BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) Top Up Degree Apprenticeship

18 Months On Campus Bachelors Program

Liverpool John Moores University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) Top‑Up Degree Apprenticeship at Liverpool John Moores University is a fantastic opportunity to earn your honours degree while continuing to work in a healthcare setting, giving you hands-on experience alongside academic learning. It’s designed for Nursing Associates or Assistant Practitioners who are ready to take the next step in their career, helping you gain confidence, advanced skills, and full professional registration in just 18 months.

Curriculum structure

Level 5 foundations (months 1–6)
In the first phase, you’ll build on what you already know, focusing on adult nursing theory and practical skills. Through modules like Assessment in Adult Nursing, Complexities in Adult Nursing Care, and Developing Practice Learning, you’ll learn how to assess, plan, and deliver care safely and effectively for adults with a variety of health needs. This phase gives you the confidence to apply your skills in real clinical settings.

Level 6 advanced practice (months 7–18)
The second phase is about stepping into a more advanced professional role. You’ll explore modules such as Person Centred Care Planning in Adult Nursing, Leadership and Quality Enhancement, and Managing Risk in Adult Nursing, helping you take charge of patient care, make informed decisions, and lead improvements in your workplace. You’ll also gain insight into health policy, economics, and advanced interventions, preparing you to take on complex challenges in adult nursing.

Focus areas: adult nursing care, critical decision-making, leadership, health policy, advanced clinical interventions.

Learning outcomes: confidently practice as an NMC-registered adult nurse, apply evidence-based care, communicate effectively with patients and teams, lead improvements in care, and adapt to complex care needs.

Professional alignment (accreditation): fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and aligned with the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship standard, so you’ll be ready for professional registration upon graduation.

Reputation (employability rankings): LJMU’s School of Nursing and Advanced Practice is award-winning, recognized for Nurse Education Provider of the Year and Best Student Experience, with 95% of nursing students praising academic support — a strong sign of excellent preparation for your career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Liverpool John Moores University, this Adult Nursing Top-Up Degree is all about learning by doing. You won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll be practicing real nursing skills from day one, using modern facilities that mirror the environments you’ll work in. The programme balances classroom learning with hands-on experience, giving you the confidence and practical skills to succeed in your career. You’ll also collaborate with peers, learn from experienced mentors, and use digital tools to support your learning every step of the way. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Professional clinical simulation suites – practice procedures and patient interactions in realistic, high-tech environments before moving into real clinical settings.
Practice learning placements – spend around half of your time in hospitals, clinics, and community care settings, working alongside experienced nurses to apply your skills in real-life situations.
Group projects and collaborative learning – work with fellow students on case studies, seminars, and reflective activities using digital platforms like e-portfolios and discussion boards.
Guided supervision and mentoring – receive support from both academic tutors and clinical supervisors who help you connect theory with practice.
Digital learning tools – access online resources and university software to support your studies and stay connected with your learning community.
Campus facilities – learn in the dedicated Tithebarn Building and access the City Campus Library, equipped with nursing and health resources, study spaces, and support services.

For a full overview of LJMU’s facilities that support your learning:

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) Top‑Up Degree leave LJMU ready to hit the ground running as fully registered nurses. You’ll have the skills, confidence, and professional registration to make a real difference in hospitals, community care, or private healthcare. Typical roles you could step into include Registered Adult Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Practice Educator, or Healthcare Team Leader, each offering rewarding opportunities and career growth. Here’s how LJMU helps you get there:

Careers support services – LJMU’s Student Futures team is there to guide you with everything from job search tools and CV advice to interview preparation and networking opportunities.
Strong employment outcomes – nursing graduates from LJMU are highly sought after, with many stepping straight into NHS roles or other healthcare positions upon graduation.
Professional recognition – completing this programme means you’ll be eligible to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register, giving you a qualification respected across the UK.
Long-term accreditation value – the NMC-approved programme ensures your degree remains relevant and valued throughout your career.
Graduation outcomes – many graduates continue their journey in clinical practice, take on leadership roles, or move into specialist areas, shaping the future of healthcare.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, there are plenty of options to grow your expertise. Many graduates pursue postgraduate qualifications like MSc Advanced Clinical Practice, or Master’s degrees in Nursing Leadership, Education, or specialist clinical areas. These pathways can open doors to senior clinical, academic, or management roles — giving you even more ways to make an impact in healthcare.