A nursing student practising preparing a syringe in the skills lab
FdSc Available in Clearing

Nursing Associate

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career as a Nursing Associate with our NMC-validated foundation degree.

Start date
September
Location
Cambridge
Chelmsford
Duration
2 years
UCAS course code
B742
Top 10%

of universities in the country for graduates who agree their current activity is 'meaningful'.

Source: GOS 2025

Nursing associates bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses. They play an important role in delivering person-centred care in hospitals and out in the community.

By studying at ARU in Cambridge or Chelmsford, you’ll learn a range of practical skills, and what it takes to be a competent, safe nursing associate. Placements give you the opportunity to build your knowledge and skills, deliver care to a range of patients, and become an integral part of the nursing community.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to start work as a registered nursing associate.

Nursing & Midwifery Council

Our Nursing degree courses are validated by the NMC and you’ll be linked to one of our eight NHS healthcare trust partners for your placements.

Nursing and Midwifery Council logo
Why ARU?
  • Get a £1,000 payment from Health Education England in Year 2.

  • Gain hands-on experience through placements.

  • Study in skills labs with cutting-edge technology for immersive learning.

  • Register as a Nursing Associate with the NMC when you graduate.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Our foundation degree prepares you to register as a Nursing Associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Once registered, you’ll be able to work as a Nursing Associate in England.

We work with staff in regional hospital and community settings, as well as services users, to develop our course – meaning it’s designed to meet the needs of employers and the public accessing health care services.

Teaching and modules

Our course starts by looking at the fundamental aspects of person-centred care.

We'll also explore the NMC Code to understand what’s expected of a Nursing Associate.

You’ll get the chance to put your newfound knowledge to the test on a series of placements, delivering high-quality care, honing your practical skills, and working with patients with a wide range of needs.

You’ll also develop important, transferable skills that all health care staff use, such as teamwork, communication, decision making, leadership, facilitation and problem-solving.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Foundations of Communication and Professionalism
  • Fundamental Nursing Skills and Procedures
  • Applied Health Science Across the Lifespan
  • Epidemiology, Inequalities and Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
  • Contemporary Nursing Associate Practice 1
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Supporting Learning and Professional Development
  • Enhancing Integrated Care in Interprofessional Settings for Nursing Associates
  • Supporting a Patient Safety Culture
  • Developing Communication and Professionalism for Nursing Associate Practice
  • Contemporary Nursing Associate Practice 2
Module details

Facilities

As a nursing student at ARU, you'll benefit from purpose-built nursing skills labs offering the very best in experiential learning.

You’ll use sophisticated equipment to simulate many aspects of a working hospital ward. You’ll also learn from registered, practising tutors and lecturers who’ll make sure you’re being taught the latest techniques and give you the support you need to succeed.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply for Nursing Associate

Clearing places available

UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start

Apply by phone

UK students, call our Clearing line

01245 686868

UK students

We also welcome applications from students from Ireland, and EU, EEA and Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK.