Programme structure
The three-year programme is made up of two 31-week years and one 30-week year, totalling 92 weeks. Attendance pattern may vary dependent on modules undertaken.
The School of Health Sciences is a member of the Association of Advanced Practice Educators UK (AAPE UK) which provides national guidance on ACP education. This relationship will aid in future-proofing the contemporary value and quality of the programme.
With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met. Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role or furthers apprentices development into new areas.
Entry requirements
- First degree in relevant subject
- Registration with an appropriate professional healthcare body in the UK (HCPC, NMC, RCOT etc) with a minimum of three years post registration experience
- English and Mathematics qualification at a minimum of level 2
- IELTS English language 7
Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPL/RPEL) is available to all apprentices enrolled on educational programmes within the School of Health Sciences.
Teaching and assessment
The programme is based on multi-professional teaching and learning within a spirit of enquiry and the active co-production of knowledge amongst staff, apprentices and students, in learning, teaching and research. Learners on the programme are partners with lecturers facilitating an interactive learning community.
A blended learning approach will be facilitated through My Studies enables the provision of learning resources specific to individual modules, the ‘Ask study skills’ resource and provides access to the online library.
The development of the electronic portfolio over approximately two years, provides apprentices the space to explore their role and discover how they are meeting the Institute for Apprenticeships degree apprenticeship standards.
A range of summative assessment methods are used throughout the programme including:
- e-Portfolio
- case studies
- OSCE and practice skills
- multiple choice question exams
- written exam
- written assignments
- oral assessment and presentation
- practice business proposal and implementation plan.
The Managing Complexity in Advanced Clinical Practice core module provides an e-Portfolio framework for the mapping of the Institute For Apprenticeships for Advanced Clinical Practice standards. These capabilities are assessed over approximately a 2-year period.
Facilities
Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite
Clinical skills and simulation rooms on both our Brighton: Falmer and Eastbourne campuses provide an invaluable tool for assessment and monitoring apprentices' progress throughout the course.
Apprentices benefit from practising skills in an environment that simulates real-life professional experiences. Learning by simulation with state-of -the-art mannequins enables apprentices to practice in a safe environment under supervision, so they can apply their knowledge and skills in professional practice with confidence.
Flexible Learning Environment
The Flexible Learning Environment is an adapted home environment in a residential location where apprentices are able to practise skills and learn from others while taking part in realistic training scenarios.
Every room is fitted with cameras and microphones, so that apprentices can be directed and mentored from the control room while the observation room provides the opportunity to review, playback and debrief.
Employer and apprentice commitments
In order to deliver the programme, the employer undertakes to:
- conduct a workplace induction and set out a contract of employment
- provide an appropriately qualified workplace mentor to support the apprentice
- attend apprentice's progress review (twice a year)
- release apprentice for scheduled off-the-job training
- have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place from the start of the programme.
Throughout the programme, apprentices will:
- attend the workplace for the agreed pattern as set out in the employment contract
- record all training sessions and off-the-job learning
- attend scheduled university learning sessions and complete all assessments as required by the university and End Point Assessment Organisation
- behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
- engage with regular progress reviews
- complete, throughout the apprenticeship, a professional development portfolio.
Fees and funding information for apprentices
Course fees
As an apprentice the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.
Student finance
Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.
Learning support
Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for Access to Work funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia team on 01273 643 799.
Living costs and benefits
Higher and degree level apprentices must fulfil the standard eligibility criteria in order to apply for means tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you have any questions about entitlement to benefits, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 643888.
Higher and degree level apprentices who are undertaking a full-time mode of study can be treated as being exempt from paying Council Tax. Although some programmes require study on a day-release arrangement, this can still be classed as full-time study. You will need to obtain a letter from the Student Information Desk at any campus and send this to your Council Tax department when you enrol on the programme.
Other
Brighton & Hove bus discount
NUS card