Later this year, the University of Northampton (UON) will offer a new option for aspiring nurses to ‘earn as they learn’ while studying.
The University plans to launch a new Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, which will provide an additional pathway into one of four nursing specialties: adult, children and young people’s, learning disability, and mental health.
This will be a three-year full-time or four-year part-time course, with applications set to open in April through local healthcare firms.
The course (pending approval) consists of 50% theory modules and 50% practice modules, with apprentices working for a healthcare organisation for 30 hours per week (part-time) or 37.5 hours per week (full-time).
Nursing excellence is a long-standing tradition at the university. Its courses consistently rank near the top of national league tables, such as The Guardian University Guide. In 2023, UON ranked fifth overall for three degree programs (Adult, Learning Disability, and Mental Health Nursing) and two Foundation/apprenticeship courses (Dental Nursing and Nursing Associate).
Lynne Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, is a member of the team behind the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship. She says: “According to last year’s Ipsos Veracity Index, Nursing is still at the top of the most trusted professions by the public, with 94% of Britons stating they trust nurses to tell the truth, demonstrating, as if it were required, that nursing is the beating heart of the nation’s health and well-being.
“All nurses in the UK require a full degree (Bachelor of Science, or BSc) to practice their profession, however the standard three-year undergraduate route is not suitable for all pupils. Some people opt to remain working for their employer and receive their regular wage since they have family obligations.
“Our objective is for Registered Nurse Degree Apprentices to study alongside traditional admission students, giving them the same sense of belonging and the opportunity to form peer relationships.
“September will see a big new development for nursing at the University and we are already excited to meet potential Registered Nurse Degree Apprentices when applications open this April.”
People interested in a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship can enquire via their employer, or email Lynne at lynne.hughes@northampton.ac.uk.
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