Course Overview
Please note: in order to undertake this apprenticeship you must apply for a vacancy on the NHS website via this link. It is not possible to apply directly to UCS.
A Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) offers a flexible route to becoming a nurse that doesn’t require full-time study at university.
Your time on campus will be spent learning from a passionate, enthusiastic, skilled, and supportive team with a range of experience across the many aspects of nursing. Your learning will be enriched by the very latest in best practice and clinical understanding.
This apprenticeship has two available pathways:
- Mental Health Nursing
- Adult Nursing.
Content may include:
- Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology for Nursing
- Episodes of Care 1-4
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
- Principles of Nursing
- Sustainable Global Public Health.
- Assessment and Decision Making
- Pharmacology and Medicines Management
- Research Methodologies of Nursing Enquiry
- Supporting People with Complex Needs.
- Leadership and Supervision
- Nursing Final Project
- Transition to Registration.
Plus, an independent study module where you choose the area of focus within your field of nursing.
Assessment Methods
You are assessed on your knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis and will have to demonstrate that you can meet the required standards throughout your training. There will be a mixture of coursework, projects, exams and an end-point assessment (EPA).
Progression Options
Registered nurses are in demand across the UK and our graduates enter careers in a variety of roles for the NHS, private and voluntary sector employers, in community and hospital settings.
You could go on to specialise in GP practices, schools, as a health visitor, or with patients in their own homes.
Once qualified you can also combine clinical practice with study on a post graduate course to specialise in a specific area. Progression could lead to senior positions such as consultant nurse, nurse specialist, researcher, or local or regional services manager.
Entry Requirements
Typically entrants will possess:
- A minimum of 112 UCAS points from a full Level 3 qualification
- GCSEs at grade 4 and above to include English and maths, or equivalent.
You will be required to complete:
- Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Health checks.
For mature applicants we may accept non-standard and professional qualifications and experience. If you are unsure as to whether you qualify, we encourage you to contact us.
In order to undertake this apprenticeship, you are required to have a relevant employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The application route depends on your chosen study mode. For full-time undergraduate degrees, you will need to apply via UCAS. If you are applying for a part-time course, a professional qualification, or a Degree Apprenticeship, you can usually apply directly through our website using the ‘Apply Now’ button on the course page. If you need any guidance, our Admissions team is always on hand to help.
Every programme at University Centre Somerset is designed as a ‘Degree for Real Life.’ We focus heavily on employability, meaning your studies will be directly linked to industry needs. You will benefit from work-based learning, live commercial briefs, and our strong regional employer networks. Additionally, our dedicated Careers team offers 1:1 guidance to help you refine your CV, prepare for interviews, and build your professional network.
Transitioning to higher education is a significant step, and we treat you as an independent adult while providing robust support. You will be assigned a personal academic tutor to guide your academic progress. We also offer dedicated Higher Education study skills sessions, library support, and a comprehensive Student Support team providing confidential advice on mental health, wellbeing, and financial concerns.
Most UK students studying a first degree, Foundation Degree, or HND are eligible for tuition fee and maintenance loans through Student Finance England. If you are studying a Degree Apprenticeship, your tuition fees are fully funded by your employer and the government, and you earn a salary while you learn. We also offer advice on eligible bursaries and financial hardship funds – contact our Student Support team for tailored advice.
Yes. We offer dedicated, independent student accommodation tailored for our higher education learners, primarily based at our Taunton and Cannington campuses. Our HE options provide a safe, comfortable, and mature environment that fosters a strong learning community, with easy access to our state-of-the-art campus facilities.
Absolutely. We welcome applications from mature students and those with non-traditional qualifications. We consider a wide range of experience, including vocational qualifications, Access to HE diplomas, and relevant professional experience. If you are unsure whether your current qualifications meet the entry criteria, please get in touch with our admissions team to discuss your individual pathway.
We understand that many of our HE students balance their studies with employment and family commitments. We strive to condense our full-time degree timetables into a few days a week to allow for part-time work or independent study. Our part-time routes are specifically designed to be flexible for working professionals.
We are here to help. You can submit a direct enquiry using the form our Contact page, or you can contact our Higher Education admissions team via email or phone. We also highly recommend registering for our next Open Event, where you can speak directly with the lecturers and tour our advanced facilities.
