Work based learning is an ethos which has continued to grow within the School of Health Sciences at the University of Suffolk. In 2016, the University was the first institution nationally to run a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved work based learning programme which provided an opportunity for learners to study a BSc (Hons) in Nursing in both Adult and Mental Health pathways, while they remained employed. This programme was designed collaboratively with Health Education England (HEE) and Practice Partners in response to requests from the Service Providers for a complementary alternative to the conventional three year degree delivery model for nurse education.
Following on from the success of this programme, in 2017 the University of Suffolk developed the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship). this pre-registration course is delivered in partnership with our National Health Service Trust colleagues and a number of other health, social welfare and educational organisations across East Anglia. Every learning opportunity apprentices have results from that partnership. This means that their experiences will be exactly what is needed to achieve their ambitions.
The degree apprenticeship is a four year course which is designed to enable learners to remain in their substantive roles and study at the same time. In addition, it provides local health care providers with the opportunity to increase their workforce and offer employment to individuals who would like to enter the profession and study via an apprenticeship route. Teaching takes place through lectures, seminars, workshop activities, online learning and work based learning, supported by a comprehensive programme of tutorial support.