Course summary
Are you looking to become a nurse but not sure which specialism to choose? On this foundation degree, you will work across all fields of nursing to register as a nursing associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in just two years. This programme is also the perfect stepping stone towards further training to qualify as a Registered Nurse. You will play a vital role in the nursing team, working closely with healthcare assistants and registered nurses across adult, children's, learning disabilities, and mental health nursing. Our expert tutors will deliver theoretical teaching rooted in the latest evidence and research, and will support you throughout the programme to help you reach your full potential. On campus, you will immerse yourself in a range of nursing scenarios using our clinical skills and simulation facilities. These include simulated ward areas, high-dependency care areas, home spaces, and our cutting-edge immersive simulation room. This simulated learning will prepare you for clinical placements, where you will spend half of your degree gaining valuable real-world experience in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, GP surgeries, and clinics. Course Overview Equal value is placed on theory and practice for the duration of the FdSc Nursing Associate programme, so 50% of your time on this course will be spent on placement. You’ll cover all areas of nursing practice (adult, children's, mental health and learning disability) in the NHS as well as private, voluntary and independent sectors. Placement settings will include hospitals, nursing homes, GP surgeries, clinics, and more. Throughout the length of the course, you will be introduced to essential knowledge that a nursing associate is required to understand to enable the delivery of effective person-centred care, including the ability to research and study independently and work with student colleagues. At the end of this course, you'll be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and practise as a nursing associate. You'll also be able to complete further training through a top-up course or degree apprenticeship to qualify as a nurse. On this course you will
- Spend 50% of the programme on clinical placement being supervised and assessed by practice staff.
- Learn and work alongside all fields of nursing and the multi-disciplinary team whilst on placement, and recognise the contribution of different health professionals' roles and expertise.
- Develop skills through a range of nursing placements that will be a mixture of hospital and community settings, and through skills teaching and simulated practice.
- Prepare to deliver a wide range of clinical, care and interpersonal skills underpinned by a systematic knowledge base.
- Develop and accomplish the knowledge and skills you need to practise and provide evidenced-based and compassionate care as a registered nursing associate.
Modules
Year one The first year of the FdSc Nursing Associate is designed to introduce you to the concepts that underpin nursing associate practice. There are 6 academic modules this year in total, of equal academic weighting of 20 credits. The aim is to introduce you to the concept of holistic healthcare and the importance of effective communication skills, professional and ethical practice, introduction to evidence led care and health and social care policy. The biological sciences module will be supported with practical clinical skills sessions in the simulated ward environment. You will also study principles of nursing practice applied to Nursing Associates. There are two Placement allocations in year one and these are assessed against the NMC proficiencies, and it is mandatory that both these placements are achieved.
- Applied Biological Sciences for Health
- Professional Practice & Accountability
- Developing Evidence-Based Practice
- Introduction to Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Concepts of Health & Social Policy
- Introduction to Nursing Associate Practice
- Pharmacology and Medicine Therapeutics
- Living with Long Term Conditions Across the Lifespan
- Learning from the Lived Experience
- Communication and Relationship Management in a Therapeutic Context
- Understanding Care Needs
- The Nursing Associate as Leader
Assessment method
The FdSc Nursing Associate Programme utilises a variety of assessment methods. Each module assessment is required to be achieved and the method may be different with each module that you take. You will be assessed through written examinations, coursework assignments and essays, portfolios, oral presentations, and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). At the start of each module, you will be given information on the method of assessment and the date for submission. Assignment support and guidance will be given for each module.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council
How to apply
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
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 48 points
A level - A
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
Access to HE Diploma - P: 45 credits
Scottish Higher - DDDD
T Level - Pass (D or E)
NVQ 3 or equivalent portfolio of evidence may be considered as determined by the programme leader. GCSE English and Maths at C/4 or above or Pass in Functional Skills at level 2.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/nursing-associate/
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Health checks
Interview
Other
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
EU | £9535 | Year 1 |
England | £9535 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
International | £14900 | 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
Provider information
University of Cumbria
Registered Office
Fusehill Street
Carlisle
CA1 2HH