, consider these towns that offer lower rent and living costs while remaining commutable to your chosen locations: Ipswich (near Colchester)- More affordable housing and student-friendly amenities
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Finding accomodation in Colchester
When on a placement block you will spend 5 days a week at hospital. This will include travel at peak times. When on a University block you will spend 2 or 3 days a week on campus. You will usually travel off-peak and can get cheaper fares when travelling as a group. For these reasons we strongly advise you finding accomodation in Colchester
Click here for hospital accommodation information in Colchester
Click here for private student accomodation
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Travel between Colchester and Chelmsford: Train
The train journey from Colchester to Chelmsford covers 21 miles (34 km) in approximately 26 minutes, offering frequent direct services with various ticket options. Key Journey Details 📌 Departure Station: Colchester 📌 Arrival Station: Chelmsford ⏰ Average Journey Time: 26 minutes (fastest trains take 17 minutes) 🚆 Frequency: Up to 121 trains per day; roughly 4 times per hour on weekdays 🔄 Changes: Direct trains, no change required 🚋 Train Operator: Greater Anglia 💰 Ticket Prices: From £7.50 one-way when booked in advance; discounted fares available via Railcards or Off-Peak tickets ⏰ First Train: 04:41 from Colchester ⏰ Last Train: 23:02 from Colchester (weekdays; weekend times may vary) Ticket Options
Advance Tickets: Cheaper if booked early for a specific train Anytime Tickets: Flexible travel times on the day of the journey GroupSave: Up to 1/3 off for groups of 3–9 travelling Off-Peak
Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak: Lower prices during quieter times Travel Tips for Students Book Early: Advance tickets are usually cheaper than buying on the day Railcard Savings: Consider a 16–25 Railcard if eligible, offering 1/3 off fares
Next
Travel between Colchester and Chelmsford: Bus
Bus Services
Main Operator: First Essex Buses Ltd Key Route: 370 Bus – Colchester to Chelmsford 📌Departure Point (Colchester): Crouch Street or other local stops 📌Arrival Point (Chelmsford): Retail Market, with multiple stops along the Broomfield Rd and Main Rd areas Schedule and Frequency
Daily Services: Operates every day, including weekends Frequency: Approximately every 15 minutes during peak periods ⏰Journey Time: Around 1 hour 21 minutes from Colchester to Chelmsford Early and Late Services: Check the First Essex timetable for specific stop times; early morning and late evening services are available Ticket and Fare Information Standard Fare: Most local bus journeys are no more than £3 Group Fares: Some services may allow concessionary fares for groups, which can help if students travel together Travel Tips for Students Buy in Advance or Digital Passes: Using First Bus apps or online options may offer cheaper or stored-value tickets. Compare with Train Travel: While buses are cheaper (~£3), trains from Colchester to Chelmsford take ~26 minutes and may have Railcard discounts for students if time is a factor.
Next
Practice Site: Mid Essex Acute Hospital Town: Chelmsford Acute Hospital Name: Broomfield Hospital Trust: Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust (MSE)
What you need to know:
- A&E
- Emergency medicine and surgery
- Elective surgery in most specialities
- Maternity
- Paediatric
- St Andrew's burns and plastics centre, internationally known, supra-regional burns service to a population of 9.8 million people.
Best for:Non driversDistance to campus: 3 miles- 9 mins by car, 22 mins by public transport You will have more surgical than medical placements in this hospital
Look at more information
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Practice Site: Mid Essex Acute Hospital Town: Chelmsford Acute Hospital Name: Broomfield Hospital Trust: Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust (MSE)
Chelmsford
Chelmsford is a thriving city with a balance of urban convenience and green spaces. It is home to our Chelmsford University Campus where you will undertake your theory training. The city has a vibrant student life, excellent transport links to London (just 35 minutes by train), and a variety of entertainment options. Chelmsford is a great choice for students looking for a mix of city life and a quieter suburban feel.
Check out Chelmsford accomodation options here
Cheaper Alternatives Easily Commutable If you're looking for more affordable options, consider these towns that offer lower rent and living costs while remaining commutable to your chosen locations: Maldon (Near Chelmsford) – Lower rent and good transport links.
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ARU Cambridge
If your home campus is Cambridge, you will be placed in Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge
Practice Site: South Cambs Acute Hospital Town: Cambridge Acute Hospital Name: Addenbrookes Trust: Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH)
Distance to campus: 3.5 miles 15 minutes by car 34 minutes by Public Transport for 7am
What you need to know:
- A&E
- Emergency medicine and surgery
- Elective surgery in most specialities
- Maternity
- Paediatric intensive care
- One of the UK's seven liver transplant centres and performs multivisceral transplants.
- The largest neurological intensive care unit in Europe
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Look at more information
Practice Site: South CambsAcute Hospital Town: Cambridge Acute Hospital Name: Addenbrookes Trust: Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH)
Cambridge is home to our Cambridge University Campus where you will undertake your theory training. It offers a rich academic atmosphere, stunning architecture, and a vibrant student community. While living costs can be higher, the city provides excellent resources for students, including libraries, museums, and cultural events. Cambridge is ideal for students who want to immerse themselves in a world-class educational environment.
Check out our Cambridge campus here
Cheaper Alternatives Easily Commutable If you're looking for more affordable options, consider these towns that offer lower rent and living costs while remaining commutable to your chosen locations:Ely (Near Cambridge) – Significantly cheaper rent with good rail connections.
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Click the pink icon for more information on each hospital
ARU Peterborough
Practice Site: North Cambs Acute Hospital Town: Peterborough Acute Hospital Name: Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital Trust: North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT)
What you need to know:
- A&E
- Emergency medicine and surgery
- Elective surgery in most specialities
- Maternity
- Paediatric
- Haematology/Oncology Unit- radiotherapy suite, an expanded Renal Unit,
- Cardiac unit
- Respiratory investigations facility and full diagnostic imaging facilities.
Distance to campus: 3 miles 10 minutes by car 30 minutes by Public Transport for 7am
Look at the Community Page
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Practice Site: North CambsAcute Hospital Town: Peterborough Acute Hospital Name: Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital Trust: North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT)
Check out more information about out Peterborough campus here
Peterborough is a cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, known for its 12th- and 13th-century cathedral, historic center, and the surrounding Nene Park. ARU Peterborough Campus is in the city, along with Peterborough Football Club.
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March '26 intake BSc Adult Nursing Placements
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Created on January 22, 2026
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Transcript
BSc Adult Nursing Placements at ARU
Want to know more about placements on our course? BSc Adult Nursing at ARU is at our Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough campuses Your placement will be in a local hospital near your campus. We recommend getting accomodation in the town of your placement. It will be most cost effective.
Next
Placements are 50% of your course
Course Length: 3 years Course Structure: 50% Theory block, 50% Clinical block Course timetable: 45 weeks per year, 5 weeks annual leave per year, 37.5 hours a week Theory Blocks: 50% academic learning, taught days, self-managed learning, virtual learning 50% skills sessions Clinical Blocks: 24 hour shift pattern, working with Practice Supervisors/ Assessors and Academic Assessors in a variety of clinical areas. Also includes integrated theory days
Watch this video for more information on the placement travel requirements
Watch this video for more information shift patterns and caring responsibilities
Next
Click on the campus locations to find out more information about your placements
Click the pink icon for more information on each hospital
Watch this video for more information about the placement locations at our Chelmsford campus.Options for March 2026 intake are Chelmsford and Colchester
ARU Chelmsford
Practice Site: North Essex Acute Hospital Town: Colchester Acute Hospital Name: Colchester Hospital Trust: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT)
Departments in the hospital:
Distance to campus: 25 miles 35 minutes by car 45 minutes by Public Transport for 7am
Look at more information
Go Back
Practice Site: North EssexAcute Hospital Town: ColchesterAcute Hospital Name: Colchester Hospital Trust: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT)
Colchester is a historic town known for its Roman heritage and vibrant student life. Home to another University it offers a diverse international student community. The town has a mix of modern amenities and historical sites, including Colchester Castle. Living costs are relatively affordable, and there are plenty of student accommodations. The town is well-connected to London by train, making it easy to explore the capital.
Cheaper Alternatives Easily Commutable If you're looking for more affordable options, consider these towns that offer lower rent and living costs while remaining commutable to your chosen locations: Ipswich (near Colchester)- More affordable housing and student-friendly amenities
Next
Go Back
Finding accomodation in Colchester
When on a placement block you will spend 5 days a week at hospital. This will include travel at peak times. When on a University block you will spend 2 or 3 days a week on campus. You will usually travel off-peak and can get cheaper fares when travelling as a group. For these reasons we strongly advise you finding accomodation in Colchester
Click here for hospital accommodation information in Colchester
Click here for private student accomodation
Next
Go Back
Travel between Colchester and Chelmsford: Train
The train journey from Colchester to Chelmsford covers 21 miles (34 km) in approximately 26 minutes, offering frequent direct services with various ticket options. Key Journey Details 📌 Departure Station: Colchester 📌 Arrival Station: Chelmsford ⏰ Average Journey Time: 26 minutes (fastest trains take 17 minutes) 🚆 Frequency: Up to 121 trains per day; roughly 4 times per hour on weekdays 🔄 Changes: Direct trains, no change required 🚋 Train Operator: Greater Anglia 💰 Ticket Prices: From £7.50 one-way when booked in advance; discounted fares available via Railcards or Off-Peak tickets ⏰ First Train: 04:41 from Colchester ⏰ Last Train: 23:02 from Colchester (weekdays; weekend times may vary) Ticket Options Advance Tickets: Cheaper if booked early for a specific train Anytime Tickets: Flexible travel times on the day of the journey GroupSave: Up to 1/3 off for groups of 3–9 travelling Off-Peak Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak: Lower prices during quieter times Travel Tips for Students Book Early: Advance tickets are usually cheaper than buying on the day Railcard Savings: Consider a 16–25 Railcard if eligible, offering 1/3 off fares
Next
Travel between Colchester and Chelmsford: Bus
Bus Services Main Operator: First Essex Buses Ltd Key Route: 370 Bus – Colchester to Chelmsford 📌Departure Point (Colchester): Crouch Street or other local stops 📌Arrival Point (Chelmsford): Retail Market, with multiple stops along the Broomfield Rd and Main Rd areas Schedule and Frequency Daily Services: Operates every day, including weekends Frequency: Approximately every 15 minutes during peak periods ⏰Journey Time: Around 1 hour 21 minutes from Colchester to Chelmsford Early and Late Services: Check the First Essex timetable for specific stop times; early morning and late evening services are available Ticket and Fare Information Standard Fare: Most local bus journeys are no more than £3 Group Fares: Some services may allow concessionary fares for groups, which can help if students travel together Travel Tips for Students Buy in Advance or Digital Passes: Using First Bus apps or online options may offer cheaper or stored-value tickets. Compare with Train Travel: While buses are cheaper (~£3), trains from Colchester to Chelmsford take ~26 minutes and may have Railcard discounts for students if time is a factor.
Next
Practice Site: Mid Essex Acute Hospital Town: Chelmsford Acute Hospital Name: Broomfield Hospital Trust: Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust (MSE)
What you need to know:
Best for:Non driversDistance to campus: 3 miles- 9 mins by car, 22 mins by public transport You will have more surgical than medical placements in this hospital
Look at more information
Go Back
Practice Site: Mid Essex Acute Hospital Town: Chelmsford Acute Hospital Name: Broomfield Hospital Trust: Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust (MSE)
Chelmsford Chelmsford is a thriving city with a balance of urban convenience and green spaces. It is home to our Chelmsford University Campus where you will undertake your theory training. The city has a vibrant student life, excellent transport links to London (just 35 minutes by train), and a variety of entertainment options. Chelmsford is a great choice for students looking for a mix of city life and a quieter suburban feel.
Check out Chelmsford accomodation options here
Cheaper Alternatives Easily Commutable If you're looking for more affordable options, consider these towns that offer lower rent and living costs while remaining commutable to your chosen locations: Maldon (Near Chelmsford) – Lower rent and good transport links.
Go Back
ARU Cambridge
If your home campus is Cambridge, you will be placed in Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge
Practice Site: South Cambs Acute Hospital Town: Cambridge Acute Hospital Name: Addenbrookes Trust: Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH)
Distance to campus: 3.5 miles 15 minutes by car 34 minutes by Public Transport for 7am
What you need to know:
Go Back
Look at more information
Practice Site: South CambsAcute Hospital Town: Cambridge Acute Hospital Name: Addenbrookes Trust: Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH)
Cambridge is home to our Cambridge University Campus where you will undertake your theory training. It offers a rich academic atmosphere, stunning architecture, and a vibrant student community. While living costs can be higher, the city provides excellent resources for students, including libraries, museums, and cultural events. Cambridge is ideal for students who want to immerse themselves in a world-class educational environment.
Check out our Cambridge campus here
Cheaper Alternatives Easily Commutable If you're looking for more affordable options, consider these towns that offer lower rent and living costs while remaining commutable to your chosen locations:Ely (Near Cambridge) – Significantly cheaper rent with good rail connections.
Go Back
Click the pink icon for more information on each hospital
ARU Peterborough
Practice Site: North Cambs Acute Hospital Town: Peterborough Acute Hospital Name: Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital Trust: North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT)
What you need to know:
Distance to campus: 3 miles 10 minutes by car 30 minutes by Public Transport for 7am
Look at the Community Page
Go Back
Practice Site: North CambsAcute Hospital Town: Peterborough Acute Hospital Name: Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital Trust: North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT)
Check out more information about out Peterborough campus here
Peterborough is a cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, known for its 12th- and 13th-century cathedral, historic center, and the surrounding Nene Park. ARU Peterborough Campus is in the city, along with Peterborough Football Club.
Go Back