Nursing degree apprenticeship UK
Train as an NMC-registered Registered Nurse with the NHS — earn a salary while you study, and graduate with no tuition-fee debt.
NMC registered
Outcome on completion
Full Nursing and Midwifery Council registration as a Registered Nurse
£20k–£29k
Salary range
Training salary rises to AfC Band 5 (~£29,970) on qualification
3–4 years
Programme length
Includes 2,300 hours of clinical placement across a range of settings
England only: The nursing degree apprenticeship is funded through the English apprenticeship levy and is available only in England. Scotland and Wales have separate routes into nursing — contact NHS Education for Scotland or Health Education Wales for details.
What is a nursing degree apprenticeship?
A nursing degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme that lets you train as a Registered Nurse (RN) while working for an NHS Trust or independent healthcare employer. You split your time between clinical placements — acute wards, community settings, mental health, and more — and academic study with a university partner.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requires 2,300 hours of theory and 2,300 hours of clinical practice during the programme. On completion, you join the NMC register as a Registered Nurse — exactly the same outcome as the traditional university route, but without the student loan.
NHS Trusts offering nursing degree apprenticeships
| Employer | Location | Training salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Trusts across England | Nationwide | £20k–£25k | Various — check local Trust vacancies |
| King's College Hospital NHS FT | London | £22k–£25k | University of King's College London partnership |
| Manchester University NHS FT | Manchester | £21k–£24k | University of Manchester partnership |
| University Hospitals Birmingham | Birmingham | £20k–£23k | Aston University partnership |
| Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust | Leeds | £20k–£23k | University of Leeds partnership |
Many NHS Trusts across England run nursing degree apprenticeship programmes. Search your local Trust's NHS Jobs page or use Apprentice Wizard to find current openings.
Entry requirements
2 A-levels at grade BC or above, typically including a Science
Biology, Chemistry, or Human Biology are the most relevant science subjects
GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above
Both are required — literacy and numeracy are essential for safe clinical practice
Right to work in the UK
NHS Trusts require eligibility to work in the UK; some sponsor overseas applicants — check individual listings
Satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
Enhanced DBS check required before placement; employer arranges this
Occupational health clearance
Immunisation records (including hepatitis B) and fitness to practise assessment required
Live nursing degree apprenticeship roles
Updated daily from NHS Trusts and healthcare employers across England.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a nursing degree apprenticeship?▾
A nursing degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme that trains you to become an NMC-registered Registered Nurse while working for an NHS Trust. You are paid a salary, study part time with a university partner, and complete 2,300 hours of clinical placement — graduating debt-free.
Is the nursing degree apprenticeship available in Scotland and Wales?▾
No — this programme is funded through the English apprenticeship levy and is available in England only. Scotland has separate routes via the Scottish Funding Council, and Wales offers NHS Wales bursaries. Contact NHS Education for Scotland or Health Education Wales for devolved routes.
Do I need a Science A-level for a nursing degree apprenticeship?▾
Most NHS Trusts ask for at least one Science A-level (Biology, Chemistry, or Human Biology) among your qualifications. GCSE Science at grade 4 or above is also typically required. Some Trusts accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas in Health or Science as an alternative to A-levels.
What salary will I earn as a nursing degree apprentice?▾
During training you are typically paid on the NHS Agenda for Change Band 2 or Band 3 scale — roughly £20,000–£25,000 per year. On qualifying as a Registered Nurse (Band 5), your salary rises to approximately £29,970 (AfC Band 5 minimum as of 2024–25).
Can I choose my clinical placement specialism?▾
Placements are arranged by the Trust and must meet NMC requirements across multiple settings (adult, mental health, learning disability, and/or children's nursing depending on your chosen field). Exact specialism choices depend on the Trust's programme structure — discuss preferences at interview.
