As the world marked International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day earlier this month, we have a particularly fitting reason to celebrate, as we have recently been named #1 in for Nursing in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
This incredible honour is based on a blend of academic reputation, employer recognition, highly cited research, and sustained scholarly influence - all areas in which the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care (NMPC) is shaping the future of health and care, locally and globally.
So, what makes Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care at King’s stand out on the world stage? We spoke to some of the people behind the accolade to find out.
Where it all began:
The Faculty traces its roots to the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas’ Hospital, which Florence Nightingale helped to establish in 1860 with just a single class of nurses.
1886 photograph of Florence Nightingale (centre) with a group of nurses from the Nightingale Training School and her brother-in-law Sir Henry Verney. Wellcome Collection
Before Nightingale’s reforms, nursing was often considered menial work, typically performed by untrained individuals. The school helped to transform nursing into a respected and essential profession by setting up a formal education system and setting high standards for practice. The success of the school also inspired the establishment of similar institutions worldwide.
1940 Photograph of a group of Nurses holding sackcloth bags and medical supplies or food. KH/PH5/6, King's College London Archives.
Over the decades, the Faculty has stayed at the cutting edge of nursing education, evolving to reflect the changing needs of health and care. Today, its expertise spans not only nursing, but also midwifery and palliative care.
Excellence in Education
While research is core to the Faculty’s mission and impact, its heart lies in education, and in the people who will shape future generations of healthcare professionals.
Here's what some of our current students love about studying in NMPC:
One of the standout aspects of my time as a student was how theory and evidence-based practice were seamlessly integrated into real-world placements—from surgical wards to ICU settings—allowing me to grow in confidence and clinical reasoning.
I've had the opportunity to work with inspiring mentors who treated me as a future colleague, not just a student. These moments reminded me why I chose this profession.– Tuba Ansari, Nursing student and Nightingale Council Chair
My biggest highlight is running the King's Nightingale Society and working with our Student Experience team. Through Nightingale Soc I have truly made friends for life across the faculty. I think it’s vital to have that sense of belonging when studying nursing or midwifery, as it’s a mentally and physically demanding course, so having friends and staff we can reach out to at any time for support is crucial.– Ellie Muzzlewhite, Children’s Nursing student and Nightingale Society Vice-President 2024/25
Some notable research projects include:
The Birth Experience Survey:
Led by Dr Claire Feeley, this study formed the UK arm of an international investigation into what shapes positive or negative birth experiences. It explored the prevalence of birth trauma and obstetric violence, as well as how different models of care influence the experiences of women and birthing people.
Feeling at home
Led by Dr Deborah Chinn and her research team, this project explored the views and experiences of people with learning disabilities living in group homes, focusing on what would help create a greater sense of home and belonging within these settings.
Assessing core symptoms of Long COVID/Post COVID-19 condition in children and young people.
This project aims to identify the most important outcomes for children and young people affected by Long COVID. By establishing a shared understanding of these priorities, global research and clinical practice can better align and address what matters most to those impacted.
Fostering an inclusive community
In the last four years the Faculty has seen improvements in hiring diversity across all roles. This achievement reflects a broader commitment from the Faculty Senior Leadership Team, which has placed a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce.
The leadership team has been instrumental in ensuring that diversity and inclusion are not only prioritised but embedded in the Faculty’s recruitment processes. Supporting our staff to feel they belong and are respected, and creating a positive workplace culture that supports everyone to perform at their best.
As a Faculty, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. By making changes in our recruitment practices we are creating more equal opportunities and strengthening the vibrancy and excellence of our community. Diversity isn't just a goal; it's integral to who we are and how we grow together.– Andreia Carvalho N’Djai, PhD, Director of Operations for NMPC
Looking Ahead
As the Faculty celebrates this momentous recognition, its focus remains firmly on the future.
Embracing cutting-edge innovation, researchers at NMPC are exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) technology and AI-driven scenarios to shape more adaptable and forward-thinking approaches to nursing education in the post-COVID-19 landscape.
NMPC are also leading the Better Health & Care Hub, advancing a bold new vision for health and care: one grounded in higher quality and better value by empowering the care force through training, tools, and technology; promoting frugal innovation to deliver effective, low-cost care; and engaging communities in designing culturally appropriate, needs-based solutions.
With a growing global impact, expanding research collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in education and care, Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care at King’s is not only leading the way – it’s redefining what leadership in health and care truly means.