BSc Registered Nursing Apprenticeship (Adult/Mental Health/Child) (accelerated route)
2025/26 entry
Train with us to become an NMC Registered Nurse with this 18 month accelerated apprenticeship degree.
Work and study at the same time with this apprenticeship degree.
- Length: 18 months full-time
- Typical offer: (full entry requirements)
- Start date: September 2025 (semester dates)
- Department: Department of Health Sciences
Advance your career in nursing with our degree apprenticeship. During the apprenticeship you’ll be employed as an apprentice. This course will be completed in 18 months on a full time 37.5 hour contract.
You’ll get direct experience of nursing, on placement and in simulated practice learning, guided by experienced practice supervisors and clinical teaching staff.
Your practice supervisors will use different teaching methods to help you focus on specific patient and family issues. This will ensure you meet the needs of individuals and develop advanced knowledge and skills in your nursing field.
Accreditation
On completion of the course, you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a registered nurse.
Apprenticeship
Talk to your employer about applying for this programme.
Earn while you learn
Stay in work while you level up to Nursing Associate.
Course content
On this course you will be able to specialise in your chosen field of either Adult, Child or Mental Health but your field will be chosen by your employer.
Modules on the course will develop your general nursing skills alongside skills for your chosen specialism.
In the Adult field, you'll gain expert knowledge and skills to nurse adults in diverse age groups and settings, providing expert and safe clinical care.
In the Mental Health field, you'll be supported to develop interpersonal skills and clinical knowledge. You'll collaborate with people experiencing mental health challenges in different settings, including hospitals, communities, and forensic placements.
In the Child field, you'll learn in an innovative environment supported by experienced tutors and practitioners. This will enable you to provide committed, compassionate, and professional care for children, young people, and their families.
Core modules
You'll study core modules covering the following topics:
- Biological and Pharmacological Aspects of Illness Across the Life span
- Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Ill health
- Knowledge Applied to Nursing Practice 4
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
Core modules
You'll study core modules covering the following topics:
- Applying Psychological and Sociological Aspects to Complex Care
- Person-Centred Consultation and Physical Assessment Skills
- Professional Development in Nursing 3: Leading & Managing Change
- Knowledge Applied to Nursing Practice 5
- Knowledge Applied to Nursing Practice 6
- Integrated End Point Assessment Gateway
The endpoint assessment is integrated throughout the programme, so you will not need to complete an assessment. It incorporates all the progression points that you will make throughout the programme to ensure adequate competition.
The End Point Assessment for this apprenticeship is an Exam Board. To successfully meet the requirements of the Exam Board, you will need to have completed the following elements:
- Apprentice has met the knowledge, skills and behaviours
- Employer and NMC Approved Educational Institution (AEI) are satisfied the apprentice has consistently demonstrated they meet the KSBs of the occupational standard
- English and Maths at Level 2
- Achieved all required modules, taking into account any recognition of prior learning (RPL) of the following approved qualification:
Degree in Nursing or L7 qualification approved by the NMC where the apprentice already holds a Level 6 degree but before the training provider’s examination board - All Practice Assessment Document (PAD) (signed off)
- Declaration of Good Health and Good Character (NMC 2018)
Your course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes and meet the knowledge, skills, and behaviour (KSBs) required for your apprenticeship. These learning outcomes and KSBs illustrate what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes, and KSBs help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Learners who complete this course will be able to:
- Engage in compassionate and reflective practice, combining knowledge and expertise and taking accountability for their own actions.
- Work in partnership with individuals, families, communities and other professionals to promote health and maintain quality of life.
- Assess individuals with complex needs to plan person-centred care in a variety of settings based upon nursing knowledge, skills and expertise.
- Use evidence to inform decision making when providing and evaluating high quality nursing care across the lifespan.
- Lead, manage and support staff and teams across a range of care settings.
- Access, assess and evaluate information and take appropriate action to address risk, ensure safe practice and improve health outcomes.
- Coordinate and manage care of people across a range of organisations and settings.
- Communicate effectively in an accessible way with individuals and other professionals using a range of techniques and strategies.
Apprenticeship funding
As an apprentice you do not pay course fees. An apprentice is employed by an organisation which entitles them to earn as they learn. Please contact your employer for further details around apprenticeship routes for this programme.
Additional costs
There may be other costs associated with studying this course including a laptop, travel to tutorials, set books and internet access.
If you're on a low income you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching format
We’ve designed our courses so that all nursing students work together in their seminars, lectures and practical work. The course is designed to support a training in practice approach and whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your organisation.
This means you will be a supernumerary student for the full duration of the course and as such will not work for your employer. Your time will be split 50% in clinical practice and 50% in the University.
Teaching location
You’ll experience practice in a variety of clinical settings as well as simulated practice learning on-campus.
Assessment and feedback
You'll be assessed on both your theoretical and practical knowledge skills throughout the course. You will have to successfully complete all areas to be able to progress.
You’ll submit summative work, which counts towards your final degree score, and formative assessment. This is not assessed but gives you the chance to practice your academic skills and receive valuable feedback. We’ll provide detailed feedback on the work you submit, supporting you as you improve and refine your work.
Careers and skills
You'll leave York with a thorough understanding of how to succeed as a registered nurse, and a range of transferable skills that will help you no matter what career path you decide to follow.
Career opportunities
As you progress through your career, you could go onto a number of roles including:
- registered nurse
- clinical team leader
- counsellor
- therapist
- nurse consultant
-
clinical nurse specialist
- research nurse
- modern matron
- clinical educator
- advanced nurse practitioner
Transferable skills
Alongside gaining the essential practical skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Nursing Associate, you'll gain a huge range of skills that will help you to succeed no matter what career path you follow:
- leading and working in teams
- independent learning
- service improvement and managing change
- self-awareness and reflection
- supporting and supervising others
Entry requirements
We only invite people to apply who have been put forward by their organisation following the Expression of Interest process. We cannot accept any direct applications.
- Completion of the Foundation Degree: Nursing Associate programme (and currently on the NMC register).
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Evidence of achievement of GCSE Maths and English (language or literature) minimum grade C / 4-9 or Level 2 Functional Skills or ENIC UK equivalent.
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Approval from your line manager.
All places are offered subject to a satisfactory enhanced current (within three months) Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure and register with the update service. You will also have to undertake an occupational health screening. This will involve completing an online occupational health questionnaire and attendance if required at an occupational health appointment.
How to apply
Your employer will circulate details of the apprenticeship and an Expression of Interest Form for completion if you would like to be considered for the programme. Once the deadline has closed, your employer will assess the applications and if you are a suitable candidate, your details will be forwarded to the university.
If your employer puts your name forward, our Apprenticeships Unit will ask you to complete the University of York application.
University of York application
The University application consists of three documents. All must be completed as part of your application.
Online application form
You will receive access to the You@York applicant portal within 24-48 hours of submitting the online application form. Once you have access to the portal, you will be able to login to add additional documents.
Initial Assessment form
This is a self-assessment form which is used to assess your eligibility for the programme and identify where you have prior experiential or certificated learning; create an Individual Learning Plan and calculate funding costs.
Supplementary application form
You'll receive full details about completing the supplementary form by email.
Shortlisting and interview
Once the University of York application deadline has closed, the programme team will shortlist applicants for interview.
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. This will be with a member of the programme team who is working alongside either a Practice partner representative or service user or carer representative. You'll be asked questions to determine your suitability for the apprenticeship programme. The interviewers will discuss with you your responses to the Initial Assessment. You will have the opportunity to ask the interviewers any questions you may have.
Next steps
Contact us
Get in touch if you have any questions
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