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University of Gloucestershire
Undergraduate

Nursing Associate

FdSc

Course options

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Study type
Full Time
Course length
2 Years
Campus
Oxstalls, Gloucester
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

This course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours to become a Nursing Associate.

We’ll enable you to become a compassionate, competent and confident nursing associate at academic level 5 (foundation degree) – qualified to deliver a wide range of clinical, care and inter-personal skills, underpinned by a systematic knowledge base.

You’ll be able to practise safely and effectively within your parameters of practice, demonstrating appropriate values and behaviours in a wide range of health and care settings.

Study style

You’ll experience a variety of learning and teaching methods to enable you to achieve all of the learning outcomes and continue your personal and professional development. Learning styles will include a flexible and blended combination of:

  • formal learning (face-to-face, physical and/or virtual/online)
  • mandatory clinical training prior to placement
  • placements in a variety of settings
  • clinical skills development
  • reading and study periods
  • self-directed learning (physical/online)
  • educational supervision and mentoring
  • assessment activities
  • teaching within the workplace
  • collaborative learning sets
  • informal learning (eg blogs, social media)
  • simulation
  • shadowing

Entry requirements

    • 72 UCAS tariff points, CDE at A levels, MMP at Extended diploma.

      If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • Applicants must have a Level 2 English qualification (GCSE Grade 4-9 / A-C) or Level 2 Functional Skills English. You must also have a Level 2 Maths qualification (GCSE Grade 4-9 / A-C) or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths.

    • You must have a minimum of one year recent healthcare experience and you should also hold the Care Certificate.

    • All applicants must complete an occupational health assessment and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance as part of the selection process, and any offer made will be subject to these.

    • Entry requirements are flexible and inclusive, so if you do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements but have significant life and/or work experience then your application will be considered on an individual basis. You will still need to meet the GCSE English and Maths requirements.

    • Applicants who meet the course entry requirements will be invited to attend an interview which will assess your values and how you can demonstrate the ability to learn behaviours, in accordance with The Code (NMC, 2018).

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Fees and costs

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Start date Location Course code Fee (UK)
Fee (international)
Apr 2025 Oxstalls, Gloucester £9,250 £16,600

Ready to apply?

UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

95% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers

Discover our promises

Careers

A nursing associate is a recognised profession within the NHS in England. On successful completion of the programme you can apply to become registered with the nursing and midwifery council (NMC) as a nursing asociate. You may also use the qualification to allow you to seek accreditation of prior learning (APL) to progress onto a BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing programme.

Small class sizes

You’ll benefit from a personalised learning experience with more one-to-one support from lecturers. You’ll build stronger connections with peers, and engage in interactive discussions that enhance your understanding. This close-knit learning environment fosters collaboration, confidence, and a strong sense of community, helping you to thrive both academically and professionally.

a group of people looking at a screen

Close Links with NHS Practice Partners

This course is designed in collaboration with NHS practice partners, ensuring your learning is directly aligned with real-world healthcare needs. These strong connections also provide excellent placement opportunities, networking prospects, and a seamless transition into the healthcare workforce.

Logo for Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust

Supportive Academic Team

You’ll be guided by an experienced and approachable academic team, dedicated to your success. Their expertise, mentorship, and commitment to student wellbeing will ensure you’ll receive both academic and pastoral support throughout your course. Whether you need help with coursework, career advice, or personal development, you’ll have access to a team that genuinely cares about helping you achieve your goals.

Three nursing associate students with lecturer

Placements

This two year courses includes 1,150 hours of practice placement activity across a range of health and social care settings in the region.