Apprenticeship - Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship

How you will learn

A variety of teaching and learning methods are designed to match learning outcomes and to provide you with some experience of the method best suited to your own learning style, we support your move to becoming an independent and mature learner.

Teaching and learning will include tutor-led classroom learning, including debates and discussions along with seminars and small group work. This course also emphasises practical learning and reflection on, and in, practice. This course incorporates flexible, distributed learning (FDL) using Blackboard.

How you will be assessed

We use a range of assessment styles, enabling you to perform to the best of your ability and they represent the breadth of skills necessary to succeed as a nursing professional. Assessment will include presentations, examinations and written coursework (including, but not limited to, essays, dissertations and portfolios), as well as practical examinations. You'll also be assessed by trained professionals during your practice placement experience. 

NMC Standards for Proficiency in Clinical Practice

Our learning and teaching strategies are based on the philosophy that nurses occupy a privileged position within society.

There are two allocated placements each year, both of which are summatively assessed.

You can attempt to recoup failed placements, however, a second failure will result in disqualification from the programme. Your acquisition of skills and achievements in NMC proficiencies in clinical practice will determine your registration as a NMC Registered nurse. Professionalism, attitudes and values will also determine success.

The theoretical work you undertake in university is linked to practice and assessors will explore your underpinning knowledge.

Development of NMC Standards for Proficiency and Annexe A and B through simulation

This normally takes place within a designated skills laboratory, facilitated by specifically trained staff, using specialist equipment. Simulation provides safe learning opportunities in basic as well as potentially complex situations and will help you acquire important skills before going into a placement environment. Simulation will also be facilitated using role-play, workshops and a variety of digital media.

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Funding

Degree apprenticeships are only offered to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. The apprenticeship training is therefore funded by the employer using their apprenticeship levy, with or without a contribution depending on the size and status of the organisation.

Apprentices will not be required to pay any fees and will not be eligible for Student Finance England maintenance support as they are in receipt of a salary. See further information on our Information for Aspiring Apprentices page.

The University will typically charge the maximum fee for the standard, before applying reductions based on accepted prior learning which is determined at application on an individual basis. To discuss sponsoring a learner on programme please contact apprenticeships@cumbria.ac.uk.

REQUIRED EMPLOYMENT STATUS
The minimum duration period for an apprenticeship set in each Apprenticeship Standard is based on an apprentice working a minimum of 30 hours per week, this includes one day a week in University.

EMPLOYERS RESPONSIBILITIES
The employer must provide access to a Registered Nurse as a Practice Assessor. The employer must also meet the apprenticeship standards requirements which include regular (minimum three times a year) reviews of learner progress. If the employer is new to delivering the course, the employer may need to be validated and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council as suitable to be one of our Practice Learning Partners.

PLACEMENTS
Apprentices can undertake some placements with their employing organisation. However, to ensure apprentices develop skills and experience they may have to undertake placements in variety of settings utilising a hub and spoke model.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

The University library holds copies of core texts (including e-books accessible online) for students to borrow. Some students may want to purchase their own books, this will cost approximately £100-£200 per year. Alternatively, journals will enable students to source the most up to date research and evidence for practice.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Clothing and Equipment

We recommend students invest in a pair of black sensible shoes & black socks– you will be doing a lot of standing and walking during your placement so you'll likely want to make sure your feet are comfortable. These tend of cost approx. £35-90 You will need to purchase a blue/black thigh-length coat to cover your uniform when you are required to wear it. (Cost variable) If you buy a fob watch (nurses’ watch) please make sure it is one with an easy to keep clean with a silicone cover. Cost approx. £10.

Other

For half of the programme, you will be engaged in practice-based placements. Our placement circuit is across a wide geographical area and you may be required to travel for up to 90 minutes by public transport or car. Costs will vary depending on whether you use public transport with or without a discount, or your own transport, such as a car. You will have to fund any costs incurred by travelling to and from placement and any car parking charges. You are also expected to fund travel costs to and from the University of Cumbria. Membership of a union is strongly recommended (UNISON & Royal College of Nursing).