Nursing Associate FdSc

Overview

This Nursing Associate course offers a rewarding route into healthcare for individuals committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Blending 50% academic study and 50% practice placements, where you will gain practical experience in real healthcare settings. Combining hands-on clinical experience with expert-led classroom instruction, this two-year Foundation Degree prepares you to work as a Nursing Associate – a vital role that bridges the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses.

You will develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide compassionate, family- and person-centred care across the lifespan and in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community and primary care, mental health, learning disability, and children’s services.

Whether you are looking to begin your healthcare journey or take the next step in your career, this course provides a dedicated pathway into a rewarding career as a Nursing Associate.

Course Information

• UCAS Code: B780
• Level of Study: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: 2 years Full Time
• School: Healthcare and Nursing Sciences
• Location: Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
• City: Newcastle
• Start: September 2026
• Fees: Fee Information

Entry Requirements 2026/27

Standard Entry

• Applicants will need to hold Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
• Applicants will be required to attend an interview.
• Admission is subject to a suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate and a satisfactory health check.
• Applicants must meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council's suitability for registration requirements.
• Applicants must be 17 years old at the start of the course.

International Qualifications

• We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
• If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting the relevant webpage.

English Language Requirements

• International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0, with a minimum writing score of 6.5 and all other components at a minimum score of 7.0, or Occupational English Test (OET) with at least a grade B (350 to 440) in reading, listening and speaking, and at least a grade C+ (300 to 340) in writing.

Fees and Funding 2026/27 Entry

• UK Fee in Year 1: TBC
• International Fee in Year 1: £19,850
• Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study.
• Additional costs may include:
  • Fob watch and suitable footwear for use in placement: approximately £80
  • Travel costs: approximately £800 per year
  • Parking charges: approximately £200 per year
  • Registration with the Nursing Midwifery Council: approximately £120

Modules Overview 2026/27

Year one

• NS4000 - Practice 1 Foundations of Nursing Associate Practice (40 Credits)
  • Develops essential skills, values, and competencies for nursing associates.
  • Emphasises a patient-centered, reflective, and evidence-based approach to care.
• NS4001 - Skills 1: Preparation for nursing associate practice (20 Credits)
  • Introduces the essential concepts of safe, professional practice and core skills.
  • Develops hands-on clinical skills, including infection prevention and control, personal hygiene, and nutritional care.
• NS4002 - Theory 1: Introduction to evidence-based practice (20 Credits)
  • Prepares and supports your transition to both university and placement.
  • Introduces the term Evidence-Based Practice and its role in nursing associate care delivery.
• NS4003 - Skills 2: Mastery of essential nursing associate skills (20 Credits)
  • Further develops your communication and clinical skills.
  • Demonstrates your ability to practise in a holistic, individualised, person-centered, non-judgemental, caring, and sensitive manner.
• NS4004 - Theory 2: Life sciences in healthcare provision (20 Credits)
  • Introduces a range of life sciences underpinning healthcare provision.
  • Explores anatomy and physiology, and how understanding of key body systems enhances your ability to observe and assess individuals.

Year two

• NS5000 - Practice 2: Transition to registered nursing associate practice (40 Credits)
  • Supports you to consolidate the knowledge and skills developed in year 1.
  • Aims to develop the requisite skills to provide and monitor safe, effective, evidence-based, person-centered care.
• NS5001 - Skills 3 – Developing clinical, leadership and supervision skills (20 Credits)
  • Advances your clinical skills, leadership skills, and supervision skills.
  • Develops greater confidence to develop and practice your clinical skills, leadership skills, and supervisory skills within a simulated environment.
• NS5002 - Theory 3: Perspectives on care across the age spectrum (40 Credits)
  • Explores the essential knowledge required to support and enhance care for patients and their families across a range of settings.
  • Deepens your understanding of the nursing associate's role in delivering safe and effective care for patients with complex needs.
• NS5003 - Skills 4: Advancing Medicines Management (20 Credits)
  • Expands on the knowledge and skills gained during your practice placements.
  • Introduces more advanced skills, in line with the NMC (2024) Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates.

Careers & Employability

This course aims to equip you with the skills and experience required to be a proficient nursing associate, meeting the NMC Standards of Proficiency for nursing associates.

As a graduate, you can be prepared to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care in various healthcare environments. Essential skills in communication, teamwork, and assessment are developed, along with the ability to promote health and well-being for individuals, families, and carers across their lifespan in a range of healthcare settings.

Staff

Our diverse and enthusiastic academics are dedicated to helping you reach your full potential. They aim to provide clear guidance on expectations, assist with planning and managing your learning, and offer support for any challenges you face.

• Dr Laura Park: Programme Leader
• Dr Collette Straughair: Personal Tutor
• Debbie Findlay: Module Lead
• Dr Amy Swift: Module Lead

Facilities

Based at the Coach Lane campus, the course provides access to cutting-edge facilities, including a Clinical Skills Centre designed to refine your practical abilities. Here, you will have the opportunity to engage with virtual reality equipment and mannequins.

Northumbria’s library offers extensive resources, as well as 24/7 study spaces during term time.

Through the e-learning platform Blackboard, you can access learning materials, assessments, and support, ensuring a comprehensive and technology-driven learning experience.

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Overview:

Northumbria University is a research-intensive, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality. It is known for its commitment to unlocking potential for all and empowering innovators, visionaries, and changemakers to transform lives and make a remarkable impact on the world.

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