Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) (Top Up)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) (Top Up) | Programme code | UDS2NURNUR01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2025/6 | |
| Campus(es) | St Luke's (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) (Top Up) offers an employment-based route into the profession of Adult Nursing for UK qualified and registered Nursing Associates. This programme will ensure you have the skills required to successfully embark on a career as a Registered Nurse and to be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
The programme is delivered over 15 months, during which time you will be working, under clinical supervision, in range of care settings, gaining the insight and skills needed to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams upon graduation. The programme is structured around Exeter’s unique ‘seven pillars’ of nursing: patient and public involvement; fundamental essentials of nursing care; evidence for practice; no health without mental health; leadership and management of healthcare; global health; ethics and professionalism. We aim to educate Nurses to be caring professionals, able to empathise with patients and offer high levels of patient care, while being confident in their theoretical knowledge base through a strong academic foundation and able to work effectively in a multi-professional environment.
Your tuition fees for this degree will be paid for by your employer, whilst you will be earning a salary.
Upon graduation, you will receive a University of Exeter degree and be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
The course will be delivered through block attendance (3 x 1 week in each year) at our St Luke's Campus in Exeter, where we have excellent learning facilities, including our Clinical Skills Resource Centre, Life Sciences Resource Centre, and health library. When in the workplace, there will be a combination of days allocated for study and days spent in your employing department, putting theory into practice and gaining the skills and competence needed to be a caring, compassionate and competent nurse.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
This programme is intended to:
- Provide you with the knowledge and skills to equip you for a career as a Registered Nurse.
- Develop your competence in applying clinical skills to the practice of Nursing.
- Develop your critical and analytical powers in relation to Nursing.
- Provide you with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to adapt, influence and respond positively to change.
- Develop critical, analytical problem-based learning skills and the transferable skills to prepare you for graduate employment as a Registered Nurse.
- Enhance the development of your interpersonal skills to equip you for inter-professional working.
- Assist you to develop the skills required for autonomous practice, team-working and continual learning after graduation.
- Provide education and training that is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- Provide education and training that aligns with the Registered Nurse (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship Occupational Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.
There will be:
- Opportunities to engage with a range of advanced concepts and applications, drawing upon the specialist expertise of the academic staff.
- Regular and frequent e-learning support from staff with the appropriate teaching skills and experience, including current activity in high-level research and / or clinical expertise.
- An intellectually stimulating learning environment, which is caring and supportive in both academic and pastoral aspects and will encompass an appropriate range of teaching methods enhancing and broadening your learning experience.
4. Programme Structure
The BSc (Hons) Adult Nurse – Top up (Degree Apprenticeship) programme is a 15 month programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications [FHEQ]). This programme is delivered over 2 stages. The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of credits. Apprentices will study 60 credits in year 1 and 120 credits in year 2. This programme is co-taught with apprentices on a full, 3-year degree apprenticeship. Apprentices on this programme commence their studies with those in stage 2 of the three-year programme. As a result, the first year of this programme may on occasions be referred to as stage 2 to align with the modules being studied.
Interim Awards
There are no interim awards.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site:
(College to provide link).
There are no optional modules on this programme.
Stage 1
Stage 1 (RQF Level 4):
There are no level 4 modules on this programme.
Stage 2
Year 1 / Stage 2 (RQF Level 5): 60 Credits
Drawing upon the knowledge and skills learnt in your Nursing Associate course and clinical experience, Stage two develops further understanding of the concepts in contemporary Nursing practice. You will develop your knowledge of public, population and planetary health and evaluation and improvement of nursing practice. . The Stage two workplace experience provides further opportunities to apply theory to practice and to gain further practical experience of the safe, effective and compassionate Nursing practice across a range of Nursing specialities.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUR2011DA | Health, Justice, and Community Care | 15 | Yes |
| NUR2012DA | Evaluation, Improvement and Research Approaches in Nursing | 15 | Yes |
| NUR2013DA | Nursing Practice 2B | 30 | Yes |
Stage 3
Year 2 / Stage 3 (RQF Level 6):
The final Stage builds upon the knowledge and skills established in the previous stage. You will integrate theory with practice by drawing on your prior learning and experience of Nursing and reinterpreting your knowledge of Nursing within a scientific framework. During this stage in the workplace, you will become an integral member of the multi-professional healthcare team and will undertake an audit, service evaluation or piece of research. You will have responsibility for organising your working day and liaising with staff in other departments, and will gain experience of co-ordinating an inter-professional team. You will also undertake an employer negotiated placement in a jointly agreed area of practice.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUR3011DA | Nursing Theory into Practice 3 (Adult) | 30 | Yes |
| NUR3012DA | Innovation in Nursing Leadership and Management | 30 | Yes |
| NUR3013DA | Clinical Innovation Project | 30 | Yes |
| NUR3014DA | Nursing Practice 3 | 30 | Yes |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Make decisions about peoples health, illness and wellbeing that are in line with national guidelines and local policies. | As an apprenticeship programme where the majority of time is in the workplace, initial material is introduced by lectures and practical sessions at the University and is further developed by highly directed distance learning (utilising e-learning resources), as well as directed reading/research. You are given clear guidance in how to manage your learning and are expected to take progressively more responsibility for your own learning at each stage. Regular tripartite review meetings are held in addition to regular monitoring of the e-portfolio by the personal tutor and / or module lead. You are supported with e-tutorials throughout the academic year. A mix of self-assessed and tutor-marked work provides timely feedback. Project work is used to integrate material and make knowledge functional. A set of compulsory modules cover Nursing in progressively greater depth at each stage of the programme. | 1. Clinical assessment of practice, professional discussion 2. Clinical assessment, written reports / case-studies, professional discussion 3. Written reports, dissertation, oral presentations (including poster presentations) 4. Essays, critical reflections 5. Clinical practice algorithm development 6. Quality improvement report 7. Drug Calculation Test (DCT) 8. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
14. Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry. | The nursing modules in Stage 2 provide a thorough training in the academic and clinical basis of nursing. These skills are further developed in Stage 3 projects which require students to plan and execute a quality improvement project using monitoring, evaluation and research skills, present and defend their conclusions. At Stage 3 you will also form an integral part of the nursing healthcare team and develop your skills in interprofessional working, leadership and management skills within the clinical setting. | 1. Clinical assessment of practice, professional discussion 2. Clinical assessment, written reports / case-studies, professional discussion 3. Written reports, dissertation, oral presentations (including poster presentations) 4. Essays, critical reflections 5. Clinical practice algorithm development 6. Quality improvement report 7. Drug Calculation Test (DCT) 8. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
20. Communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means. | The programme features a wide range of learning and teaching activities. The academic blocks provide lectures, seminars and group work supported by practical sessions and lay the foundation for distance learning and directed personal study. The workplace practice placement provides a supported environment within which students apply theory to practice and develop their clinical skills. You gain experience of team working within and across professions and are supported in developing a reflective approach to their practice through a placement portfolio / workbook. | 1. Clinical assessment of practice, professional discussion 2. Clinical assessment, written reports / case-studies, professional discussion 3. Written reports, dissertation, oral presentations (including poster presentations) 4. Essays, critical reflections 5. Clinical practice algorithm development 6. Quality improvement report 7. Drug Calculation Test (DCT) 8. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
7. Programme Regulations
Credit
Undergraduate (UG) Programmes: The programme consists of 180 credits with 60 credits being taken in year 1 (NQF level 5) and 120 credits taken in year 2 (NQF level 6). In total, . The pass mark for award of credit in UG modules (NQF levels 4-6) is 40%.
Progression
Undergraduate Degree Apprenticeship programmes:
- Module condonement is not permitted on this programme.
- Each component within a module must be achieved.
- Where a student has failed an assessment within a module they will be given the opportunity to be referred in that assessment. The referred assessment will be capped at the pass mark. The module mark will not be capped. In some circumstances a second referral attempt may be allowed where specified in the module descriptor.
- Referral of failed assessments will take place within the degree apprenticeship academic year. There will be no separate referral / deferral assessment period and decisions on referral will not require an Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committee (APAC). Where possible timeframes for reassessment are indicated on the module descriptor.
- Only the Placement modules (NUR2013DA, and NUR3014DA may be referred / deferred into the following academic year, but award of credits must be achieved at the referral APAC (Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committee) for subsequent continuation on the programme. Please refer to the TQA Special Provisions for Degree Apprenticeships policy for more information.
- The gateway requirements for the End Point Assessment (as stipulated by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) must be met prior to the End Point Assessment. The gateway requirements include consistent achievement of the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the occupational standard, sign off of Practice Assessment Documents, achievement of all required modules from this programme (180credits), achievement of English and mathematics at Level 2 (please refer to the End Point Assessment standard for full information)
- The End Point Assessment starts with the Examination board and finishes when the required documentation is submitted to the NMC. For the purposes of the End Point Assessment, the Examination Board must have an External Examiner in attendance.
Assessment and Awards
Undergraduate Degree Apprenticeship programmes: The award classification will be calculated from the credit-weighted average marks for Stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2.
The Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education will classify the End Point Assessment as Pass or Fail.
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook including Special Provisions for Nursing and Healthcare Programmes.
Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
Programme-Specific Award Rules:
Exit Awards
The following exit awards are permitted from this programme subject to obtaining the required number of credits for each award as appropriate:
BSc (Hons) Health Sciences
DipHE in Health Sciences
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
Applicants must hold an offer of employment as a Nurse apprentice.
(Standard entry) All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.
Candidates must satisfy the following admissions criteria:
Required subjects: Pass in NMC approved FdSc Nursing Associate GCSE Maths and English grade C or 4 or Functional Skills level 2 (in accordance with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education funding requirements – TQA Manual ‘Special Provisions for Degree Apprenticeships Section 1.4)
Apprentices whose first language is not English need to meet IELTS requirements of at least 7.0 overall and no less than 6.5 in any other section
Department entry – Candidates not fulfilling the above criteria will need to submit an application to the non-standard entry panel with a letter of from their employer detailing how they will be supported through the degree apprenticeship.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
111
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) (Top Up)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 15/09/2025 |
Date of last revision |
|---|
