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Course Information

UCAS Code

B780

Level of Study

Undergraduate

Mode of Study

2 years Full Time

Department

Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location

Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City

Newcastle

Start

September 2025 or September 2026

GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2025 MODERN UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR

Overview

Please note this course is subject to validation and approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

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

Department

Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location

Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City

Newcastle

Start

September 2025 or September 2026

GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2025 MODERN UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

32 UCAS Tariff points 

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate. 

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator:?www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator 

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details?www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo 

Subject Requirements: 

There are no specific subject requirements for this course. 

GCSE Requirements: 

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent. 

Additional Requirements: 

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. 

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?www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry 

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. 

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit?www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance?Please review this information before submitting your application. 

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2026/27

Standard Entry

32 UCAS Tariff points 

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate. 

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator:?www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator 

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details?www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo 

Subject Requirements: 

There are no specific subject requirements for this course. 

GCSE Requirements: 

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent. 

Additional Requirements: 

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. 

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?www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry 

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. 

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit?www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance?Please review this information before submitting your application. 

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,535

* This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has recently suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX ( Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments)


International Fee in Year 1: £19,350


Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

Fees and Funding 2026/27 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC

* Government has yet to announce 26/27 tuition fee levels.  As a guide, 25/26 fees were £9,535 per year.


International Fee in Year 1: TBC


Scholarships for 26/27 have not yet been announced.  Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

TBC

Modules Overview

Look out for module specifics coming soon. Please keep checking this web page for updated information.

 

 

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Nursing Associate FdSc

Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

International applicants please apply using the links below

START MONTH
YEAR

Features and Benefits

  • Nursing at Northumbria is ranked 9th in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2025. 
  • Northumbria’s research in Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy is ranked 8th in the UK for research power, out of 91 submissions (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 13 places from 21st in 2014. 
  • 98% of our Nursing graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Guardian University Guide, 2025). 
  • Hands-on Learning: A Dedicated Simulation Centre. Build confidence and clinical skills through hands-on learning in a safe, modern simulation environment, featuring immersive technology, virtual reality, and experiential learning that replicates real-world healthcare settings.
  • Collaborative Learning: Learn alongside students from other healthcare professions, preparing you to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

  • Year-Long Focus on Community and Primary Care: Develop a deep understanding of community and primary care-based healthcare through a dedicated module that runs across the academic year in year 2 of the programme.

  • Varied and Inclusive Placement Experiences: Explore a broad range of healthcare environments, including hospitals, community services, GP practices.

 

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.  

This course aligns with national workforce expansion plans, responding to a growing need for qualified healthcare professionals, particularly nursing associates. 

We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.

a person using a laptop computer sitting on top of a desk

Careers and Employment Services

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. You'll also be supported by Module Leaders, Tutors, and Student Support Services.

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. 

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints



If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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