After lengthy public consultation, it was decided to maintain a limited number of postgraduate bursaries for the 2017 to 2018 academic year. From September 2018, all postgraduate courses will come into line with the wider funding model. This transition was announced in July 2016, and was intended to maintain workforce supply before new changes took effect.
Whilst the Government is reforming the funding for nursing degrees, it is also introducing a range of affordable routes into nursing for those who do not wish to become full-time students. The new nursing degree apprenticeship scheme offers a paid route into nursing. This course will train and educate students to full Nursing and Midwifery Council registered nurse status, whilst offering employment at an NHS trust. So far, these courses are only available in particular areas in England, but I am confident that they will provide many people with an accessible and fulfilling route in nursing. Furthermore, an extra 5,000 nursing associates will be trained in 2018, and 7,500 in 2019. The nursing associate is a new role which offers a work-based route into nursing for new or existing health and care staff.
