Access key nursing course details, assessment documents, and practice learning handbooks. Learn about student supervision, placement experiences, and the support available for practitioners.
Support and supervision
The support and supervision of students in placement areas are underpinned by the NMC (2023) Standards for Student Supervision and Support.
On our dedicated webpage, you can find further information about your role in supporting students in practice.
Practice learning experiences
Our Nursing students gain diverse practice learning experiences in community, acute, and specialist settings, working in partnership with NHS Trusts, private, and voluntary organisations. Placement type, location, and duration vary depending on the student’s course and year of study.
We ensure students develop the skills and knowledge to provide inclusive, responsive nursing care that meets the needs of diverse communities and evolving healthcare challenges.
We are committed to expanding placement models, offering students exposure to non-traditional health and social care settings, including opportunities beyond the Kent and Medway region.
Links to the 2025 course year timelines will be released soon.
Simulated practice learning
All BSc Nursing courses include an equal split of theory (2,300 hours) and practice (2,300 hours). As part of the required practice learning hours, simulated practice learning provides students with a safe, controlled environment to develop essential skills, behaviours, and attitudes.
Through a range of simulated modalities and scenarios, and live Expert by Experience (EBE) input, students engage in realistic clinical situations, allowing them to practice, repeat, reflect, and refine their skills under the guidance of practice supervisors.
Simulated learning is tailored to course requirements and student level, ensuring experiences complement real-world placements while bridging gaps in exposure to certain clinical situations.
Theory-related learning
Nursing students engage in a variety of core modules throughout their course, ranging from 15 to 60 credits. These modules cover essential nursing knowledge, ensuring students develop the theoretical foundation needed for professional practice.
For details on module content, delivery methods, teaching approaches, and assessment criteria, please refer to the links below for specific nursing courses.
Practice assessment documentation (PAD)
Students enrolled on MSc Adult, MSc Mental Health Nursing, BSc Adult, BSc Mental Health Nursing and BSc Child nursing are using the electronic PAD (E-PAD) platform for their practice assessment documentation. The apprenticeship courses (SNA, RNDA, RtP) are currently using the PAD paper version.
Examples of practice assessment documents
Nursing associate practice assessment documentation (PAD)
Clinical skills
Nursing students can undertake most clinical skills in any part of their course with only a few exceptions.
However, the accountability for them undertaking a skill lies with the Registered Practitioner that is supervising them. The supervising practitioner should confirm the students' ability to undertake any skill using questions, discussions, demonstrations or any other means they feel appropriate.
Please note that proficiencies are assessed across the part by practice supervisors and practice assessors. This form may be completed multiple times to assess the student's progress. Any proficiencies not assessed must be left blank.
Students cannot undertake anything that requires regulated training. BSc Adult Nursing students cannot undertake venipuncture and cannulation, male catheterisation or intravenous medication/therapy competencies until university simulation training has been completed. Organisations may have their own requirements in regard to competencies. Please check your organisation policy and guidance, and seek support from the education lead.
No, this skill is taught in part 2 alongside male catheterisation and venepuncture. Your organisation may also request for students to undertake additional training.
Nursing associates only need a practice supervisor allocated on placement.
Nursing associates are not assessed on placement. Instead, they are assessed in their work base.
MSc students have a degree in health-related subject such as biological sciences, psychology or public health. They also have 750 hours of practice experience prior to commencing the course.
The RNDA course is 4 years.
The course is part-time and runs over either 15 or 30 weeks, depending on how long the nurse has been out of practice. There is one clinical placement, and there is a taught module at either level 6 or 7.
There are slight differences to the BSc Adult Nurse practice assessment documentation.
The student would be a registered nurse with a degree apprenticeship.
The student would be a registered nursing associate upon completion of the course.
We are always looking for practitioners that are passionate about teaching simulation. We have a volunteer programme in place and will support you in delivering simulation. You are able to sign up for 10 hours volunteering within a supernumerary capacity. Please email PLSIT@canterbury.ac.uk to contact a member of the team.