Registered Nurse Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship MSc
About this course
This course is for individuals with an undergraduate degree, are employed in a health or social care setting and wish to become a Registered Nurse. Our Level 7 Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship allows healthcare professionals with a level 6 qualification in any subject area can gain the qualifications needed to pursue a career in nursing.
Why do the apprenticeship?
Through our blended and block study learning approach, building up theoretical knowledge while putting it into practice – individuals will develop holistic, clinical and decision-making skills in line with the demands of modern nursing. Registered nurses are a statutorily regulated profession and successful completion of this apprenticeship will meet the education requirements to see registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
What are the benefits?
Employers will benefit from upskilling their current staff as registered nurses with a professional qualification and NMC status.
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A flexible curriculum
and blended learning approach that allows students to build theoretical knowledge and put it into practice on placements in healthcare settings.
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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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NTU is the top-rated University provider
of higher and degree apprenticeships in the UK (RateMyApprenticeship, 2024)
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Learn from the experts
at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning.
What you’ll study
Our Level 7 Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship course gives students a robust knowledge of adult nursing practice, as well as the wider sector, both in and outside of the classroom. It is the perfect combination of theory and practice, allied to great facilities, modules built around the latest research and teachers who’ve worked for years in professional healthcare. Apprentices will develop your nursing knowledge based around:
- A holistic view of patients’ physical and psychological needs enabling you to provide high quality, culturally competent patient centred care
- Being innovative leaders in the field of healthcare challenging care practices and leading evidence-based decision making
- Refining and applying clinical skills with the goal of developing clinical practice and becoming a role model
- A high-quality practice-learning environment, with simulated exercises and activities
- Placements in a variety of healthcare settings
- Some fantastic opportunities for career development in practice, leadership, education and research both in the UK and internationally.
The five strands of nursing at NTU
Our course combines evidence-based healthcare knowledge with teaching that’s specific to the field of adult nursing. With this approach, we help students to develop a critical understanding of the sector, as well as the specialist skills needed as a registered adult nurse. Our course is built around five “strands”, namely:
- Applied bio-, psycho- and social sciences
- Clinical practice and nursing skills
- Professional concept, philosophies and theories
- Preparation for practice
- Personal and professional development
Across these strands, apprentices will develop and critique the core knowledge, skills and attributes needed for a successful career in adult nursing – both in the UK and internationally.
Fundamentals in Nursing
The module introduces students to contemporary nursing values, philosophies and skills that underpin professional practice in nursing. The aim of this module is to support nurses to develop clinical and communication skills when providing care for people from diverse settings, as well as to promote self-awareness and development of professional identity.
Nursing Theory and Practice 1
The module aims to critically consider biological, social and psychological factors that impact on health. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to assess and plan care with people from diverse backgrounds and focus on care activity in relation to health promotion.
Global Health
On this module, you’ll critically consider how global health is addressed through policy and practice development initiatives. You will be introduced to the field of global health through examining key determinants of health such as poverty, inequality, health systems, economic globalisation, conflict, migration, climate change and stigma.
Nursing Theory and Practice 2
This module aims to provide adult nursing students with the skills and knowledge to provide person-centered care to people with complex care needs. You will gain knowledge on the impact of living with co-morbidities and the impact on care delivery.
Leadership and Transition in Nursing
The aim of this module is to support students with their transition to becoming an innovative registered nurse. This module facilitates the development of effective clinical leadership through critical reflection, self-awareness and knowledge development which includes critical appraisal of leadership theory, policy and research. You’ll learn to critically consider the role of change management in ensuring safe and effective practice.
Research and Practice
This module will provide students with an opportunity to undertake an independent study on an area which is relevant to their nursing practice. The nature of independent study will be either an empirical or literature-based dissertation.
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.
How you're taught
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 two-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 by 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’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
- An undergraduate degree at lower second-class honours or above plus
- GCSEs – English, Maths and a Health or Science related subject grade C / 4 or Level 2 (or above).
If you are working towards your GCSE English Literature or English Language, Maths and / or Health/Science subject or equivalent qualification, please ensure you mention this in your application.
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
Personal statement
You will be expected to detail evidence of transferable skills that may include academic study, voluntary or work experience, and should detail this in your personal statement along with how this makes you a suitable candidate for nurse training.
You should also consider including the following information in your personal statement:
- Evidence of professional knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
- Evidence of communication and interpersonal skills
- Evidence of transferable skills and practice
- Understanding of the role of a nurse specific to the route that you are applying for i.e. Adult or Mental Health, and current nursing issues
- Insight into the professional, regulatory and statutory aspects of nursing and current nurse training
Other requirements
You will also need to:
- Undertake an interview with a lecturer, clinical practitioner and service user
- Provide a satisfactory health declaration
- Complete an enhanced-level Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Undergo the MSc Nursing Recognition of Prior Learning process
There may also be other recommendations, such as a vaccination programme, before any placements can be undertaken.
Recognition of Prior Learning
For the MSc Nursing, 500 hours of theory and 500 hours of practice will be accredited using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This means that students will be required to attend for two years instead of the traditional three-year nursing course.
RPL will take the form of a reference, reflection on practice document, RPL interview and written assignment.. Prior to invitation to interview, you will be invited to complete and submit this document to the recruiting organisation. The reference will confirm that 500 hours of work/voluntary experience where you will have used skills that are transferable to nursing*. This will need to be signed by your supervisor or line manager.
The reflection on practice document will identify twelve ‘indicators’ that are adapted from twelve Nursing and Midwifery Council proficiencies. You will need to identify eight ‘indicators’ (including a mandatory indicator on digital skills) that you believe will have been achieved through their work/voluntary experience together with details of the activities that you have engaged in to achieve them. At interview, you will be invited to discuss and reflect on how your experience has enabled you to achieve a selection of these indicators. This process will support RPL of achievement of the practice hours for a nursing programme.
Once you have passed your interview, you will be invited to submit a written assignment to the department. You will select one from a choice of case studies and write a 3000 assignment in which you explore the physical, psychological and social factors that have the potential to impact on the health of the individual
Transferable skills
While we warmly welcome people who have worked in a health or social care setting, we do not restrict our definition of transferable skills to these settings. It is likely that you will have used transferable skills if you have worked in any public facing sort of role. You need to think about what skills you have used and how they are relevant to nursing. You have to have used these skills in a paid or formal voluntary role, rather than with family and friends on an informal basis.
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
- An undergraduate degree at lower second-class honours or above plus
- GCSEs – English, Maths and a Health or Science related subject grade C / 4 or Level 2 (or above).
If you are working towards your GCSE English Literature or English Language, Maths and / or Health/Science subject or equivalent qualification, please ensure you mention this in your application.
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
Personal statement
You will be expected to detail evidence of transferable skills that may include academic study, voluntary or work experience, and should detail this in your personal statement along with how this makes you a suitable candidate for nurse training.
You should also consider including the following information in your personal statement:
- Evidence of professional knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
- Evidence of communication and interpersonal skills
- Evidence of transferable skills and practice
- Understanding of the role of a nurse specific to the route that you are applying for i.e. Adult or Mental Health, and current nursing issues
- Insight into the professional, regulatory and statutory aspects of nursing and current nurse training
Other requirements
You will also need to:
- Undertake an interview with a lecturer, clinical practitioner and service user
- Provide a satisfactory health declaration
- Complete an enhanced-level Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Undergo the MSc Nursing Recognition of Prior Learning process
There may also be other recommendations, such as a vaccination programme, before any placements can be undertaken.
Recognition of Prior Learning
For the MSc Nursing, 500 hours of theory and 500 hours of practice will be accredited using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This means that students will be required to attend for two years instead of the traditional three-year nursing course.
RPL will take the form of a reference, reflection on practice document, RPL interview and written assignment.. Prior to invitation to interview, you will be invited to complete and submit this document to the recruiting organisation. The reference will confirm that 500 hours of work/voluntary experience where you will have used skills that are transferable to nursing*. This will need to be signed by your supervisor or line manager.
The reflection on practice document will identify twelve ‘indicators’ that are adapted from twelve Nursing and Midwifery Council proficiencies. You will need to identify eight ‘indicators’ (including a mandatory indicator on digital skills) that you believe will have been achieved through their work/voluntary experience together with details of the activities that you have engaged in to achieve them. At interview, you will be invited to discuss and reflect on how your experience has enabled you to achieve a selection of these indicators. This process will support RPL of achievement of the practice hours for a nursing programme.
Once you have passed your interview, you will be invited to submit a written assignment to the department. You will select one from a choice of case studies and write a 3000 assignment in which you explore the physical, psychological and social factors that have the potential to impact on the health of the individual
Transferable skills
While we warmly welcome people who have worked in a health or social care setting, we do not restrict our definition of transferable skills to these settings. It is likely that you will have used transferable skills if you have worked in any public facing sort of role. You need to think about what skills you have used and how they are relevant to nursing. You have to have used these skills in a paid or formal voluntary role, rather than with family and friends on an informal basis.
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.
