Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (Adult) (Blended Learning) MSc
This apprenticeship is employer led: applications must be submitted by employers on behalf of their staff.
Start Dates
4 January 2027, 11 January 2027
Duration
2 years full-time
Eligibility Criteria
Permanent Employment in relevant field
Overview
Why choose Huddersfield for this course?
- Our blended learning nursing courses give you the opportunity to study flexibly around life commitments, thanks to digital technologies.
- You’ll learn key clinical skills through simulated-based learning, on-campus skills sessions, as well as placements in a range of settings.
- You’ll learn from experienced health professionals and service users whose real-world insights bring teaching to life.
Accreditation and Professional Links
Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More
This blended learning apprenticeship course provides the opportunity for those who have studied an undergraduate degree to undertake a two-year full-time Master's. It has been designed to provide a flexible way to study whilst being employed in adult healthcare services. During this apprenticeship you will have the opportunity to learn in a supportive, forward-thinking and well-connected environment, where you will explore all aspects of adult nursing, from the fundamentals of providing care to more advanced topics such as complex needs, and leadership and management.
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Supported by a team who really understand what it is like to be an adult nurse, you will learn through lectures, workshops, seminars, group work, simulation and role play.
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In our fully equipped simulated ward, you will have the opportunity to put what you have learnt into practice in a safe environment using our patient simulators.
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You will undertake clinical placements throughout the course in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, in the community, as well as voluntary and private sectors.
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You will have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.
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You will also learn how to respond to the physical, cognitive and mental health care needs of all patients and service users across their lifespan.
The course is mainly delivered through digital technologies and also involves practical, hands-on experience. Although the theoretical component is predominantly delivered online, you will attend the campus in Huddersfield for a maximum total of 20 days per year of the course. You will do this in each year of the course, providing the opportunity for you to practise skills in a safe and controlled environment, attend occupational health sessions and mandatory training. You will also undertake practice placements across the NHS and healthcare organisations in a setting close to home.
In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you will remain employed by your host organisation and may spend 20% of your time in your current workplace. 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 for Adults.
The University of Huddersfield has the highest Apprenticeship Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) among Higher Education Institutions in England.*
Our 2023/24 QAR was 87.6% and coupled with our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating displays the excellent learning experience for apprentices and their employers at the University of Huddersfield.
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.
*Excludes providers with fewer than 100 apprentices.
Entry Requirements
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.
You must:
- Be employed in healthcare and supported to undertake the course by your employer.
- Have an Honours degree (2:2 or above) and work experience relevant to the programme to be followed. Applicants with an Honours degree and considerable relevant experience may also be considered if they can demonstrate their ability to study at Master’s Level.
- Have completed 12 years of general education.
You must hold and provide evidence of GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under previous GCSE grading scheme or equivalent, before the start date of your apprenticeship.
Applicants are required to successfully demonstrate that they have completed 550 hours of theory through studying/reading and a minimum of 325 hours of practice before they start the course using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (Nursing and Midwifery Council [NMC] requirement). Students may choose to have either 325 or 700 hours of practice verified in the Pre-Entry Portfolio. A broad range of experience can be used for this including observations and reading. Your experience and learning may have occurred outside a typical ‘practice’ area but is still applicable, for example you may have worked in a public facing professional role in which you will have demonstrated values relating to nursing. If you are successful at interview support will be provided on how to complete this document face-to-face, by phone or online.
You must 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.
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 also need satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health clearances and RPL (NMC) evidence prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You will 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 must meet the NMC (2018c) entry requirements in respect of literacy and numeracy, good character and good health.
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 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. Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered.
Course Details
Teaching and Assessment
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Placements
Nothing can really replicate working in the real world, that is why the course comprises of 50% practice, which is essential in your development. Practice includes placements, reflection, simulation and spoke visits. During the course you will undertake a number of compulsory practice learning experiences in a diverse range of healthcare environments, health and social care settings. These will include statutory, private and voluntary both within inpatient and community services. They provide the opportunity for you to experience person-centred care, and work as part of a caring and committed multi-disciplinary team. Placements can include a variety of specialist medical inpatient wards, elective and trauma surgical wards and community care settings.
Throughout the practical experience you will be supervised and assessed by a qualified nurse or other suitably qualified professional who will provide expert help and advice if required.
To allow you the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences are generally offered across West Yorkshire and beyond, covering 24-hour care including evening, weekend and occasional night shifts. You will be required to travel to and during your placements. For more information visit our placements page.
Fees and Finance
Scholarships and Bursaries
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Tuition Fee Loans
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What’s included in your fee?
We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.
If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.
Gallery
Student response to a deteriorating patient.
Equipment used reflects clinical practice.
Inserting a nasogastric feeding tube on mannequin.
Simulation of venepuncture - obtain a blood sample
Student simulating ward skills.
Mannequins used to teach securing a cannula.
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Ofsted Outstanding courses
Huddersfield is one of only two universities in four years rated Ofsted Outstanding for apprenticeships, praised for research-informed teaching and strong employer links.
Why Hud
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Explore Huddersfield
Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.
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Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.
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Sustainability Matters
We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.
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Careers support
We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, 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.
Find out more about careers supportStudent support
At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.
See our support servicesTeaching Excellence
Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.
Find out moreInspiring Academics
Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Nursing may teach you on this course.
Find out more about our staffResearch Excellence
You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.
Find out moreAccommodation
Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.
Take a look at your optionsFurther Study
Many of our graduates stay at Huddersfield to complete postgraduate research degrees at Masters or PhD level.
Discover research degreesLegal information
When you enrol as an apprentice learner of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and our disciplinary procedure. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you’ll be asked to agree to them when you join us as an apprentice. You’ll find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you’ll also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to.
Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:
Changes to a course you have applied for but not yet started
If we propose to make a major change to an apprenticeship course that you have applied for, then we will tell you and your employer as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.
Although we always try and run all the courses we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or delay your course start date if we consider this reasonably necessary, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you and your employer as soon as reasonably possible. In such instances, we will work with you and your employer to agree a deferred start date, or cancel your application and, if appropriate, provide information regarding other local apprenticeship providers.
Changes to your course after you enrol as an apprentice
We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that materially changes the services available to you, or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days, classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.
For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the requirements of an updated version of the apprenticeship standard relevant to your course; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.
In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you and your employer as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered or claiming an interim award and exiting the University.
If a major change affects your course, we will notify you and your employer as soon as possible and will carry out suitable consultation with affected apprentices. If you and your employer reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment we will work with both of you to try to find an appropriate solution. Where one cannot be found we will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring your remaining apprenticeship learning to another training provider if you and your employer wish to do so.
Termination of employment
As your employer is funding your apprenticeship course, you must remain in relevant employment for the duration of the course until you have completed your end point assessment. Under the apprenticeship rules, if you are made redundant and you have completed 75% of the practical period or have less than 6 months left, then you may complete the course. Otherwise, unless you find alternative relevant employment within 12 weeks of the date you are made redundant, then you’ll be withdrawn from the course.
The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University. The ESFA is the principal regulator for your apprenticeship course.