This paper aims to discuss the development of a pre-registration high-dependency nursing programme and evaluate its effects on student's perceived learning and confidence in managing critically ill patients. The programme consists of two modules that compliment one another, 'Care of the Acutely III Adult' focuses on a variety of disease processes and subsequent nursing care. Whilst the second module titled 'Caring for the Highly Dependant/Critically III Adult' focuses on assessment skills related to critically ill patients. The paper explores the content and delivery of the modules including the advantages and disadvantages of implementing them. Student evaluation from 59 nursing students found that student's knowledge, assessment skills and management of the critically ill patient had improved since completing the modules. Nurse Consultants, intensive therapy unit matrons and Critical Care Outreach nurses have acknowledged an increase in the number of nursing students identifying and referring critically ill patients to outreach teams. They also stated improvements in nurse recruitment in critical care since commencement of the modules.