Blended nursing degrees

What’s a blended nursing degree?

Health Education England (HEE) has recently announced that students can now apply for blended learning degrees commissioned by HEE for delivery by seven universities in England. Courses start at the beginning of 2021.

The degrees are described by HEE on their website as “a flexible way to fit study around work and life, using mainly digital technologies, but still including practical, hands-on experience.” 

Are these online degrees?

No, there are no specific online degrees. This term is confusing for many. 

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is clear about the need for patient contact to support learning and this is the blended approach. Any university developing an education offer needs to demonstrate evidence of placement hours on their curriculum, and you must complete 2,300 clinical practice hours before you’re able to register as a nurse. 

Visit the NMC website for more information.

This is a robust system and just a different way of delivering nurse education

How has the RCN been involved in developing these degrees?

We were part of the group working collaboratively with HEE, the NMC, the universities and strategic advisory partner organisations on the development of the blended degree. 

Are they as good as traditional nursing degrees?

It remains to be seen if they are as good, or even better, but this is a robust system and just a different way of delivering nurse education. These degrees will be quality assured and approved by the NMC quality assurance processes, and the NMC is also on the steering group supporting this work. 

Is this only available in England?

No. Different learning formats are available across the UK. The Open University has offered this for some time, with delivery in Northern Ireland. Wales has also taken a blended learning approach for a little while. However, the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for this form of education, to improve accessibility for all. 

What group of people are blended degrees aimed at?

They are for anyone who has an interest in becoming a registered nurse, whose current situation may not allow them to study in the traditional way. For example, some nursing support workers with years of nursing experience may consider this to be a career development opportunity that offers them a more flexible approach to studying. 

Across the UK, people living through the pandemic have lost their jobs and the public has recognised the importance of nursing, so more people are considering it as a career.

UCAS figures show an increase in the number of mature students wishing to study for a nursing degree in particular. This approach may open up opportunities for them, especially if they have caring commitments, are unable to move to study, or are limited by physical access to a course.

The RCN is here to support you

Do I need to be a digital expert to access these courses?

Absolutely not. However, this way of learning will support the growth of a digitally expert and professional nursing workforce. Completing these courses will give you access to new and emerging technologies – which is important for your future employment within health and social care.

What support can the RCN give me if I want to consider a blended degree?

Getting support to be digitally aware is important, but we know it’s hard to get that help if you feel nervous about technology or you just don’t know where to start. 

The RCN is here to support you. Expert members in our digital nursing, leadership and education forums advise on the resources we develop to support you so you will get up-to-date and relevant advice for today’s workplaces. 

Our friendly and helpful library team are here to help too – and they are experienced at helping people with all kinds of backgrounds and different levels of experience. They welcome questions from all members. 

You could also take a look at the RCN Every nurse an e-nurse resource.