About this course
The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) combines theoretical learning, practical skills, and clinical experience to prepare apprentices for a successful career in nursing. Designed to meet the standards of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), this apprenticeship allows apprentices to gain the knowledge and qualifications needed to become registered nurses.
This programme is suitable for individuals employed in health or social care who would like to complete a degree in nursing.
Apprentices will take part in a variety of activities, including lectures, simulated practice, and placements in healthcare settings. These experiences build confidence and skills in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care across different environments. Key topics include anatomy, pharmacology, communication, and ethical nursing practice. Working closely with experienced healthcare professionals, apprentices will have opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world situations, ensuring they develop into skilled, compassionate nurses.
At NTU, apprentices benefit from expert teaching, modern facilities, and strong partnerships with healthcare providers. The program is designed to support apprentices at every stage, helping them grow personally and professionally. By the end of the apprenticeship, graduates will be well-equipped to face the challenges of modern nursing and make a positive difference in patients’ lives. We look forward to supporting apprentices on their journey to becoming registered nurses.
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NTU is the top-rated University provider
of higher and degree apprenticeships in the UK (RateMyApprenticeship, 2024)
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Study in our state-of-the-art facilities
Apprentices study in our brand-new purpose-built Health and Allied Professions Centre on Clifton Campus, featuring mock hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, creative teaching spaces, and specialist equipment.
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Experienced teaching team
You'll taught by a dynamic team of lecturers who are also qualified nurses.
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Learn in great facilities
The Centre for Health and Allied Professions allow you to learn effectively and become part of the NTU Nursing community.
What you’ll study
This course provides you with the opportunity to engage with a wide and diverse curriculum including:
- person-centred care
- holism
- complex care
- philosophy, ethics and law
- concepts such as hope, ageism, diversity and inclusion
- assessment of patients
- managing a group of patients
- dealing with emergency situations.
Introduction to Nursing Practice (40 Credit Points)
- This module introduces you to the values and responsibilities of adult nursing, as set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
- You’ll cover a wide range of key foundational areas – from professional accountability to reflective practice and emotional intelligence.
- This module is the perfect introduction to your studies in adult person-centred care.
Integrative Nursing Practice (40 Credit Points)
- This module builds on your general healthcare knowledge with learning that’s specific to nursing.
- You’ll focus on the biological, psychological and social processes that maintain people’s health, as you learn from experts who’ve worked throughout the sector.
- This module gives some valuable context and background to the key role nurses play in preventing ill health.
Foundations in Applied Nursing Practice (40 Credit Points)
- This module helps you develop your clinical nursing skills – you’ll continue to work on your own reflective practice as you build your independence and confidence.
- You will learn through a range of practical sessions and workshops how to deliver fundamental nursing care and develop your communication skills.
- You’ll also study body systems to help you understand physiology and development. This will help you to develop effective therapeutic relationships with people.
Practice Assessment Year 1
- This year long module prepares students for the practice element of year one and records achievement in clinical placement.
- This includes mandatory learning which is essential for attending practice placement, preparation for and evaluation of placement experiences and support for achievement in clinical placement.
- This module aims to support students to achieve in clinical placement.
Evidence in Nursing Practice (40 Credit Points)
- To begin your second-year studies, we’ll be exploring research methods and evidence-based practice in greater detail. This will help you to understand how evidence – alongside clinical expertise – drives quality in nursing care and service development.
- We’ll also be looking at how to build resilience as a nursing professional – one of the field’s most important and valued attributes.
Biopsychosocial Approaches to Nursing Practice (40 Credit Points)
- Focused on the biopsychosocial model, this module explores the causes and consequences of physical / psychological ill-health.
- You’ll study anatomy, physiology and body systems, as well as the effect of medications on the body.
- Supported by a range of experienced professionals, you’ll also examine different psychological and social models, as you assess the impact of ill-health on individuals, families and communities.
Applied Nursing Practice in Complex Care (40 Credit Points)
- In this module you will take a deeper look at delivering care to individuals with complex needs – as well as their families.
- To do this, you’ll explore a range of clinical skills within the classroom, our simulation environment, and real-world practice settings.
- Through this, you’ll develop your understanding of the interventions that can improve service users’ health. You’ll also explore the planning, delivery and evaluation of care for people with complex and / or long-term conditions.
Practice Assessment Year 2
- This year long module prepares students for the practice element of year two and records achievement in clinical placement.
- This includes mandatory learning which is essential for attending practice placement, preparation for and evaluation of placement experiences and support for achievement in clinical placement.
- This module aims to support students to achieve in clinical placement.
Innovating and Improving Healthcare (40 Credit Points)
- This module looks at the strategies that help nurses to maintain and improve quality in healthcare – including a focus on managing change within the healthcare setting.
- You’ll also develop your knowledge of evidence-based nursing practice to a deeper level: with the support of our academic team, you’ll undertake an independent written project to generate your own recommendations for healthcare practice education or research.
- In turn, your work will provide new learning opportunities for your peers and colleagues in adult nursing.
Leadership in Nursing (40 Credit Points)
- The module examines the role and responsibilities of registered adult nurses as leaders in healthcare, and mangers of interprofessional teams.
- You’ll examine the key concepts that underpin successful leadership, drawing on the reflective skills you’ve developed throughout the course to develop your own leadership style.
- This will prepare you effectively for the role of Practice Supervisor, once you are a registered practitioner. Once again, you’ll benefit from our “interprofessional” approach, as you learn from – and work directly with – experts across the healthcare sector.
Leading and Managing Applied Nursing Practice (40 Credit Points)
- This final module consolidates everything you’ve learned throughout the course – combining the hands-on experience you’ve developed on placement to the theoretical and academic skills you’ve acquired in the classroom.
- With this approach, you’ll be fully prepared to practice as a registered adult nurse.
- You’ll also develop applied knowledge in preparation for professional development towards prescribing post-qualification. By completing this module, you should be able to show evidence-informed decision-making within multidisciplinary teams, ahead of your registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Practice Assessment Year 3
- This year long module prepares students for the practice element of year three and records achievement in clinical placement.
- This includes mandatory learning which is essential for attending practice placement, preparation for and evaluation of placement experiences and support for achievement in clinical placement.
- This module aims to support students to achieve in clinical placement.
The end-point assessment will take place after the three-year degree, although completion of the degree is dependent on completion of the end-point assessment.
Completing your Apprenticeship
To achieve the apprenticeship, all apprentices must complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA is an independent assessment that ascertains whether an apprentice is competent in their occupation.
Gateway
Gateway is the period of time between the end of the off-the-job training (practical period) and the beginning of the assessment period when EPA will take place.
At Gateway, the apprentice, employer and training provider will review the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours to determine whether they are ready to take their EPA. This is normally done at a Gateway review meeting which takes place near the end of the apprenticeship. At this meeting, all three parties will check that the mandatory aspects of the apprenticeship have been completed and that the apprentice is ready to take their final assessment(s).
Apprentices must meet the Gateway requirement set out in the assessment plan before taking their EPA.
End-Point Assessment
This apprenticeship is integrated. This means that the end-point assessment is administered by Nottingham Trent University and is usually linked to the academic award that apprentices study whilst in their off-the-job training period.
Details of the assessment elements can be found in the assessment plan.
The end-point assessment for this apprenticeship standard is the examination board.
Successful completion of this apprenticeship will meet the education requirements for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you're taught
This apprenticeship is taught at Clifton Campus and NTU Mansfield Hub and starts in September.
The degree integrates academic and work-based learning through employment. You will be taught in three blocks per year, with five study days per week (three days at a time at university and two as guided study).
How you're assessed
The end-point assessment will take place after the three-year degree, although completion of the degree is dependent on completion of the end-point assessment.
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
Your time is split roughly in half between classroom-based learning and practice learning placements. You’ll have a minimum of 4,600 hours’ contact time throughout your course – how that’s divided up depends on the programme you’ve chosen, and the year of study. Whilst the hours are always subject to change, here’s some examples:
Hands-on nursing: your work experience opportunities
Placements are the foundation of our nursing courses, and a crucial part of your learning. No other experience gives you the applied, hands-on insights into modern nursing – from decision making to relationships. It’s on placement that you’ll apply the theoretical principles of holistic assessment, values-based practice, person centred care, and effective collaboration between service users, their families, and other providers. You’ll work across a variety of health and social care settings, in a wide range of public and private sector environments – all the time developing your understanding of the person’s journey and the services they access.
You’ll benefit from our reputation in the healthcare sector, and our fantastic professional links throughout nursing. The range and diversity of experiences on offer means you can properly explore the role – and in your second and third years, you’ll even get the chance to complete an practice learning placement in an alternative field. It’ll deepen your understanding of nursing and improve your job prospects even further.
In each year of the programme there will be 3 placements, in the first year, for example, you will have a placement that starts approximately 8 weeks after you start. Each placement in the first year lasts for six weeks and in the second and third years the placement are no less than 7 weeks long.
Learn from the experts
As tomorrow’s professionals, you’ll be taught by today’s experts – people who’ve worked (and are still working) across the healthcare sector. Tutorials and personal contact time are an important part of our nursing courses, and we ensure you’re supported in both one-to-one and group-learning environments. You’ll have your own personal tutor, and a range of module leaders. As these are new courses, we’ve had the opportunity to build them from the ground up, ensuring they’re informed by the latest research and practice – and meaning that you’ll learn at the forefront of modern nursing.
Throughout the programme, we’ll give you all the support you need: from advice and feedback, to securing practice learning placements, to helping you deal with any unforeseen personal circumstances or difficulties.
Clinical and nursing skills
Your registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council hinges on proving you’ve got the required nursing skills – the practical components of this course. You’ll develop these skills in our suites, through a range of simulated exercises that bridge the gap between the classroom and your practice placements. You will then be assessed on these skills in clinical practice by your practice assessor or supervisor during your practice blocks. You’ll then keep a record of the skills you’ve acquired and contact hours you’ve completed in your ePortfolio.
Careers and employability
If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre. The 34,000 square foot building features mock hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, creative teaching spaces and specialist equipment.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure the following are in place prior to the start date of the course:
- You are a UK resident or have the right to work in the UK.
- Have a job or a job offer from an employer who will support you to complete your apprenticeship.
- Will spend at least 50% of your working week in England over the duration of the apprenticeship. This also applies to remote and hybrid workers
Make sure to read the course-specific entry requirements in the additional requirements section below.
Additional requirements for UK students
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from a range of Level 3 qualifications including:
- A level – ACC or BBC; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM (Health and Social Care preferred but not essential); or
- Access to Higher Education – D15 and M30 (Health or Nursing preferred but not essential)
Other requirements: 3 GCSEs including English, Maths and either, Science or Health-related grades C / 4-5 and above; or Functional Skills including English and Maths
Alternative Level 2 qualifications will also be considered on application and approval.
Applicants who do not meet the above academic criteria but have sufficient relevant experience in the workplace will be considered on an individual basis for recognition of prior learning and experience. Please contact us to discuss your options.
This apprenticeship provides access to development opportunities for applicants who may already have practical experience but wish to improve their theoretical understanding, want to develop their skills further, and obtain an academic qualification and professional recognition.
You'll need to be in current employment and have secured your employer's agreement to support you through the degree apprenticeship.
You will also need English and Maths qualifications:
- GCSE Maths or international equivalent – minimum C / 4-5 or above; or
- Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths
- GCSE English or international equivalent – minimum C / 4/5 or above; or
- Level 2 Functional Skills in English
Evidence will also be required of:
- A full DBS check
- Declaration of good health and good character
- Attendance at an Occupational Health review
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure you can fulfil the following prior to the start date of the course:
- You have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous 3-year period on the first day of your apprenticeship.
- Your ordinary residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of that period been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education.
- You have permission granted by the UK government to live in the UK and such permission is not for education purposes only.
- You must be able to complete the apprenticeship in the time you have available (e.g. your Visa must last for the duration of the apprenticeship as well as your contract of employment).
Make sure to read the course-specific entry requirements in the additional requirements section below.
Additional requirements for international students
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from a range of Level 3 qualifications including:
- A level – ACC or BBC; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM (Health and Social Care preferred but not essential); or
- Access to Higher Education – D15 and M30 (Health or Nursing preferred but not essential)
Other requirements: 3 GCSEs including English, Maths and either, Science or Health-related grades C / 4-5 and above; or Functional Skills including English and Maths
Alternative Level 2 qualifications will also be considered on application and approval.
Applicants who do not meet the above academic criteria but have sufficient relevant experience in the workplace will be considered on an individual basis for recognition of prior learning and experience. Please contact us to discuss your options.
This apprenticeship provides access to development opportunities for applicants who may already have practical experience but wish to improve their theoretical understanding, want to develop their skills further, and obtain an academic qualification and professional recognition.
You'll need to be in current employment and have secured your employer's agreement to support you through the degree apprenticeship.
You will also need English and Maths qualifications:
- GCSE Maths or international equivalent – minimum C / 4-5 or above; or
- Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths
- GCSE English or international equivalent – minimum C / 4/5 or above; or
- Level 2 Functional Skills in English
Evidence will also be required of:
- A full DBS check
- Declaration of good health and good character
- Attendance at an Occupational Health review
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
