Registered Nurse (Degree Apprenticeship) (Blended Learning) Mental Health BSc(Hons)

This apprenticeship is employer led: applications must be submitted by employers on behalf of their staff.

Search Apprenticeships

Apply Now

Select the year

2026-27

2027-28

Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

2-3 years full-time

UCAS Tariff

120

Eligibility Criteria

Permanent Employment in relevant field

Recent Awards For Excellence

Find out more about these awards

Explore Government Resources

Ask your employer to email us at apprenticeships@hud.ac.uk.

Explore Government Resources

Visit the government’s site to learn more.

Guide for Employers

Partner with Huddersfield on apprenticeships..

Explore Government Resources

Ask your employer to email us at apprenticeships@hud.ac.uk.

Explore Government Resources

Visit the government’s site to learn more.

Guide for Employers

Partner with Huddersfield on apprenticeships..

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

Outstanding Quality - Huddersfield is an Ofsted Outstanding provider, delivering top-tier apprenticeship training.
Our blended learning nursing courses give you the opportunity to study flexibly around life commitments, thanks to digital technologies.
You’ll learn key clinical skills through simulated-based learning, on-campus skills sessions, as well as placements in a range of settings.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

This course has been designed for those who would like to become a nurse and are located within the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, Cheshire and Merseyside, North West, Cumbria or North Lincolnshire. If you are located outside these areas please visit Health Education England for information on your nearest course provider.

This apprenticeship course has been designed to provide the opportunity to study whilst being employed in mental healthcare services. During this apprenticeship you’ll get the opportunity to develop the vital skills, values and confidence you need to work with people suffering from various mental health conditions across the lifespan, to offer help and support in dealing with the condition. This could include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, psychosis and obsessive compulsive disorders.

In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your host organisation. You will spend one day a week working for your employer. The other 30 hours a week will be either on placement in clinical practice or in university. The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as a Registered Nurse (Mental Health).

If you’re thinking of studying an apprenticeship course or are an employer looking for an apprenticeship for your employees, you’ll also find useful information on our Degree Apprenticeship webpages.

Why study Registered Nurse (Degree Apprenticeship) (Blended Learning) Mental Health BSc(Hons)

This blended learning mental health degree allows you to learn using mainly digital technologies, offering a flexible way to study. You’ll benefit from hands-on experience, and you’ll attend campus for a maximum total of 20 days per year of the course. This gives you the chance to develop and practise skills in a safe and controlled environment and attend occupational health sessions and mandatory training. You’ll also undertake practice placements across the NHS and healthcare organisations in a setting close to home.

You'll be taught by a team who understand what it is like be a Mental Health nurse, and learning and teaching will be delivered online through synchronous and asynchronous seminars, and via group work, simulation, and practical skills experience.

You can also borrow a clinical skills kit to familiarise yourself with fundamental equipment you may use in practice, and become part of an online community, to showcase your work and interact with peers and tutors. You’ll also learn through independent, self-directed study, developing confidence in your self-discipline and organisational skills.

The University’s new Daphne Steele Building is now open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus, too, allowing you to learn from specialist clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities.

The University of Huddersfield has the highest Apprenticeship Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) among Higher Education Institutions in England.*

Our 2023/24 QAR was 87.6% and coupled with our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating displays the excellent learning experience for apprentices and their employers at the University of Huddersfield.

*Excludes providers with fewer than 100 apprentices.

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

You must:

Be employed in healthcare and supported to undertake the apprenticeship course by your employer.
Have BBB at A Level (120 UCAS points). If you are studying a Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course, DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, Merit at T Level, NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade B or a Pass in Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits 15 at Distinction, 30 at Merit.
Have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and the ability to access and use online study guidance and support as this course is delivered through distance learning.
Hold and provide evidence of GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under previous GCSE grading scheme or equivalent, before the start date of your apprenticeship.
Meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018c) entry requirements in respect of literacy and numeracy, good character and good health.

Offers will be subject to an interview and references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record.

You’ll need a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You’ll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination.

You’ll also be required to complete an Initial Needs Assessment.

Prior to starting the apprenticeship, you’ll need to agree to the terms set in the evidence pack. This will include the commitment statement, which will be signed by you, your employer and the University of Huddersfield as the main education provider for the apprenticeship.

You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course. Please note that the course you are applying for is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which allows a maximum of 50% of credits for the award to be conferred through accreditation of prior learning.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

If you have alternative qualifications, including the nursing associate foundation degree, you may wish to contact us for advice before applying. Please note places are limited and attainment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer. You must include details of any previous study. A Nursing Associate qualification will usually mean you can be granted Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) onto the second year of the 3-year BSc course but please check prior to applying. Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered via a portfolio of evidence mapped against the NMC standards of proficiency and the apprenticeship framework for Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA). As sector leaders in apprenticeships we hope this attracts more people to train as nurses and help towards recruiting more apprentices. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module involves exploring your development as a professional, examining your personal and professional attitudes and beliefs, as well as relating these to your future professional role as a mental health nurse. You’ll gain an understanding about how you can develop as a learner and maintain your physical and mental health, so you are able to promote and support people who have mental health care needs with their health. You’ll also learn how to manage the transition to university and explore ethical and professional codes underpinning mental health nursing.

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills to care specifically for people with mental health care needs, as well as people of all ages from conception to end of life, with a range of physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll learn the principles of holistic assessment and management of well and sick people of all ages. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain an understanding of development through the lifespan by exploring the principles of anatomy and physiology, as well as be introduced to pharmacology and medicines administration.

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you'll put the theory you have learnt into practice.

This module provides you with an opportunity to further develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

This module introduces you to the nature of knowledge and how it supports evidenced-based nursing practice. You’ll learn about how to search for and read evidence to identify its value and relevance to nursing practice. You’ll explore how to evaluate published research and will be introduced to the concept of ethics within healthcare research. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop and use a variety of transferable skills including literature searching, critical appraisal of evidence and application of evidence to your own and the nursing practice of others.

This module builds on the year one Becoming a Professional and supports you to develop the professional knowledge and transferable skills needed to become a Registered Nurse. You'll gain an understanding of professional, legal, and ethical frameworks, and their role in your clinical decision-making. You'll also develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required for effective leadership, management, and teamworking to enable you to positively influence management, decisions, and care delivery of patients and service-users in your care.

This module builds on the knowledge and skills you developed in Year 1. You’ll expand your range of assessment skills and apply them to more complex care encounters with people who have mental healthcare needs. You’ll use your knowledge to recognise deterioration and begin to identify appropriate interventions to meet the care needs for people with a range of complex physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll also plan care needs and begin to formulate care plans to meet the needs of individuals and groups of people in your care.

This module builds on the Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing module in Year 1 and introduces you to the design of research studies, including literature reviews and empirical studies. You’ll have the opportunity to develop research methods and design preparing you to undertake a study relevant to mental health nursing in Year 3. You’ll also learn about research ethics, data collection, analysis and research approaches including qualitative, qualitative and mixed method studies, literature reviews undertaken systematically, systematic reviews and audits. For those apprentices with a Nursing Associate qualification, this module may not be required. If so, you would spend this time back on base with your employer.

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills in nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

This module provides you with the opportunity to further develop your skills in nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

This module builds on professionally themed modules in Year 1 and 2 to consolidate your preparation to become a qualified nurse. You’ll have the opportunity to develop future nurse leader skills to prepare you to positively influence care beyond the organisation to a national and global level. You’ll also have the chance to develop skills in promoting quality care and service improvements across and beyond the organisation. The module prepares you to undertake the role of teacher to individuals and groups, as well as the role of practice supervisor for future nurses.

This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 and 2, enabling you to further develop your critical understanding of assessment skills to recognise and respond appropriately to the deteriorating patient. You’ll have the opportunity to expand your range of assessment skills and apply them under minimum supervision whilst managing and coordinating the care of people with mental health care needs with a range of conditions varying in complexity and in a range of settings. The module also assists you to develop skills in advanced care management and complex discharge or transfer planning.

This module provides the opportunity for you to gain fundamental skills of nursing practice including intravenous medicine administration. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

This module provides you with the opportunity to further gain fundamental skills of nursing practice including intravenous medicines administration. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

This module builds on the evidence and research modules in Year 1 and 2, enabling you to systematically undertake a literature review or a small-scale research project based on the research proposal developed in Year 2. You’ll use one of a variety of approaches including qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, audit or a review of literature undertaken in a systematic way within the mental health nursing field. You’ll also be involved in data collection and analysis.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Contact time and independent study percentages

Full-time undergraduate students, typically study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year, usually in multiples of 20 credits. A typical 20-credit module requires a total of 200 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study. Part-time students will typically study 60 credits each academic year. Teaching hours vary depending on your year of study and selected modules.

Full-time postgraduate students, typically study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year, usually in multiples of 15 credits. A typical 15 credit module requires a total of 150 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study. Part time students will typically study 90 credits each academic year. Teaching hours vary depending on your year of study and selected modules.

An average of approximately 20% of your employment time will be spent engaging in off-the-job learning. The remainder of your time will be spent in employment applying your learning to your job. You’ll be supported throughout your studies by your module tutors and personal academic tutors who will also liaise with your employer at regular, pre-agreed intervals in line with current apprenticeship funding rules and guidance. Assessments take place throughout the apprenticeship. You will also complete an end-point assessment at the end of your apprenticeship.

Find out more about contact time with your tutors, independent study and how you will be taught and assessed by searching our Course and Module catalogue.

Teaching

The teaching year for most courses normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Teaching on other courses including professional courses, postgraduate taught, research, distance learning and apprenticeship may have other start dates including January and May. All start dates can be found on each course page and term dates are also available. Students on a full-time course may have to attend every day of the week. Students who choose to study a full-time course on a part-time basis will generally attend modules at the same time as our full-time students. Timetables are normally available one month before registration.

Our courses are taught at our University campus and you can expect that your lectures and seminars will be held face to face, except in cases of emergency or if specifically stated otherwise in the module description.

Feedback

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks - unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

Progression

You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

Nothing can really replicate working in the real-world, which is why practice placements are essential and a compulsory part of the course. The Nursing and Midwifery Council require you to complete the minimum of 2300 hours across the course in order to obtain registration.

You'll have the opportunity to complete your practice learning experiences in a diverse range of health and social care settings close to home. These may be in private, voluntary, charitable or statutory settings and include forensic services, assessment teams, in-patient treatment units, rehabilitation centres, community teams, respite services, crisis and home based treatment, liaison services, child and adolescent mental health services and prisons. You'll be supervised during your practical experiences by a variety of professionals/experts in the area of care who will provide you with any required help and advice.

In order to provide you with the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences generally cover 24 hour care including evening, weekend and occasional night shifts.

Whilst on placement you'll be supported by trained supervisors and assessors, as well as by members of the academic team who will meet with you and your practice support team every 12 weeks.

Please note that you'll be required to travel to and during your placements.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

As an apprentice, there is no tuition fee to pay for the higher or degree apprenticeship. Tuition fees are covered by your employer and the government through the Levy. As you'll be a paid employee, you are not able to take out a student loan.

Are you an employer? You’ll find lots of information about how apprenticeships are funded via the levy on our Degree Apprenticeship webpages.

If you require further information, please contact apprenticeships@hud.ac.uk

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Home

International

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

Find out more

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

Find out more

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

Email us

What does the univsersity offer?

Gallery

Nursing students learning in a hospital simulator

Real-life scenarios with simulated mannequins.

Caring for patients in simulated home environment.

Explore More

Award from Ofsted for being an outstanding provider

Ofsted Outstanding courses

Huddersfield is one of only two universities in four years rated Ofsted Outstanding for apprenticeships, praised for research-informed teaching and strong employer links.

Daphne Steele Facilities Tour

Join student Ruth as she takes you on a tour of the University's state-of-the-art Daphne Steele Building, part of our National Health Innovation Campus. Explore cutting-edge learning spaces, including immersive simulation rooms, clinical labs, and real-world training environments. Designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Useful resources

Here are a few useful resources that will help you on your journey to becoming an apprentice.

Student Support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find services and support networks to help you get ahead in your studies and social life.

Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

Explore Huddersfield

Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

Find out more

Your Student Experience

Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

Learn more

Budget Friendly

Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

Find out more

Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

Find out more

Committed to Your Future

Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

Need more details?

More Info

Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

Find out more about careers support

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

See our support services

Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

Find out more

Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Nursing may teach you on this course.

Find out more about our staff

Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

Find out more

Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

Take a look at your options

Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

Discover postgraduate courses

Legal information

When you enrol as an apprentice learner of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and our disciplinary procedure. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you’ll be asked to agree to them when you join us as an apprentice. You’ll find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you’ll also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but not yet started

If we propose to make a major change to an apprenticeship course that you have applied for, then we will tell you and your employer as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Although we always try and run all the courses we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or delay your course start date if we consider this reasonably necessary, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you and your employer as soon as reasonably possible. In such instances, we will work with you and your employer to agree a deferred start date, or cancel your application and, if appropriate, provide information regarding other local apprenticeship providers.

Changes to your course after you enrol as an apprentice

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that materially changes the services available to you, or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days, classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the requirements of an updated version of the apprenticeship standard relevant to your course; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you and your employer as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered or claiming an interim award and exiting the University.

If a major change affects your course, we will notify you and your employer as soon as possible and will carry out suitable consultation with affected apprentices. If you and your employer reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment we will work with both of you to try to find an appropriate solution. Where one cannot be found we will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring your remaining apprenticeship learning to another training provider if you and your employer wish to do so.

Termination of employment

As your employer is funding your apprenticeship course, you must remain in relevant employment for the duration of the course until you have completed your end point assessment. Under the apprenticeship rules, if you are made redundant and you have completed 75% of the practical period or have less than 6 months left, then you may complete the course. Otherwise, unless you find alternative relevant employment within 12 weeks of the date you are made redundant, then you’ll be withdrawn from the course.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University. The ESFA is the principal regulator for your apprenticeship course.

Ask us a question

Registered Nurse (Degree Apprenticeship) (Blended Learning) Mental Health BSc(Hons)

Explore Government Resources

Explore Government Resources

Guide for Employers

Explore Government Resources

Explore Government Resources

Guide for Employers

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

Accreditation and Professional Links

Why study Registered Nurse (Degree Apprenticeship) (Blended Learning) Mental Health BSc(Hons)

Entry Requirements

Course Details

Becoming a Professional - Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

Introduction to Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 1 (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 2 (Blended Learning)

Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing (Blended Learning)

Developing as a Professional (Blended Learning)

Developing Critical Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

Developing Research Knowledge and Evidence for Mental Health Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 3 (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 4 (Blended Learning)

Being a Professional (Blended Learning)

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Nursing (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 5 (Blended Learning)

Nursing Practice 6 (Blended Learning)

Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Mental Health Nursing Practice (Blended Learning)

Teaching and Assessment

Placements

Fees and Finance

Scholarships and Bursaries

Tuition Fee Loans

What’s included in your fee?

Gallery

Explore More

Ofsted Outstanding courses

Daphne Steele Facilities Tour

Useful resources

Student Support

Why Hud

Explore Huddersfield

Your Student Experience

Budget Friendly

Sustainability Matters

Committed to Your Future

More Info

Careers support

Student support

Teaching Excellence

Inspiring Academics

Research Excellence

Accommodation

Further Study

Legal information

Changes to a course you have applied for but not yet started

Changes to your course after you enrol as an apprentice

Termination of employment

You may also be interested in