Nursing Associate, FdSc (Higher Apprenticeship) - University Centre Weston
University Centre Weston
Apply NowReady to kickstart a healthcare career while earning? Join UCW’s Nursing Associate FdSc Higher Apprenticeship: work paid clinical shifts, study at university, gain placements across mental health, paediatrics and adult care, and qualify as an NMC-registered Nursing Associate.
Start or progress your healthcare career by working and qualifying as an NMC Registered Nursing Associate through the Higher Apprenticeship at University Centre Weston. The programme combines university study at UCW with work-based learning in clinical practice, clinical observations and patient support.
Apprentices spend 8 weeks per year on external placement to gain experience across mental health, learning disability, paediatrics and adult care in both acute and community settings.
Classroom-based teaching covers safety and quality, anatomy and physiology, communication, medicines management, integrated care, clinical practice, teamwork and health promotion. Delivery includes lectures, seminars, skills practice, case studies and e-learning; assessment is a mix of written exams, practical exams and coursework.
Successful completion leads to the Level 5 FdSc award and eligibility to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Nursing Associate.
Level 5 Nursing Associate FdSc (Foundation Degree)
01 Jan 2026
2026 intake
Location
- A Level 3 qualification such as A Levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma, a T Level, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or equivalent.
- Requirement of 112 UCAS tariff points.
- Maths and English GCSE above a grade 4/C or equivalent.
- Applicants must be employed in a suitable health or social care setting where they can be supported and assessed by an NMC approved Practice Assessor.
- All students are asked to disclose if they have a criminal record at enrolment; some programmes require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (additional cost).
£17,000 per year
Industry guidance on the page: Nursing Associates are typically on NHS Band 3 and earn between £17,000 and £21,500 while training and can progress to Band 4 upon qualification. Tuition fees for the FdSc Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship are £15,000 per apprentice (employer/levy funding applies; see participant_fee_details).
£15,000
Tuition fees for the FdSc Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship are £15,000 per apprentice. Employers with an annual payroll in excess of £3 million can fund via the Apprenticeship Levy; non-levy payers may only have to pay up to 5% of the course cost. Organisations employing an apprentice aged 19-24 who has been in care or has an Education and Health Care Plan may receive a £1,000 government grant.
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