Higher Apprenticeships in Health Science

We offer a Higher Apprenticeship in Health Science which allows you to become an Assistant Practitioner.

This is a great work-based qualification which can be used as a stepping stone to further training in different aspects of healthcare. There is the opportunity on successful completion to top-up to our BSc Health Care Practice or BSc Nursing courses. Alternatively, apprentices may wish to APEL into the final two years of our Degree Apprenticeship in Nursing (see below).

Our course is delivered over 24 months with apprentices attending university one day per week. You will need to work a minimum of 30 hours per week in a relevant role (to include all time spent in your role and at university).

The course is designed to stretch and challenge your academic and clinical skills. From day one, you will be treated as a professional and your development will be managed on an individual basis.

See more information about our entry requirements, how you'll learn and how to apply.

Information for employers

Download our Higher Apprenticeships in Health Science information pack for employers here.

Degree Apprenticeship in Nursing (Mental Health or Adult Nursing)

Since spring of 2018, we have been offering Degree Apprenticeships in nursing. Apprentices will be able to choose between BSc Nursing (Adult) or BSc Nursing (Mental Health).

Apprentices will need to be employed by an NHS Trust and will have a choice of two entry points for this course:

• Entry point 1: apprentices will complete a four year apprenticeship with us, and will need to have appropriate level 2 and 3 qualifications.


• Entry point 2: apprentices will have already completed a relevant Higher Apprenticeship.  Subject to the content of the Higher Apprenticeship, you may be able to APEL in at entry point 2, which means you will complete only the final two years of the apprenticeship. If you have successfully completed our Higher Apprenticeship in Health Care Science, this will fulfil our entry criteria. For all other Higher Apprenticeships/Foundation degrees, please contact us to check if this entry point is suitable for you.

The course has been designed to be family friendly, with some flexibility around school holiday dates. Successful completion of the course (whether by entry point 1 or 2) leads to a BSc in Nursing and eligibility for NMC registration. The NMC have changed their professional standards for nursing and as such we are refreshing our curriculum for 2020 entry to meet these standards. This means that for 2020 entry, this course is subject to NMC approval and University of Essex validation.

University based teaching will take place in blocks throughout the academic year. The rest of the time, students will be in their 'home' placement (i.e. their usual place of work), or occasionally in 'away' placements (i.e. other settings which will be chosen to develop particular skills and knowledge). The majority of the time will be spent in the 'home' placement, where 15 hours a week will be spent as an apprentice, and the remaining time will be in their given role.

See more information about the course, including how to apply.

Questions about making your application or the interview process?

Take a look at our hints and tips page. If that doesn't answer your questions or you want to talk to us about your circumstances, get in touch using the contact details below.