Nursing degree apprenticeship (two years)

This two year nursing degree apprenticeship will provide you with the clinical skills, knowledge and confidence you need to deliver exceptional care to patients as a registered adult nurse.

Nurse taking a patient's pulse
On

Programme description

Programme lead

Katherine Oliver

Level

Level 6

Award

BMedSci Nursing (Adult)

Duration

Two years (37.5 hours a week). This course is also available as an 18-month apprenticeship.

Next intake

February 2027

This degree apprenticeship will provide you with the clinical skills, knowledge and confidence you need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and deliver exceptional care to patients as an adult nurse. Studying our nursing apprenticeship allows you to RPL 50% of the standard BMedSci Nursing (Adult) programme, with the remainder of the programme content being delivered over two years.

You will split your time between theory and placement blocks in a variety of settings, including hospitals, other health institutions and in the community, as well as dedicated time in your base area.

Throughout your studies you’ll develop vital skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication and resilience – all crucial to becoming a capable and compassionate nurse. You will also benefit from the latest research and policy which is embedded into our curriculum. You will learn to critically evaluate this research, so you can apply this to your clinical practice. This knowledge and experience will ensure you meet both the NMC proficiencies and programme learning outcomes, and are capable of demonstrating the professional behaviours of the NMC Code.

Throughout the course you’ll be supported, supervised and assessed by both university and practice staff – both in the classroom and out on placement – who will support you to become the very best nurse you can be. 


Accreditation and the apprenticeship standard

This programme is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It will give you the clinical skills and knowledge you need for entry into the NMC professional register as an adult nurse.

It also meets the registered nurse integrated degree standard defined by Skills England.

About the integrated degree standard


Modules

After you RPL the first half of the standard BMedSci Nursing (Adult) programme, the remainder of the apprenticeship content is delivered over two years.

The programme is divided into two parts:

Year one (Level 5 part 2)

  • Caring for People with Acute and Short Term Care Needs
  • Research Methods and Evidence Based practice for Nursing
  • Professional Practice Year 2

Year two (Level 6 part 3)

  • Transitions to Professional Practice 1
  • Transitions to Professional Practice 2
  • Developing Nursing Practice
  • Professional Practice Year 3

Learning and assessment

Learning

Throughout the degree apprenticeship you will complete 1,200 hours of theoretical learning and 1,200 hours of supernumerary practice learning.

The course is split into study blocks, blocks of supernumerary practice, and time spent in your base area. This is made up of two days per week in your base area during year one, followed by one day per week in your base area during year two.

You will learn through a combination of face to face and online learning during your university study days. In the first week of each new semester you will attend five university study days.

Annual leave blocks are set throughout the programme.

Assessment

Each module includes multiple assessments. You will need to successfully achieve a range of assessment tasks and a practice assessment in each unit to successfully complete the learning outcomes of the programme.

The Apprenticeship Assessment (previously known as the End Point Assessment) is integrated throughout the programme. Passing this allows you to qualify and practise as a registered adult nurse.


What our apprentices say

Laura in graduation cap and gown

My teachers have just been outstanding

Laura Moorcroft Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship

Laura is on track to get her NMC pin in September and qualify as a nurse, after spending the last four years training as an apprentice at the University of Sheffield.

Read more testimonials


Entry requirements

  • Employment within a partner organisation that will support your apprenticeship.
  • A foundation-level degree or equivalent that meets our RPL requirements
  • Certified evidence of English Language GCSE grade C/4 or above, Functional Skills Level 2 or a university-accepted equivalent.
  • Certified evidence of Maths GCSE grade C/4 or above, Functional Skills Level 2 or a university-accepted equivalent.
  • International qualifications: evidence from UK ENIC of equivalent English/Maths (A*-C) must be provided for international qualifications.

Other requirements

You must

  • Be working in an adult field of practice
  • Have at least two years of health and social care experience
  • Show a demonstration of values in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Code of Professional Conduct (2018)
  • Have at least one reference from a line manager, plus an academic reference

Disclose and Barring Service (DBS)

You will be required to have a DBS enhanced (including children) within the last 3 years.

Digital learning technologies

Apprentices are required to demonstrate the ability to use digital technology prior to commencing the RNDA programme. Once you are appointed you will be given a link to a free digital learning and testing site where you will complete the "basic computer skills" package and submit the certificate as evidence.

Interviews

Recruitment, shortlisting and interviews will be organised by the employing partnership with support from the University and service users.

Learn more about interviews and assessment centres​​​​​​


Apply

This programme is advertised locally in partnership organisations and application is via their recruitment processes, such as NHS jobs. The University does not recruit directly for the course.

Candidates need to have completed a foundation degree which meets our RPL requirements. All applicants will be reviewed on an individual basis. This can include experienced Assistant Practitioners.

Your employer can submit an expression of interest for this apprenticeship by contacting ahpnm-apprenticeships-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk for a copy of our Expression of Interest form.


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