Apprenticeship - FdSc Nursing Associate Higher
The FdSc Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship programme develops the professional knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to care for people across the lifespan, from pre-conception to end of life, addressing diverse needs including physical, mental health, and learning disabilities, across a range of settings such as home, community, and inpatient environments. Apprentices will combine professional employment with structured workplace learning, supported by both the university and the employer. By the end of the programme, apprentices will be familiar with reflective practice and lifelong learning, and will have compiled a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a broad repertoire of transferable clinical skills adaptable to various healthcare settings. Completion of the programme leads to a Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate, registrable with the NMC, followed by the end point assessment to complete the apprenticeship. Graduates will also have the opportunity to top up to a BSc in practice development or apply for APL for up to 50% of a registered nurse programme in any of the four nursing fields: adult, mental health, learning disability, or child.
- Develop professional values and enact them responsibly within the nursing associate role.
- Apply person-centred approaches to plan, deliver, and evaluate holistic, high-quality care.
- Acquire and apply clinical skills to deliver safe, effective, and responsive care across health and care settings.
- Communicate effectively with patients, the public, and health and social care professionals.
- Engage in reflective practice and lifelong learning to support ongoing professional development.
- Prepare for NMC registration as a Nursing Associate and progression to BSc practice development or registered nurse programmes.
In year one, apprentices are introduced to the core concepts that underpin nursing associate practice, including holistic healthcare, effective communication, professional and ethical practice, evidence‑based care and health and social care policy. This year also includes studying applied biological sciences supported by practical clinical skills sessions in a simulated ward environment and principles of nursing associate practice, alongside two assessed placements where students begin to apply their developing knowledge in real healthcare settings
Year 2 builds on year 1 foundations with a focus on more advanced clinical and professional competencies, covering pharmacology and medicine management, care of people living with long‑term conditions, and holistic assessment of care needs. Communication skills are further developed in therapeutic contexts, and modules such as “Learning from the Lived Experience” and “The Nursing Associate as Leader” deepen understanding of patient experiences and leadership within healthcare. Throughout both years, theoretical study is integrated with practice placements to prepare apprentices for safe, person‑centred care and professional accountability as registered nursing associates.
Please see Programme Specification
- Certificates must be provided to prove English (Language) and Maths to GCSE grades 4-9 or Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent.
- 48 UCAS points or NVQ Level 3 or equivalent portfolio of evidence (as determined by the programme leader) please refer to the applicant information pages of the university website for more information.
- For APL, please refer to the university website. Each candidate will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. A maximum 50% programme can be APL (NMC requirements)
- International students require an IELTS certificate that confirms a minimum score of 6.5 in writing alongside a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking, so long as the minimum overall score of 7.0 (Access NMC link for more information) English language NMC requirements.
Personal statement - Applicants should demonstrate their motivation for the programme and reflect upon any practical experience they have gained. Experience in a setting that encompasses caring and/or interpersonal skills in either a formal or informal context is essential.
Degree apprenticeships are only offered to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. The apprenticeship training is therefore funded by the employer using their apprenticeship levy, with or without a contribution depending on the size and status of the organisation.
Apprentices will not be required to pay any fees and will not be eligible for Student Finance England maintenance support as they are in receipt of a salary. See further information on our Information for Aspiring Apprentices page.
The University will typically charge the maximum fee for the standard, before applying reductions based on accepted prior learning which is determined at application on an individual basis. To discuss sponsoring a learner on programme please contact apprenticeships@cumbria.ac.uk.
