How competitive is gaining entry to nursing? Specifically UWE for me

Hi all, so for context, I left school with no GCSE’s, and subsequently didn’t do my A-Levels. The past year I’ve been doing my maths and English GCSE’s whilst also doing a pre access course. Successful completion of this would guarantee me a place on the health and social care access course, which I have a conditional offer for. Although I tend to have what people around me describe as ‘low confidence’ I felt my GCSE’s weren’t that difficult, and the same applies to the pre access, although I don’t want to jinx myself.
I was wondering how competitive getting into a nursing degree is? Especially in UWE. I don’t know what else I would want to do other than paramedic science (which has a higher entry requirement anyway) but I’m absolutely adamant that nursing is something I’m passionate about.
I’m also a man, so I wonder if this would decrease my chances of getting in? And having no GCSE’s leaving school seems like something they’d pick up on and perhaps judge, I can’t see how these facts would have no bearing on if they accept me (I left school due to mental health issues and homelessness issues, both of which I’ve sorted many years ago and am now dedicating myself to a career that I’m passionate about) Thanks in advance for reading : )

Hi all, so for context, I left school with no GCSE’s, and subsequently didn’t do my A-Levels. The past year I’ve been doing my maths and English GCSE’s whilst also doing a pre access course. Successful completion of this would guarantee me a place on the health and social care access course, which I have a conditional offer for. Although I tend to have what people around me describe as ‘low confidence’ I felt my GCSE’s weren’t that difficult, and the same applies to the pre access, although I don’t want to jinx myself.
I was wondering how competitive getting into a nursing degree is? Especially in UWE. I don’t know what else I would want to do other than paramedic science (which has a higher entry requirement anyway) but I’m absolutely adamant that nursing is something I’m passionate about.
I’m also a man, so I wonder if this would decrease my chances of getting in? And having no GCSE’s leaving school seems like something they’d pick up on and perhaps judge, I can’t see how these facts would have no bearing on if they accept me (I left school due to mental health issues and homelessness issues, both of which I’ve sorted many years ago and am now dedicating myself to a career that I’m passionate about) Thanks in advance for reading : )

when you pass your access course you will be offered place. assuming the take access students. being malewont effect you chances. do well in you new course and you should do well

Having left school with no GCSEs isn't something you'll be judged on when applying for a nursing degree, nor will it be judged when you qualify. The bit universities are worried about is that you've passed GCSEs Maths & English prior to starting the degree.
Your gender will also not hinder you getting onto a nursing degree in any way - same can be said for your career.
My husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law are all registered nurses and the only issue they've ever found with gender is that sometimes female patients prefer assistance with hygiene needs off female staff (but then I've also had that the opposite way with male patients!).
Focus on getting a C/4 or above in your GCSEs Maths & English, getting the best possible grades in pre-access and access courses, and getting into uni.

Hello,
I'm a mature Paramedic student at UWE. I'm living with another mature student, male nurse now and they definitely won't disadvantage because you're male. His cohort is very mixed and compared to Paramedic Science, the intake is much much larger which would of course increase the chances of getting a place. I actually would argue that doing GCSE's and an access course later in life and as a mature student (apologies if you're not, i'm just assuming), would be a benefit in their eyes. You have both the life experience and a clear drive to do the job after informed decisions. I also did an access course and began at age 29.
Just as a side note, if you have the grades, you'll unlikely be asked about the history or reason about not doing GCSE's at an earlier age. As long as you have the requirements then you'll be eligible for an interview. And then they'll simply ask a bit about yourself which is where you can mention about reasons for a career change at a later age - and if anything this probably benefited my application.