Registered Nurse (Degree Apprenticeship) (Blended Learning) Mental Health BSc(Hons)

Start date

22 September 2025

Duration

2-3 years full-time

Places available (subject to change)

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About the course

Reasons to study

You'll learn clinical skills, engage in simulation-based learning, learning in partnership with your employer and the University.
This blended learning course gives you the opportunity to study flexibly around life commitments, through using digital technologies.
You’ll learn key clinical skills through simulated-based learning, on-campus sessions in the clinical skills labs, as well as undertaking placements in a range of healthcare settings. You’ll also borrow a clinical skills kit and become part of an online community.

This course has been designed for those who would like to become a nurse and are located within the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, Cheshire and Merseyside, North West, Cumbria or North Lincolnshire. If you are located outside these areas please visit Health Education England for information on your nearest course provider.

This apprenticeship course has been designed to provide the opportunity to study whilst being employed in mental healthcare services. During this apprenticeship you’ll get the opportunity to develop the vital skills, values and confidence you need to work with people suffering from various mental health conditions across the lifespan, to offer help and support in dealing with the condition. This could include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, psychosis and obsessive compulsive disorders.

In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your host organisation. You'll spend one day a week working for your employer in your current role. The other 30 hours a week will be either on placement in clinical practice or in university. The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as a Registered Nurse (Mental Health).

If you’re thinking of studying an apprenticeship course or are an employer looking for an apprenticeship for your employees, you’ll also find useful information on our Degree Apprenticeship webpages.

Why study Registered Nurse (Degree Apprenticeship) (Blended Learning) Mental Health BSc(Hons)

This blended learning mental health degree allows you to learn using mainly digital technologies, offering a flexible way to study. You’ll benefit from hands-on experience, and you’ll attend campus for a maximum total of 20 days per year of the course. This gives you the chance to develop and practise skills in a safe and controlled environment and attend occupational health sessions and mandatory training. You’ll also undertake practice placements across the NHS and healthcare organisations in a setting close to home.

You'll be taught by a team who understand what it is like be a Mental Health nurse, and learning and teaching will be delivered online through synchronous and asynchronous seminars, and via group work, simulation, and practical skills experience.

You can also borrow a clinical skills kit to familiarise yourself with fundamental equipment you may use in practice, and become part of an online community, to showcase your work and interact with peers and tutors. You’ll also learn through independent, self-directed study, developing confidence in your self-discipline and organisational skills.

In 2024, the University’s new Daphne Steele Building will open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus, too, allowing you to learn from specialist clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities.

Course detail

Year 1

Core modules:

Becoming a Professional - Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module involves exploring your development as a professional, examining your personal and professional attitudes and beliefs, as well as relating these to your future professional role as a mental health nurse. You’ll gain an understanding about how you can develop as a learner and maintain your physical and mental health, so you are able to promote and support people who have mental health care needs with their health. You’ll also learn how to manage the transition to university and explore ethical and professional codes underpinning mental health nursing.

Introduction to Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills to care specifically for people with mental health care needs, as well as people of all ages from conception to end of life, with a range of physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll learn the principles of holistic assessment and management of well and sick people of all ages. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain an understanding of development through the lifespan by exploring the principles of anatomy and physiology, as well as be introduced to pharmacology and medicines administration.

Nursing Practice 1 (Blended Learning)

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you'll put the theory you have learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 2 (Blended Learning)

This module provides you with an opportunity to further develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module introduces you to the nature of knowledge and how it supports evidenced-based nursing practice. You’ll learn about how to search for and read evidence to identify its value and relevance to nursing practice. You’ll explore how to evaluate published research and will be introduced to the concept of ethics within healthcare research. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop and use a variety of transferable skills including literature searching, critical appraisal of evidence and application of evidence to your own and the nursing practice of others.

Year 2

Core modules:

Developing as a Professional (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the Becoming a Professional module in Year 1 and provides the opportunity for you to develop the professional and transferable knowledge and skills required to become a Registered Nurse. You’ll gain an understanding of professional, legal, and ethical knowledge and frameworks, and their role in your clinical decision-making. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your understanding and skills for effective team working, leadership and management to enable you to positively influence care delivery, decisions and management for people in your care.

Developing Critical Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the knowledge and skills you developed in Year 1. You’ll expand your range of assessment skills and apply them to more complex care encounters with people who have mental healthcare needs. You’ll use your knowledge to recognise deterioration and begin to identify appropriate interventions to meet the care needs for people with a range of complex physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll also plan care needs and begin to formulate care plans to meet the needs of individuals and groups of people in your care.

Developing Research Knowledge and Evidence for Mental Health Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing module in Year 1 and introduces you to the design of research studies, including literature reviews and empirical studies. You’ll have the opportunity to develop research methods and design preparing you to undertake a study relevant to mental health nursing in Year 3. You’ll also learn about research ethics, data collection, analysis and research approaches including qualitative, qualitative and mixed method studies, literature reviews undertaken systematically, systematic reviews and audits. For those apprentices with a Nursing Associate qualification, this module may not be required. If so, you would spend this time back on base with your employer.

Nursing Practice 3 (Blended Learning)

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills in nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 4 (Blended Learning)

This module provides you with the opportunity to further develop your skills in nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Year 3

Core modules:

Being a Professional (Blended Learning)

This module builds on professionally themed modules in Year 1 and 2 to consolidate your preparation to become a qualified nurse. You’ll have the opportunity to develop future nurse leader skills to prepare you to positively influence care beyond the organisation to a national and global level. You’ll also have the chance to develop skills in promoting quality care and service improvements across and beyond the organisation. The module prepares you to undertake the role of teacher to individuals and groups, as well as the role of practice supervisor for future nurses.

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 and 2, enabling you to further develop your critical understanding of assessment skills to recognise and respond appropriately to the deteriorating patient. You’ll have the opportunity to expand your range of assessment skills and apply them under minimum supervision whilst managing and coordinating the care of people with mental health care needs with a range of conditions varying in complexity and in a range of settings. The module also assists you to develop skills in advanced care management and complex discharge or transfer planning.

Nursing Practice 5 (Blended Learning)

This module provides the opportunity for you to gain fundamental skills of nursing practice including intravenous medicine administration. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 6 (Blended Learning)

This module provides you with the opportunity to further gain fundamental skills of nursing practice including intravenous medicines administration. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Mental Health Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

This module builds on the evidence and research modules in Year 1 and 2, enabling you to systematically undertake a literature review or a small-scale research project based on the research proposal developed in Year 2. You’ll use one of a variety of approaches including qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, audit or a review of literature undertaken in a systematic way within the mental health nursing field. You’ll also be involved in data collection and analysis.

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and teaching on this course involves online seminars and group work, as well as on campus activities, for example clinical skills simulated practice. Learners are expected to work independently with the materials provided. This offers some flexibility about time of study but involves a commitment to self directed and self organised learning.

The modules have been designed to embed transferable skills and enable you to progressively increase your knowledge and confidence. You'll have the opportunity to engage in immersive situated activities through simulation-based learning (SBL) supported by facilitation. You can expect to attend University campus up to 20 days per year for various teaching and learning activities. Your studies will also be supported by the University's virtual learning environment.

The assessment methods on the course are varied and involve a combination of coursework, practice/proficiency-based learning, reports, presentations, and examinations. The nature of assessment varies between modules mirroring the modes of communication expected of graduates in this field, such as the ability to present to a range of audiences and provide reports to enhance the quality of care.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

Laboratory sessions, classroom-based learning and the use of simulated patients enable you to practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll undertake practice placement experiences, where you’ll learn and be assessed in a real practice setting, under the supervision of appropriately qualified practice supervisors, practice assessors and academic assessors. You’ll be assessed whilst on placement through a Practice Assessment Document (PAD).

Throughout the course you’ll also have access to a Personal Development Plan, where you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, construct a record of achievement documenting the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as reflect and act upon your personal, professional, academic and long-term career goals.

The End Point Assessment (EPA) is integrated within the programme and is awarded on successful completion of the programme and apprenticeship requirements.

Teaching excellence

The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.
Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).
We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

*full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

Entry requirements

You must:

Be employed in healthcare and supported to undertake the apprenticeship course by your employer.
Have BBB at A Level (120 UCAS points). If you are studying a Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course, DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, Merit at T Level, NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade B or a Pass in Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits 15 at Distinction, 30 at Merit.
Have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and the ability to access and use online study guidance and support as this course is delivered through distance learning.
Have GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.
Meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018c) entry requirements in respect of literacy and numeracy, good character and good health.

Offers will be subject to an interview and references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record.

You’ll need a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You’ll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination.

You’ll also be required to complete an Initial Needs Assessment.

Prior to starting the apprenticeship, you’ll need to agree to the terms set in the evidence pack. This will include the commitment statement, which will be signed by you, your employer and the University of Huddersfield as the main education provider for the apprenticeship.

You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course. Please note that the course you are applying for is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which allows a maximum of 50% of credits for the award to be conferred through accreditation of prior learning.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

If you have alternative qualifications, including the nursing associate foundation degree, you may wish to contact us for advice before applying. Please note places are limited and attainment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer. You must include details of any previous study. A Nursing Associate qualification will usually mean you can be granted Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) onto the second year of the 3-year BSc course but please check prior to applying. Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered via a portfolio of evidence mapped against the NMC standards of proficiency and the apprenticeship framework for Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA). As sector leaders in apprenticeships we hope this attracts more people to train as nurses and help towards recruiting more apprentices. This portfolio would be used to accredit prior learning to the equivalent of 500 public-facing hours and 530 transferable theory hours. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Ofsted Outstanding courses

The University’s apprenticeship provision was awarded an outstanding rating by Ofsted in a recent inspection.

Huddersfield is only the second university to be awarded Ofsted’s outstanding rating for its apprenticeship provision in the last four years.

It is also the only university in the Yorkshire and Humber region and the north-west of England to have both an outstanding Ofsted rating for apprenticeships and to be a TEF Gold-rated university.

The University was awarded outstanding in all five categories:

Quality of education
Behaviour and attitudes
Personal development
Leadership and management
Apprenticeships

The apprenticeship provision was praised by Ofsted for the positive experiences of the apprentices, the research-informed knowledge of teaching staff, and for the strong relationships between the University’s leaders and employers.

Placements

Nothing can really replicate working in the real-world, which is why practice placements are essential and a compulsory part of the course. The Nursing and Midwifery Council require you to complete the minimum of 2300 hours across the course in order to obtain registration.

You'll have the opportunity to complete your practice learning experiences in a diverse range of health and social care settings close to home. These may be in private, voluntary, charitable or statutory settings and include forensic services, assessment teams, in-patient treatment units, rehabilitation centres, community teams, respite services, crisis and home based treatment, liaison services, child and adolescent mental health services and prisons. You'll be supervised during your practical experiences by a variety of professionals/experts in the area of care who will provide you with any required help and advice.

In order to provide you with the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences generally cover 24 hour care including evening, weekend and occasional night shifts.

Whilst on placement you'll be supported by trained supervisors and assessors, as well as by members of the academic team who will meet with you and your practice support team every 12 weeks.

Please note that you'll be required to travel to and during your placements.

Facilities

Exploring barriers and enablers to communication.

Exercise in experiencing what it's like to be fed

Helping people to meet their needs.

Role play exercise assessing a person at home.

Simulating the experience of voice hearing.

Your career

A career in mental health nursing can be varied and interesting with a wide range of satisfying career opportunities and could include working in local healthcare trusts, private hospitals and in the community. Other career opportunities could involve working in child and adolescent mental health services, forensic settings, substance misuse, accident and emergency liaison, self harm, criminal justice system, youth offending, management of violence and aggression, as well as specialist roles such as admiral nursing and nurse consultant.

After qualification further professional development opportunities are available in relation to enhancing knowledge relating to psychological therapies and intervention, medicines management and nurse prescribing, and becoming an approved mental health practitioner.

Professional links and accreditations

This course is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Whilst studying this course you're currently not required to register as a member with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), however you must follow their codes of conduct.

Career support

We know you’re coming to university to undertake your course, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

So while you’re here (and even after you graduate) the Careers and Employability Service offer professional help, support and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs and one-to-one guidance sessions. Find out more about the Service.

Further study

Progression to one of our Workforce Development courses could include studying a specialist short course, Postgraduate Certificate, Master’s or Master’s by Research. Our courses are designed to assist you in developing your career and skills in specialist areas of clinical practice.

Health Professional Education PgCert

Take on a new challenge by gaining a recognised teaching qualification and learn how to teach the health professionals of the future.

Start date

Duration

Places available (subject to change)

About the course

Reasons to study

Why study Registered Nurse (Degree Apprenticeship) (Blended Learning) Mental Health BSc(Hons)

Course detail

Becoming a Professional - Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

Introduction to Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 1 (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 2 (Blended Learning)

Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing (Blended Learning)

Developing as a Professional (Blended Learning)

Developing Critical Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

Developing Research Knowledge and Evidence for Mental Health Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 3 (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 4 (Blended Learning)

Being a Professional (Blended Learning)

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 5 (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 6 (Blended Learning)

Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Mental Health Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

Entry requirements

Ofsted Outstanding courses

Placements

Facilities

Your career

Health Professional Education PgCert

Health Studies MSc

Independent and Supplementary Prescribing

Long Term Conditions PgCert

Master of Public Health

Nursing and Midwifery (MSc by Research)

Career support

Health Professional Education PgCert

Health Studies MSc

Independent and Supplementary Prescribing

Long Term Conditions PgCert

Master of Public Health

Nursing and Midwifery (MSc by Research)

Student support

Fees and Finance

Fees and Finance

Important information

Changes to a course you have applied for but not yet started

Changes to your course after you enrol as an apprentice

Termination of employment

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