25Apr
Undergraduate This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
University of Plymouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
Nursing Associates bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses, supporting healthcare teams. You'll build clinical skills to deliver safe, holistic care across nursing fields, helping patients and families during times of need. Develop clinical and professional expertise Build the clinical expertise and professional capability to make a real impact in patient care from day one. Provide high-quality care Learn to apply evidence-based practice to support registered nurses in all areas of nursing, helping deliver safe, high-quality care to patients and their families when they need it most. Degree on your doorstep You can study with us at one of our three campuses in Plymouth, Exeter or Truro, where you'll find expert staff and modern facilities to study where it suits you. This course is for you if...
- you're compassionate and dedicated to caring for people who need your help
- you want to develop workplace skills alongside academic knowledge
- you want to deliver person-centred care throughout the nursing process
- you want to make a difference to society through healthcare.
Modules
Year 1 In your first year, you'll build a strong foundation in the core principles of Nursing Associate practice. You'll explore the role of the Nursing Associate within contemporary healthcare, developing the skills to become an independent, reflective practitioner. You'll study anatomy and physiology to support holistic care, learn to build therapeutic relationships, and understand the ethical and legal responsibilities of the role. You'll also begin applying the Nursing Process to deliver safe, evidence-based care across diverse settings. Final year In your final year, you'll deepen your expertise across key areas of Nursing Associate practice. You'll explore public health priorities and learn to apply health promotion strategies using real-world data. You'll build confidence in medicines management and safe administration, while developing leadership skills to support teams and drive quality improvement. Through research and audit, you'll learn to enhance patient safety and deliver evidence-based care. You'll also prepare for professional registration by gaining skills in teaching, supervision, and reflective practice – ready to lead, support, and educate others in clinical settings. For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
Assessment method
For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
14Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
A level - DDE
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Access to HE Diploma - M: 15 credits P: 30 credits
Scottish Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - C
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - C
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level - Pass (D or E)
Capability to develop numeracy skills required to meet programme outcomes demonstrated through GCSE Grade C/4 in maths. Equivalents may be considered. Capability in literacy to meet programme outcomes demonstrated through GCSE Grade C/4 in English. Equivalents may be considered Capability for digital and technological literacy to meet programme outcomes *The NMC accept an IELTS Academic examination certificate than confirms achievement at: An overall score of least 7 At least 6.5 in all elements (writing, reading, listening and speaking) Successful application will also be subject to interview, Occupational Health and DBS checks.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/fdsc-nursing-associate
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Health checks
Interview
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | With 6.5 in all elements. |
Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.
English Language Requirements
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
* For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees
* Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
* ‘Islands’ refers to fees for both the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA