Structure, certificates and assessment - Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship BSc

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Stage one

Introduction to Nursing

40 credits
Level 4
Core Module - This module will introduce students to the role of the nurse in contemporary evidence based professional practice. Legal, ethical, and professional frameworks which underpin practice will be explored to ensure care delivery is effective, safe, and patient focused. Students will be supported to develop their communication, self-awareness, and reflective practice skills.

Health Sciences for Nursing Practice

40 credits
Level 4
Core Module - Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of human physiology and pharmacology in relation to health and wellbeing over the lifespan. This module will introduce students to the psychological and sociological aspects of health and wellbeing.

Person centred nursing care for health & wellbeing

40 credits
Level 4
Core Module - This module will introduce students to the key concepts for assessing and planning nursing interventions for person centred care. Students will be required to evidence completion of MYEPAD to demonstrate achievement of the skills associated with Part 1 Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses and Standards for education and training (NMC 2018).

Stage two

Research for health & wellbeing

40 credits
Level 5
Core Module - Students will explore how evidence underpins nursing practice for safe and effective patient-centred care. They will develop the ability to apply evidence considering the wider implications of life context in promoting health and preventing ill health.

Pharmacological and psychosocial interventions

40 credits
Level 5
Core Module - Students will examine the aetiology and pathophysiology of disease including pharmacological and psychosocial interventions within the context of evidence-based nursing care.

Developing nursing practice

40 credits
Level 5
Core Module -This module will enable students to apply their developing knowledge and skills needed for person centred care. Students will be required to evidence of completion of MYEPAD to demonstrate achievement of the skills associated with Part 2 Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for registered nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018).

Stage three

Leadership for nursing practice

40 credits
Level 6
Core Module -This module will allow students to explore aspects of leading and managing care delivery within inter-professional teams. Using a problem-based learning approach, students will critically examine near misses, critical incidents, major incidents and serious adverse events in order to learn from them and influence their future practice.

Innovation and improvement in nursing practice

40 credits
Level 6
Core Module - Students will undertake an extended project which will lead to recommendations and innovation for nursing practice in their chosen field. Students will demonstrate their ability to critically apply the appropriate theoretical and investigative principles to a topic of their choosing.

Transition to autonomous practice

40 credits
Level 6
Core Module - Students will demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate their role in the assessment, interventions, and evaluation of complex care in health and social care settings. Working towards becoming an autonomous practitioner for entry to the professional register.  Students will be required to evidence of completion of MYEPAD to demonstrate achievement of the skills associated with Part 3 Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for registered nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018).

How you will learn

So that you are fully prepared for your career, we ensure that your skills and knowledge match current working practices in health and social care. The practical abilities you develop on placement will be underpinned and extended by the knowledge you gain through lectures, tutorials, workshops and simulated practice activities.

We harness latest technology in all aspects of the course. Modules are linked to the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so that you have 24-hour access to relevant resources both on and off campus. We also capture ‘live’ lectures via Panopto which you can view at times that suit you via the VLE.

In addition, our students benefit from access to a range online resources such as Clinical Skills Net, an online resource offering video tutorials in essential clinical skills. The anatomy and physiology content of the programme is supported in a similar way through WhileyPLUS.

How you’re assessed

There are a diverse range of authentic assessments within the programme. Assessments are aligned to module learning outcomes and support students to build academic skill and professional development. Assessment feedback and feedforward mechanisms encourage dialogue, provide action plans, and utilise academic, student, and practice support staff where required. This ensures that students are fit for practice, purpose, award, and professional standing on completion of the award.

Each assessment within the programme has the following underpinning characteristics:

Each assessment has value and distinct relevance to professional nursing practice
They support development and progression through the programme
Each assessment focuses on supporting students to meet the NMC standards for registration
They support the application of theory to practice
The assessment process is transparent, and students receive timely and constructive feedback to support their success.

Assessment of practice learning is recorded in the Practice Assessment Document (MYEPAD), which is designed to support and guide students towards successfully achieving the criteria set out in the Future nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018).  The MYEPAD is a regionally validated document developed collaboratively with other local universities. The University of Derby continues to work in partnership to support a consistent approach to student supervision and assessment.

Who you'll meet

You will be taught by qualified health professionals with extensive experience of nursing and leadership roles. They have proven, sustained track records in higher education teaching, with most holding Fellowships of the Higher Education Academy.

Our staff keep up to date with latest developments in the sector by undertaking continuing professional development as part of their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.