Program Overview

Nursing Associate FdSc

Course Description

The Nursing Associate FdSc is a two-year course that requires full-time study. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to become a Registered Nursing Associate. The course is well-established, and the University of Derby was one of the first institutions to run a nursing associate programme.

What is a Nursing Associate?

A nursing associate is a relatively new role that bridges the gap between health and care assistants and registered nurses. Nursing associates work in various health and social care settings, including hospitals, care homes, hospices, GP practices, and community services. Their responsibilities vary depending on the care setting, but may include:

• Performing and recording clinical observations
• Undertaking clinical tasks, such as venepuncture and ECGs
• Supporting people with unwelcome news and life-changing diagnoses
• Discussing and sharing information with other professionals about a patient's condition, behavior, activity, and assessments
• Ensuring the privacy, dignity, and safety of individuals
• Recognizing issues related to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults

Key Benefits of this Course

• Learn about all four fields of nursing to discover your passions and talents
• Get the qualification needed to become a Registered Nursing Associate (a title protected by law) and/or use this course as a step towards becoming a Registered Nurse
• Study in Derby or Chesterfield
• Spend 50% of your time on placement and 50% of your time at university
• This is a well-established course with a strong reputation

Is this Course for Me?

This course is suitable for individuals who:

• Want to become a Registered Nursing Associate
• Want to become a Registered Nurse but don't yet have the qualifications to get onto one of the full nursing degrees
• Want to become a Registered Nurse but don't yet know which area to specialize in, so they want to experience all four areas of nursing first

First-class Facilities

The University of Derby's Derby campus and Chesterfield site offer outstanding learning environments, including:

• Replica wards
• Treatment rooms
• A state-of-the-art Immersive Suite that simulates the sights and sounds of different care settings

In Tune with Latest Developments

This course is closely mapped against the needs of employers and responds to national changes, such as latest government policies, to ensure that learning is up-to-date and relevant.

Higher Technical Qualification

This programme has been recognized as a Higher Technical Qualification, which means it has been developed by awarding bodies in collaboration with employers, so students get the right training, knowledge, and skills to succeed in the workplace.

What You Will Study

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Professionalism and the role of the Nursing Associate
  • Providing and Monitoring Person-Centred Care
  • Holistic Health Promotion
  • Practice Assessment Part 1

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • (Not specified in the input)

Entry Requirements

2024 Entry

• UCAS points: 80
• A Level: CDD
• T Level: Pass (with C or above in the core)
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area)

2025 Entry

• UCAS points: 80
• A Level: CDD
• T Level: Pass (with C or above in the core)
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area)

Additional Entry Requirements

• Interview: Yes
• Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University
• Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University

How You Will Learn

Placements

• At least 50% of your time will be spent on placement in both years
• Placements happen throughout the course, alternating between learning theory at university and gaining experience on placement
• You will have a Practice Assessor and Supervisor on each placement who will provide guidance, support, and valuable feedback

Other Study

• Lectures
• Scenario-based learning sessions
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Debates
• Practice-based workshops

How You Are Assessed

• Assessment approaches are varied and include:
  • Poster presentations
  • Exam
  • Essays
  • Assignments
  • Case-based discussions
  • Practical skills assessments

Getting You Career Ready

• 96% of UK graduates are in employment or further study
• Top 5 for employability (Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025)
• 87% of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Included in your fees:
  • Uniforms
  • Markers, name badges, and ID holders
  • DBS Check
  • Occupational Health Check
  • Mandatory vaccinations
  • Mandatory training
• Mandatory costs not included in your fees:
  • Suitable shoes that comply with uniform policy (approx. £40)
  • Travel to and from university base
• Optional costs not included in your fees:
  • Textbooks to supplement anything available through the library (various prices)
  • Printing costs of course materials if a hard copy is desired (approximately 5p per sheet)
  • Students may opt to engage in international trips and activities that are not fully funded, though bursaries may be available
  • Optional outings and trips will also require self-funding
  • Professional NMC membership required to practice

How to Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University
• International students: Apply through the online application portal or contact one of our trusted local representatives
• Please note: This course is only available to people who already have permission to live and study in the UK, and we are not able to issue a CAS for visa purposes for this course.