PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nursing) Degree Apprenticeship
Course Overview
The University of Bolton's Level 7 PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nurse) Degree Apprenticeship supports the development of confident, professional School Nurses, able to deliver and lead the Healthy Child Programme (5-19/+) within the ever-changing health, social and economic landscape. You can offer structured on-the-job training and a nationally recognised qualification in School Nursing, helping you attract the best new talent and retain valued staff through career progression. Your apprentices will be able to put their new skills and understanding into practice immediately, benefitting your organisation and the communities you serve without delay.This programme has been fully mapped to the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (NMC 2022) apprenticeship standard (ST1418). Studying at the University will complement learning in your workplace. We'll work with you to devise individual learning agreements for each of your apprentices, ensuring they fulfil the apprenticeship criteria and develop additional skills and knowledge valuable for your organisation.
Our passionate and knowledgeable staff will support your apprentices as they learn to build trusting relationships with children, young people and families, to positively influence their future health outcomes. Apprentices will learn to identify health needs and strengths and deliver timely, effective, evidence-based interventions, working in partnership with people who use services. Upon successfully completing this qualification, your apprentices will possess the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to perform as independent, highly competent, compassionate School Nurses who can be trusted to use their professional autonomy to adapt and tailor their response to the health, safety and wellbeing needs of individuals, families and communities within diverse and changing contexts.
Highlights
- The course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and on successful completion, your apprentices will be eligible to apply to register as Specialist Community Public Health Nurses - School Nurses (SCPHN-SN).
- When apprentices successfully complete the end point assessment for this course, they will receive a degree apprenticeship certificate from the relevant awarding body and be awarded an academic degree – the PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nursing) from the University of Bolton.
- Face-to-face sessions and one-to-one support are offered by our professional expert academic tutors who come from a wide range of clinical and academic backgrounds.
- Your apprentices will have access to facilities such as a Community Simulation Suite, where they can practice skills and develop knowledge using equipment and simulated scenarios specific to Specialist Community Public Health Nursing.
- We'll guide your apprentices as they gain key skills, knowledge, and behaviours, including professional curiosity, interpersonal and communication skills, initiative, leadership, research and critical reflection, collaborative working, self-care and resilience, record keeping, and caseload management.
- During the final stage of the course, your apprentice will undertake a substantial practice-related project, the nature of which will be identified and developed through consultation between your organisation and the University. As well as offering your apprentice valuable experience, this live project can provide genuine insight into potential opportunities or improvements that can benefit your organisation.
Key Features
- We'll support your apprentices as they learn to carry out the full range of duties required of a School Nurse in relation to autonomous practice in specialist community public health, addressing inequalities, improving health outcomes, promoting healthy environments, and leading and collaborating.
- This integrated degree apprenticeship skilfully combines study in our vibrant higher education environment with practical and focused work-based learning and experience in your organisation.
- Course materials are available online, allowing your apprentices to prepare work in advance and make the most of the highly interactive in-class tuition.
- Our approach to teaching and learning is student-centred, so we'll work closely with your apprentices, providing them with tailored help and support on an individual basis throughout their studies.
- Qualified healthcare practitioners contribute to each of the modules. They are invited as guest speakers so that apprentices can learn from their first-hand examples of current practice.
- We also work to help your apprentices appreciate the views of people who use services, and carers by involving them throughout the course from recruitment to assessment.
- Quarterly and annual reviews, where each apprentice, their workplace mentor and a member of our team meet to assess your apprentice's progress, promote continuing conversation between your workplace and the University. This helps to ensure the success of your apprentices and maximise the value of their studies to your organisation.
Entry Requirements
- Application to this programme is open to NMC registered nurses (level 1) or NMC registered Midwives who have an active entry at the time of application. Please contact the programme leader for details of the application procedure. You can find their name, email address and phone number in the Programme Contacts section of this page.
- Applicants must hold a degree qualification (or evidence equivalent experience) and have the ability to work at postgraduate academic level HE7.
- An applicant must possess GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade 4-9 (or grade C or above) or hold an equivalent such as Functional Skills Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy. Please contact apprentices@bolton.ac.uk for a list of acceptable GCSE equivalents, further information and support.
- Experience in this specialist field is beneficial, although not essential.
- Candidates will be required to attend an interview if their application is successfully short-listed. The interview process will involve an individual interview with a university member of staff, a representative from the sponsoring employer and a service user. Applicants will also be assessed on their values, behaviours, communication and problem-solving skills, and undertake a presentation or written assessment. Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio of work/evidence in support of their application.
- RP(E)L for exemptions from modules in this course. Any applications for accreditation of prior learning will be considered before admission, on an individual basis, by the RPL panel. Claims need to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes in theory and practice as defined within the specific module specification.
- Applicants must satisfactorily pass occupational health screening before enrolment.
- An applicant must provide satisfactory professional and academic references.
- Apprentices will need to demonstrate that they are of good health and good character prior to enrolment and on an on-going basis throughout their studies and career.
- This course involves regulated activity, so applicants must have an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting their studies. This is confirmed with the employer and does not require an additional certificate.
- Admission to this programme is only available to applicants who meet ESFA eligibility criteria, including the following: 1) They are employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a role relevant to the apprenticeship. 2) They have valid residency status and the right to work in England and can provide a valid BRP card (valid beyond the end date of the programme including End-Point Assessment (EPA)), and a ‘Right to Work’ share code for validation. 3) Their employer is willing to sponsor them to spend a minimum of six hours per week of their time in off-the-job training, including attending the University (times and dates to be determined) for the duration of their course. Please note that an apprentice cannot be self-employed. ESFA eligibility criteria may change so please contact apprentices@bolton.ac.uk for up-to-date information.
- If English isn’t the applicant's first language, they will also need IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- To be eligible for tuition fee funding through the Apprenticeship Levy, candidates should not normally have already completed a qualification at the same level as the proposed apprenticeship, unless that qualification was gained in a completely unrelated discipline.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University of Bolton's Fitness to Practise procedure.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
The University of Bolton's Level 7 PgDip in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nurse) Degree Apprenticeship is designed to meet the degree apprenticeship Standard for Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (NMC 2022) (ST1418). Regulated by the NMC, the standard underpins a highly relevant qualification and professional development pathway that educates apprentices to assess the health needs of individuals, families, and the wider community. This course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) and duties required for School Nurses who provide a universal service for infants, children and families in their own homes and community settings.
Upon successfully completing the SCPHN (School Nurse) Degree Apprenticeship, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills needed to perform as independent, highly competent, compassionate School Nurses. Graduate apprentices will be able to develop, lead and manage activities that aim to promote health and wellbeing and prevent health breakdown through working with individuals, families and communities. They will be able to help children, young people, and families take control of their lives and protect vulnerable members of society by promoting social inclusion and reducing inequalities.
Employers can expect them to have a wide range of transferable skills and supporting knowledge, including leadership, communication, enquiry, advocacy, critical reflection and analysis skills. They will be adept at planning and time management, rational decision-making, critical thinking, and assessment, and possess excellent higher-level communication skills.
What can I do with this qualification?
Graduate apprentices will most likely be employed by the NHS as School Nurses. They will be ready to undertake home visits and see children, young people and families in clinic settings, using their expertise and training to identify needs, determine risks, and work with a range of other professionals to ensure appropriate support is provided as early as possible. They will also be able to organise and attend clinics and sessions in community and children's centres.
Upon successful completion of the end point assessment after completing the course, apprentices will be well prepared for a career in SCPHN (School Nursing) and to work their way up to positions of greater responsibility in the sector.
On successfully completing the PgDip, graduate apprentices will be eligible to progress to the MSc Community Public Health Nursing (top-up), which comprises a 60-credit research dissertation module.
Professional Recognition
The University of Bolton's PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nursing) programme is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
After successful completion of the course, apprentices will have their names registered on part 3 of the NMC's professional register.
Successful apprentices will be awarded a PgDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nursing) from the University of Bolton and a degree apprenticeship certificate from the relevant awarding body.
Fees & Funding
Apprentices will not be expected to pay tuition fees towards this programme. If your organisation has a wage bill of more than £3 million per annum, then it may be able to fund this apprenticeship through its Apprenticeship Levy contributions. If your organisation does not pay the levy, it will be eligible for government support to fund apprenticeships. This support, called co-investment, covers 95% of the apprenticeship's tuition fees, with your organisation funding the remaining 5% of the fees.
Home/EU Fees
Apprentices will need to be employed by your organisation for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Your organisation will also need to commit to sponsoring apprentices to complete this qualification.
For further information on how your organisation can access funds to support apprentices, please e-mail apprentices@bolton.ac.uk.
Whether you’re an employer, employee or school leaver, please visit our Apprenticeship web page for support and advice regarding apprenticeships.
International Fees
International applications are not possible for this course
As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.
We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.
Bursaries
There are no bursaries associated with this programme.
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
International Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Partner Organisation Applicants
Course application details are unavailable at present
Teaching & Assessment
Modern healthcare professionals require a range of skills and values. Our tutors will work with your organisation to ensure your apprentices gain experience in various practice scenarios designed to develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment. Learning focuses on your workplace environment and builds the transferable body of knowledge and skills required to achieve professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (School Nurse) and apply this expertise within your organisation. Your apprentices will spend approximately 50% of their time in the workplace, with the other 50% of their time being devoted to off-the-job training and university learning. This will enable them to achieve the NMC requirements to enter the register and fulfil the required level of off-the-job training specified for apprenticeships by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
The course explores the concepts of public health for children, young people, and families within a variety of communities. Topics such as early intervention, promoting mental health and wellbeing, professional practice and leadership will be covered along with safeguarding and research. All modules are underpinned with contemporary legislation and literature, with a focus on the benefits of interagency working to benefit communities.
We'll work to help your apprentices gain key transferable skills, including the ability to work independently, adapt to changing circumstances, work in teams and groups, and listen and respond to the needs of children, young people, and families. We'll also encourage them to develop planning and time management, rational decision-making, critical thinking, and higher-level communication skills during their studies. We aim for your apprentices to grow into compassionate, autonomous practitioners capable of advancing public health services whilst promoting human rights.
To complement lectures that introduce the course content, seminars and group-based activities allow apprentices to explore subjects in greater detail. Tutorials give them the opportunity to clarify their understanding of the topics we cover in lectures and seminars. We use case studies and practical scenarios to help apprentices apply their newly acquired academic knowledge to their field of practice and gain valuable insights into contemporary public health provision. Apprentices will also be expected to undertake considerable guided independent study; for instance, library research and background reading, preparing for seminar and tutorial activities and working on assignments.
To help support your apprentices' learning, we'll offer additional study skills sessions covering areas such as essay writing, numeracy, library skills and electronic searching. Inter-professional health and social care practitioners will also contribute as guest speakers, offering your apprentices the chance to further develop their knowledge and understanding.
A range of assessment methods will be used, including essays, reports, presentations, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), traditional examinations, and assessment of practice within the practice setting. Some assessments contribute to their final module marks, while others are designed to help them identify their strengths, challenges, opportunities and barriers, and where they need to seek extra support from course tutors.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Synthesising The Evidence-Base For Innovative Specialist Practice
- Sustainable Population Health Across The Life Span
- Professional Practice and Compassionate Leadership in School Nursing
- Early Intervention For Improving Outcomes Across the Lifespan
- Advocating For Children, Young People and Families at Risk
- Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Coursework 55% Practical exams 37% Written exams 8% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 38% Placement/study abroad 50% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 12% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
