FDSC Nursing Associate (NMC) (Apprenticeship) Foundation Degree

Successful completion enables registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and can provide a route towards becoming a Registered Nurse.

Combine university study with work-based learning and placements across different clinical specialities, hospitals and community healthcare settings.

93% of Nursing and Midwifery students said their course developed the knowledge and skills they need for their future career, with 90% highly rating the teaching.

Overview
Course Content
Teaching and Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Apply
Fees

Overview

Please note: The Register Your Interest form is not an application. Completing it does not submit an application.

To apply, you must have confirmation of an employment offer in an apprentice role related to the apprenticeship standard. Any applications submitted without this confirmation will be automatically rejected. If you meet this requirement, you are welcome to submit an application via our portal.

The Nursing Associate Apprenticeship is a highly trained, generic, nursing support role in England designed to bridge the gap between Healthcare Support Workers and Registered Nurses to deliver hands-on, person-centred care as part of the multidisciplinary team.

Successful completion of this course gives you registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Nursing Associate. It can also be a stepping stone to becoming a Registered Nurse or progress in your career within the health and social care sector.

LSBU Nursing & Midwifery graduates are consistently the highest paid amongst all London Modern university graduates, and fifth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2023-2026).

The course is a combination of theoretical and practice learning. You will attend university once a week and work-based learning the rest of the week. You will be taught and supported by experienced academics who also teach in the BSc(Hons) Adult Nursing, Learning Disability, Mental Health and Children’s Nursing. You will have practice placements in a range of clinical specialities and healthcare settings in hospitals and the community. You will be supported by practice supervisors and practice assessors, to develop clinical and interpersonal skills and experience in caring for people with different healthcare needs across the lifespan.

You will have access to all university facilities including our skills laboratories, lecture theatres, library, student services and the student union.

National Student Survey (NSS) 2026

Our academics are dedicated to your success – 90% of Nursing and Midwifery students highly rate the teaching.
94% of students agree that teaching staff are good at explaining things.
90% of Nursing and Midwifery students highly rate the learning opportunities on their course, helping them to develop the knowledge and skills for a successful career.
Prepare for your future career – 93% of Nursing and Midwifery students agreed their course developed the knowledge and skills they need for the future.
Our Nursing and Midwifery courses were rated among the best for balancing directed and independent study, performing equal to or better than 90% of post-92 universities.

The full apprenticeship standard and assessment plan can be found on the Skills England Apprenticeship Finder.

Apprenticeship Employment Guidelines
Apprenticeship Evidence Pack Guidance

We have intakes in January, April and October.

Meet Mary - Nursing student

Course Content

As there are multiple entry points (January, April and October) in the year the traditional semester approach is not applicable. One module is undertaken at a time. However, you will undertake semester’s assessments at set points during each year, in line with other university students.

This module provides an understanding of the structure and function of the main body’s systems and how the human body maintains homeostasis. The content of this module has been selected and developed to equip apprentice Nursing Associates with the necessary knowledge to inform their nursing practice and provide and for progression throughout the programme. This knowledge will enable students to go on to develop an understanding of pathophysiological processes and the fundamentals of pharmacology. Students are supported in their learning with extensive use of teaching strategies such as key lectures, workbooks and e-learning.

The focus of this module is on patient-centred care to promote patient safety. Nursing Associates need to learn how communication can influence practice as well as therapeutic relationships and how to assimilate theoretical knowledge into practice to improve patient safety. It will identify the need for a range of alternative communication techniques to effectively manage, maintain and promote safe care. This module explores the actions a Nursing Associate takes to ensure that each person receives appropriate person-centred care, treatment and support.

This module introduces the nature of evidence in health and social care and the importance of evidence-based practice for patients and their families and their safety and quality of experience. Students will develop skills in accessing evidence, gain familiarity with the library, including the use of electronic databases and learn how to use the University’s referencing system for their material. Students will learn key terms relating to research and evidence-based practice and be introduced to an evidence-based practice model. The module also sets out the context for the conduct of health and social care research, including funding and ethical aspects.

This module will introduce students to the values, frameworks and skills that underpin working as a Nursing Associate. The module focuses on different methods and frameworks engaged in holisticcare underpinned by evidence-based practice. The module is mapped against the Standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates (NMC, 2018) and prepares students to carry out fundamental nursing skills across the four fields of nursing, utilizing a combination of teaching methods including theory to support clinical skills in practice.

This module introduces public health concepts and contemporary public health issues, the principles of which can then be applied at an individual and population level and within a local, national, and global context. This module of study is aligned to the NMC Standard, promoting health, and preventing ill health (NMC(2018) Standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates – platform2.

This module will extend and deepen students’ understanding of human physiology, which will then be applied to physiological changes that take place during disease processes. Knowledge of cell receptors and some receptor groups will be linked to physiological activity in different systems then linked to the effects of certain drugs and the changes they elicit within body systems.

This module aims to consolidate knowledge and understanding of the principles of pharmacology and medicines management to ensure students are ready to administer medicines upon registration with the NMC. It will explore and discuss the principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics alongside the pharmacology of groups of drugs commonly used in clinical practice. It will consider and evaluate the roles and responsibilities of the Nursing Associate in relation to the safe administration of medication in clinical practice.

This module will develop and build effective team working and leadership skills in a complex and multidimensional health care setting. It will explore theoretical models of leadership, teamwork alongside quality improvement and patient safety and provide an opportunity to explore how these concepts interrelate and impact the delivery of care and prepare the student for the transition from student to registered Nursing Associate. The module will also review the skills, attitudes and behaviours that support personal development and lifelong learning in themselves.

This module builds on students’ existing knowledge and skills and extends these for application to more complex scenarios across the life span. The module focuses on the collaborative planning, delivery, and evaluation of holistic care alongside that of a registered nurse. It will also enable students to recognize, respond to and act upon their clinical findings of a patient who is deteriorating. The module is mapped against the NMC, 2018)standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates and prepares students to think more critically about and carry out more complex nursing skills. The module uses a combination of teaching methods including simulated practice.

* Modules are subject to review and change throughout the year.

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Teaching and Assessment

How will I learn?

A variety of teaching and assessment methods are used to support individuals learning styles and build competence in various methods of assessment. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, skills-lab simulations, online learning, role-play, debates/discussion, as well as supervised learning within the clinical area. Assessment methods utilised include essays, group projects, written examinations, presentations, and OSCEs.

Apprentices must demonstrate competence in all skills, knowledge, and behaviours, as defined by the integrated Degree Apprenticeship Standard. In order to successfully complete the award, apprentices must also evidence a minimum of 20% of their time in ‘of the job training’ activities, this can be achieved in a variety of ways; attending lectures, seminars/workshops, tutorials, skills-lab sessions, e-learning, blended learning and self-managed learning.

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

When you finish the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as a Nursing Associate with the NMC. This allows you to practice within the UK in NHS Trusts/hospitals, particularly where you gained experience during training. Qualified nursing associates can also go on to train as a registered nurses by putting their training towards a shortened nursing degree or registered nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA).

The Nursing and Midwifery Council – Nursing Associates

The Institute for Apprenticeship and Technical Education

Education and Skills Funding Agency

Professional Accreditation

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

Nursing and Midwifery Council logo

The Nursing and Midwifery Council regulates nurses and midwives in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Islands.

LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
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Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Find out more

Entry Level Requirements

The entry requirements below are for 2027 entry. Want to start your course this September? Call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

To apply, you must have confirmation of an employment offer in an apprentice role related to the apprenticeship standard. Any applications submitted without this confirmation will be automatically rejected. If you meet the requirements, you are welcome to submit an application via our portal.

All applicants must hold:

Maths and English GCSE A-C or grade 4 or level 2 equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above) AND

48 UCAS tariff points e.g.:

BTEC National Extended Diploma (PPP) or
BTEC National Diploma (MP) or
BTEC National Foundation Diploma (M) or
BTEC Extended Certificate (D) or
A level (DD) or
Equivalent level 3 qualifications

OR (for applicants who do not meet (partially or in full) the 48 UCAS tariff points required):

Significant, verifiable, and relevant work experience in health and/or social care, supported by a letter of recommendation from the manager and/or lead practice facilitator confirming the following has been assessed:
their ability to study to level 5 foundation degree level
the values and behaviours of the NHS Constitution
a commitment to completing the programme.

Additionally, apprentice students must:

Be employed in a health/social care organisation and be working a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Be sponsored by a manager in an employing organisation who commits to ensuring students are supported to undertake day release and to attend off the job training, protected learning time and supernumerary status.

All prospective students will undergo a face to face or online values-based interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.

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Apply

Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Full-time (Southwark)	Up to 24 Months Practical Period & 1 Months EPA (25 months)	January; April; October	5575	Direct to LSBU

An Apprenticeship Standard is comprised of a programme of study, an End Point Assessment and on-the-job learning. This means that in addition to meeting academic requirements, you’ll need to be employed in a role related to your apprenticeship. The process of applying depends on whether you have an employer to sponsor (and support) you.

If you are employed and your employer has confirmed they will support your apprenticeship:

You are welcome to submit an application via our application system. You’ll need to provide details of your employment/employer as part of the application. You’ll also need to ensure you and your employer meet the requirements – find out who can be an apprentice to see if you meet the entry requirements and employer commitments to find out more about your employer’s role.

If you are not employed:

You will need to find a job role related to the apprenticeship you wish to apply for, with an employer who is happy to support you. If you would like to find an employer to support your apprenticeship with LSBU, you can search which employers are currently advertising Apprenticeships via the National Apprenticeship Service website searching for ‘London South Bank University’ as keywords.
If there are no search results, this means there are currently no vacancies. We update our vacancies regularly, so please do check back regularly.
Many employers advertise their apprenticeship vacancies on their websites or via other portals. You could search for ‘find an apprenticeship’ online.
When you’re ready to apply, see the government's advice on how to write a winning apprenticeship application and make your application.

Further information for apprentices

If you’re a prospective apprentice, you can find out more about who can be an apprentice on our student pages.

Please note deadline for apprenticeship applications (except health apprenticeships) is 29^th August 2022.

All businesses with applicants for September must complete the form on the link below:

Business information and contract form

Further information for employers

If you’re an employer, you can find information about the employer commitments and further related information on the related pages for business.

See our admissions policy 1.5 MB and complaints policy 516.0 KB.

Prepare to start

There are steps the apprentices, the employer and the University need to complete before you start your course. Take a look at the steps to be completed in the Enrolment section. Employers may also like to look at our steps to offering an apprenticeship.

Important statement for new and continuing students studying Health and Social Care courses

An exciting part of many of our Health and Social Care courses is the opportunity to learn off-campus and work with patients, clients and/or service users. Before you start, we need to make sure that you have the correct levels of immunisations.

Please be aware that from 1 April 2022, all NHS and Social Care personnel (including students) will be required to have evidence of double vaccination against Covid. This measure has been taken to protect the public, patients and staff.

If you are unable, or unwilling, to be vaccinated, we will not be able to provide you with the practice placements necessary to complete your health care degree. If this is the case, you may wish to look at an alternative career.

See the government's press release statement.

How to apply

Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Prepare to start

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!

Enrolment

Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.

Fees

The cost of the apprenticeship is paid fully by the employer (sometimes part funded by the government) through apprenticeship levy. The apprenticeship levy is a pot of money some companies pay into, which all businesses have access to spend on the training costs of apprenticeships. Companies fall into two categories: levy-payers (who pay into the pot) and non-levy payers (who do not). You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers

The apprentice does not contribute toward the cost of study.

Bands

Apprenticeship standards are all assigned a funding band by the Government – these funding bands are the maximum amount the Government will fund via the levy towards a given apprenticeship standard. There are currently 30 funding bands ranging from £1,000 to £27,000.

Incentives

Employers with less than 50 staff sending an apprentice aged 16-18 will have 100% of the training costs paid by the government. All employers who employ an apprentice aged 16-18 on the first day of teaching will receive a £1,000 incentive from the government. You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers.

Cost

You can find out the funding band for an Apprenticeship Standard on the Government website. To find out how much we are charging, please get in touch with us at apprenticeships@lsbu.ac.uk