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Foundation Degree - Nursing Associate

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    Overview

    The Nursing Associate role, developed by the Department of Health, is designed to deliver high-quality, holistic, person-centred, safe, and effective nursing care across a diverse range of health and care settings. Nursing associates play a pivotal role in supporting registered nurses and healthcare support workers, working across all fields of nursing including adult, children, mental health, and learning disabilities to provide compassionate care for patients and the public.

    In this vital healthcare role, you'll:

    • Collaborate with registered nurses to assess and share information about patients' conditions, behaviours and responses.
    • Offer support to individuals and their families and carers when faced with challenging news and life-changing diagnoses.
    • Conduct and document clinical observations, including monitoring blood pressure, temperature, respiration, and pulse.
    • Identify and address safeguarding concerns, ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.

    Why study Foundation Degree - Nursing Associate

    On this two-year full time foundation degree course, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to support the physical, cognitive, and mental health needs of individuals at every stage of life.

    The course is structured to progressively build your knowledge and skills. Our dedicated teaching team of registered nurses truly understand the nursing associate role and will support and inspire you every step of the way. You'll learn through an engaging blend of lectures, interactive seminars, collaborative group work, realistic simulation training, and role-play scenarios.

    Through a diverse range of clinical placements across NHS, private, and voluntary sectors, you’ll develop and enhance your practical skills and build clinical experience.

    You’ll also benefit from powerful, real-life insights as service users and carers from our Public Partnership Group share their lived experiences and perspectives, enriching your understanding and shaping your approach to care preparing you to step confidently into your Nursing Associate role following registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

    Key Information

    Entry requirements

    You must:

    • Have GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or Ofqual regulated Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.
    • Be 17 years old or above at enrolment (minimum age for placements).

    Please note that applicants to this course should not be working towards or have any Level 3 qualifications.

    Offers will be subject to an interview and references.

    You must also complete a Rehabilitation of Offenders form and will need a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health Clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You'll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination.

    Placement providers for this course may require you to have received a number of vaccinations, unless medically exempt, and provide evidence of these. As a student on a course with a clinical or healthcare placement, we strongly recommend that you complete any courses of vaccinations required under current guidelines for your future profession. Failure to do so may result in your inability to undertake a placement in certain clinical settings, therefore impacting upon your academic progression, and may result in academic failure of your course.

    You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course. Please note that the course you are applying for is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which permits recognition of prior learning that is capable of being mapped to the Standards of proficiency for nursing associates and programme outcomes, up to a maximum of 50% of the programme. This maximum limit of 50% does not apply to applicants to preregistration nursing associate programmes who are currently a NMC registered nurse without restrictions on their practice.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Start dates

    12 January 2026

    15 June 2026

    Duration

    2 years full-time

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Foundations for Nursing Associates 1

    This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the foundation knowledge required in relation to policy, professional values and communication. You’ll learn theory and practical skills, allowing you to develop the professional behaviour required as a Trainee Nursing Associate, connected to safety, safeguarding and protection of people of all ages. You’ll also have the opportunity to reflect on the communication skills used in your practice learning experience, policy and professional practice.

    Foundations for Nursing Associates 2

    You’ll have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and understanding required to care for patients’/service users across the lifespan focusing on physical and mental health needs. You’ll explore normal anatomy and physiology. You’ll also study how to deliver person centred care safely whilst monitoring health and promoting health and wellbeing. Fundamental nursing associate skills will also be practised in our simulation labs, including hand washing, nutrition, basic life support and administration of medication.

    Learning to Learn

    This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the academic skills required to progress in higher education and successfully complete your academic studies. This will include a variety of transferable skills, as well as life-long learning skills and reflective practice. You’ll also learn about essay and report writing, referencing, IT skills and the use of the University search engine in searching for information. You’ll be encouraged to evaluate your strengths, limitations and identify areas for development, and be introduced to concepts research design and the research process.

    Nursing Associate Practice 1

    This module provides you with the opportunity to gain fundamental skills of nursing associate practice including personal hygiene, infection control and undertaking observations. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, normally in two blocks, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice. You’ll be using the ‘All England Nursing Associate Practice Assessment Document’, where you’ll record the standards you’ve achieved and your practice assessor and practice supervisor will document your progress and skills/standards gained.

    Core modules:

    Nursing Associate Concepts and Care Approaches

    You’ll have the opportunity to further develop your knowledge and skills through lectures and simulation activities carried out in our simulation laboratories, so you can safely and competently care for patients’/service users across the lifespan and with a range of healthcare needs.

    Nursing Associate Practice 2

    This module provides the opportunity for you to build and develop your practice skills through completion of a practice learning experience. This is usually undertaken in two blocks, where you’ll explore physical, mental and social aspects in the treatment of patients’/service users. Through placement experiences you’ll be required to demonstrate your understanding and ability to link theory and practice. This will involve completing the ‘All England Nursing Associate Practice Assessment Document’ that records the practical outcomes you have achieved and documents your progress and skills gained.

    Professional Development for Nursing Associates

    Through this module you’ll be encouraged to explore issues of lifelong learning and continuing professional development that underpin registration requirements for nursing associates. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop and use a variety of transferable skills including numeracy, literacy, lifelong learning and reflective practice. You’ll be encouraged to evaluate and reflect upon your strengths, limitations and areas for development in order to function effectively as registered practitioners.

    Research for Nursing Associates

    This module provides the opportunity for you to further develop your knowledge of the concepts of research, evidence-based care and audit for service improvement. You’ll continue to develop your skills in literature searching, critical appraisal and data analysis, as well as explore how to evaluate published research and the concept of ethics within healthcare research. You’ll also learn about different approaches to research, including quantitative, qualitative, systematic reviews and audits, as well as how they relate to practice.

    Teaching, learning and assessment strategies are designed to offer Trainee Nursing Associates a variety of learning and assessment opportunities that align with their module learning outcomes and offer realistic and effective preparation for progression to Nursing Associate.

    Learning and teaching is delivered through lectures, workshops, seminars, group work, practical experience, simulation and role play, as well as blended and e-learning methods. Your studies will also be supported by the University's virtual learning environment. The course team will ensure that the theory relates to clinical practice through the widespread use of case studies, videos and reflective practice, as well as local service user and carer involvement.

    The assessment methods for this course are varied and contemporary, consisting of examinations and written assignments that include essays, reports and case studies. Group and individual presentations along with professionally simulated exams and objective structured clinical examination offer innovative methods that enable the assessment of the Trainee Nursing Associates ability to meet the required competencies and relate theory to practice. You’ll also be assessed in practice by practice supervisors and practice assessors.

    Throughout the course you’ll also have access to a Personal Development Plan, where you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, construct a record of achievement documenting the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as reflect and act upon your personal, professional, academic and long-term career goals.

    Teaching

    The teaching year for most courses normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Teaching on other courses including professional courses, postgraduate taught, research, distance learning and apprenticeship may have other start dates including January and May. All start dates can be found on each course page and term dates are also available. Students on a full-time course may have to attend every day of the week. Students who choose to study a full-time course on a part-time basis will generally attend modules at the same time as our full-time students. Timetables are normally available one month before registration.

    Our courses are taught at our University campus and you can expect that your lectures and seminars will be held face to face, except in cases of emergency or if specifically stated otherwise in the module description.

    Feedback

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Progression

    You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    Placements are a compulsory element of the course where you'll experience 24 hours and 7-day care. You'll spend over 50% of your time on the course on placement in a variety of settings providing care across the lifespan. Each year you'll undertake three clinical placements where you'll work alongside qualified supervisors and assessors who will provide any help and support you require. For more information visit our placements page.

    "Attending placements has provided me with additional knowledge and expanded my experience as a Trainee Nursing Associate. It is very important to understand the knowledge underpinning practice and to enjoy your time on placement."

    Nursing associate

    Vicky Atkinson, Newly qualified Nursing Associate

    Daphne Steele Building

    The University of Huddersfield has officially opened the Daphne Steele Building, the first development on its National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC). Named after Daphne Steele, the trailblazing Guyana-born nurse and the first Black matron in the NHS in 1964, the six-storey building marks a major investment in healthcare education and innovation. This advanced facility aims to improve health outcomes and drive healthcare innovation across the North of England.

    The Daphne Steele Building supports the University’s health professional degree programs with cutting-edge facilities, including high-fidelity skills labs and an award-winning podiatry clinic. It also offers quiet study spaces, a student lounge, social areas, and a café. Hosting courses in midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, paramedic science, occupational therapy, podiatry, and more, the building provides exceptional support for workforce development in the health sector. It serves as a hub for education and innovation, benefiting both regional and wider health economies.

    Working together to learn and progress.
    Understanding the patient experience.
    Learning the theory underpinning clinical skills

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    Further Study

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    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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