Registered Nurse Apprenticeship
The Registered Nurse Apprenticeship at Keele University is designed to support participants to develop the necessary skills to undertake a BSc Pre-Registration Nursing qualification. The Registered Nurse Apprenticeship offers three specialisms in Mental Health or Adult Nursing and our new specialism launching in September 2025, Children's Nursing.
Duration: 3 years.
Qualification: BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) or BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) or BSc (Hons) Nursing (Children's).
Application: We typically require applications 8 weeks before programme starts.
Ofsted: 'Good' Ofsted rating for Apprenticeships at Keele University in Full Inspection, June 2023.
Mental Health Nursing
This pathway focuses on person-centred care, equipping future nurses to support individuals with a range of mental health conditions. It develops skills in promoting well-being, early intervention and therapeutic care. Practical placements in hospitals, communities and residential settings enhance the ability to work collaboratively and make a meaningful impact in mental health care.
Adult Nursing
Our Adult Nursing pathway provides the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality, person-centred care across diverse healthcare settings. It enables the assessment and management of individuals with complex needs while developing leadership and decision-making abilities. Through theory and clinical placements, apprentices gain hands-on experience to prepare for safe and effective nursing practice.
Children’s Nursing
Proposed to launch in September 2025 this pathway prepares nurses to care for infants, children and young people, supporting their changing developmental and medical needs. Strong communication skills are developed to build effective partnerships with families and deliver compassionate, tailored care. Clinical placements in hospitals, schools and community settings provide essential experience in managing both acute and long-term health conditions.
The apprenticeship is for participants working in health organisations or other care settings, to meet the requirements of the (NMC) Nursing and Midwifery Council Future Nurse Standards. Applicants who have completed the FdSc Nursing Associate programme, can study this apprenticeship through a shortened route of 18 months with a Spring start, utilising the Recognition of Prior Learning process.
- The programme consists of blocks of theory and practice, with a variety of assessments.
The programme modules are typically twelve weeks in length.
Examples of indicative modules include.
- Person Centred Care.
- Clinical Nursing Practice.
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice.
- The Role of Promoting Health and Wellness.
- Evidenced-Based Practice in Nursing.
- Pharmacology and Safety in Nursing.
- Nursing Dissertation.
- Leading, Managing and Shaping Future Care.
- Clinical Judgement and Decision-Making in Nursing.
To complete an apprenticeship, you must be employed in an organisation with your employer's support. We typically require apprentice applications 8 weeks before programme starts and by undertaking an apprenticeship, you commit to completing the End Point Assessment (EPA).
The Registered Nurse Apprenticeship typically requires.
- Applicants must have A level study at BBC or equivalent.
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade C (4) or equivalent such as Functional Skills.
- The employer is responsible for obtaining an enhanced DBS Check and Occupational Health Clearance.
We will work in partnership with you to ensure you are supported throughout the apprenticeship process.
- Our Business Engagement Manager will provide tailored support and offer guidance on applying for an apprenticeship at Keele University, direction on eligibility and contracting, or any other questions you may have.
- This relationship does not stop once you start an apprenticeship at Keele University. We offer a personalised approach to apprentices, ensuring you have the assistance you need from Keele University as your Training Provider, every step of the way.
Apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.
- Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can typically use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
- Any business with a payroll below £3 million is usually eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course.
Additional incentives are also available to employers based on differing circumstances.
Contact us to find out more.
You make an application to study an apprenticeship through your employer with their support.
Applicants must meet several key criteria:
- Employment in a relevant role: Applicants must be currently employed in a position relevant to the apprenticeship or be recruited into a new role that aligns with the apprenticeship focus.
- If you are seeking a new role with apprenticeship training: Employers will typically advertise apprenticeship vacancies through their own recruitment sites and browse apprenticeships before you apply.
- Meet entry requirements: You must satisfy the specific entry requirements for the apprenticeship, including necessary educational qualifications and/or relevant professional experience.
- Employer support for upskilling: Existing employees are encouraged to discuss with their employers the potential for support in upskilling through the apprenticeship, which can enhance their professional development and benefit the organisation.
Why Keele University?
Keele University is proud to offer a variety of apprenticeships across different sectors and specialisms. We provide a personalised approach to apprenticeships and have an evolving programme portfolio, based on employer needs through consultation.