FdSc Nursing Associate Foundation degree at East London
FdSc Nursing Associate at East London leads to a nationally recognised qualification and is accredited by a recognised UK degree-awarding body.
About this course
FdSc Nursing Associate is a Foundation degree (FdSc) at East London. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Nursing & Health graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Nursing & Health, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 67% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Professional Values (Mental Wealth)Core
Module details
This module introduces you to the professional values that act in the best interests of people whilst collaboratively working in health and social care delivery. This will enable you to explore person centred care that promotes safe and compassionate practice, develop appropriate communication, personal and partnership working skills required to meet the needs of clients/carers/service users.
- Bioscience for NursingCore
Module details
This bioscience for nursing module introduces you to the normal anatomy and physiology of the main body systems. The module will also explore common conditions that may be encountered in the practice environment. It is envisaged you will develop the ability and apply human biological concepts that underpin safe, effective, evidence-based nursing practice.
- Nursing practice in the workplaceCore
Module details
This module is designed to run across the academic year alongside 'Developing as a Nursing Associate.' Your learning within this module centres on the placement requirement for the Nursing Associate curriculum covering the NMC's 6 platforms across all fields of nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities). The module also supports the 10 occupational duties and KSB's apprenticeship standards.
- Promoting Health and Preventing ill HealthCore
Module details
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the concepts of empowerment and health promotion in nursing practice. You will explore a range of care settings that includes chronic illness and health challenges throughout the lifespan which is related to working across professional roles, agencies and organisations. You will have the opportunity to learn about factors, inequalities and behaviour that affect the individual's health outcomes and have a good understanding of health preventative and
- CommunicationCore
Module details
This module aims to support you, the Nursing Associate to communicate effectively across a wide range of individuals, the public and health and social care professionals. Central to this module will be a focus on the importance of appropriate and acceptable communication to enhance health and social care delivery and develop interpersonal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, trust and respect. Learning on this module will enable you to develop the appropriate communication skills ne
- Developing as a Nurse AssociateCore
Module details
This module spans the academic year and supports the module 'Nursing practice in the workplace'. The module aims to enable you to gain confidence and be proficient with a range of clinical skills and scenarios supported by simulated learning. This safe learning environment will allow you to practice your clinical skills to meet the NMC's 6 platforms of the nursing associate standards across all fields of nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities). Additionally, the 10 occupa
Year 2 6 modules
- Pharmacology for Nursing AssociatesCore
Module details
This module aims to enable you to be competent in providing safe and effective drug administration whilst adhering to local and national policies. You will explore and discuss the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics alongside the pharmacology of drugs commonly used in clinical practice. This module will direct your focus to the roles and responsibilities of the nurse associate in relation to the safe administration of medication and the impact on patients with multiple health con
- Professional competence in clinical practiceCore
Module details
This module spans the academic year and supports the module 'Nursing Associate Practice 2'. The module builds on your clinical skill competency by actively engaging you in a range of clinical skills and scenarios within the simulated learning environment. This safe and supported learning ensures that you will have the opportunity to practice your clinical skills and gain proficiency to meet the NMC's 6 platforms of the nursing associate standards across the 4 fields of nursing (Adult, Child, Men
- Nursing Associate Practice 2Core
Module details
This module is designed to run across the academic year alongside 'Professional competence in clinical practice.' This module covers the placement requirement for the Level 5 Nursing Associate curriculum which allows you to gain proficiency with the NMC's six platforms across all fields of nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities). This also supports the 10 occupational standards in the Nursing Associate (NMC) apprenticeship standard (2018).
- Evidence based researchCore
Module details
This module enables you to consider how research is generated from practice and the application to healthcare provision. You will explore the steps in conducting research and audits. The main research methods in health and social care will be explained and the associated ethical aspects will be examined. Methods of analysing and presenting different types of research data will be introduced and critical appraisal tools will be reviewed. This module equips you with the core skills and understandi
- Patient Safety and Quality improvementCore
Module details
In this module, you will focus on person safety and quality improvement in care provision within healthcare settings. This module will also enable you to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that support the planning, delivery and evaluation of person safety and improvement. It is designed to enable you to explore person safety, healthcare quality and improvements.
- Teamwork for inter-professional practiceCore
Module details
This module equips you to build on the skills and knowledge gained in Year 1 that allows for a smooth transition into your new role and contributes to you working effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team. You will be able to illustrate your assessment and decision-making by responding appropriately and ensuring appropriate prioritising and delegation have been achieved. This module will enhance your ability to role model appropriate behaviours in supporting, supervising and advising juni
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the theory and practice of nursing care across a 3-year foundation degree, with an emphasis on supervised clinical placements throughout. A course like this typically begins with foundations of nursing practice, communication and person-centred care, alongside anatomy and physiology. Year 2 usually moves to acute and long-term care, medicines management, and exposure to broader settings such as community and mental health. In Year 3, you'll normally focus on complex care, leadership and evidence-based practice, consolidating your competence for NMC registration. You can specialise in areas such as adult nursing, mental health, children's nursing, community and primary care, or leadership. Placements form roughly half of your study, running alongside classroom-based teaching.
Who it's for
This course suits candidates with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Among recent entrants, 68% held A-levels or equivalent, with the most common UCAS tariff band ranging from 64 to 79 points. You should be committed to healthcare practice and ready to combine academic study with practical, work-based learning across three years of full-time study.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 90% of graduates in Nursing & Health courses are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 87% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or continuing their education. Across the sector, starting salaries 15 months after graduation range from £27,000 to £30,500, rising to £27,200–£38,400 after five years. These figures reflect national Graduate Outcomes and LEO data. Specialisations available include Adult Nursing, Mental Health, Child Health, Midwifery, Public Health, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Paramedic Science, opening pathways across the healthcare workforce.
University & format
The FdSc Nursing Associate is delivered by the University of East London, a public university, on a full-time basis over 3 years. Teaching is in English. The degree is recognised by the UK degree-awarding body and you'll progress towards NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration on graduation. The university holds Silver status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 68% |
| an Access course | 21% |
| Other | 5% |
| another higher-education qualification | 4% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 2% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code B700). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider-sourced figure; academic year not supplied. The 2026/27 England cap is up to £9,790. Verify this course.
Check fees at East London →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
- 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
- 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally
National figures for Nursing & Health graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Health associate professionalsSOC 2020 321 · 55% of published destinations · ASHE median £28,155
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Nursing ProfessionalsSOC 2020 223 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,597
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 65; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine documentation and triage support
- Scheduling and records admin
- First-pass risk flags from data
- Standard reference look-ups
More human than ever
- Hands-on, compassionate care
- Clinical judgement and accountability
- Communicating with patients and families
- Ethics and safeguarding decisions
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Nursing & Health graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS trusts
- Private healthcare
- Care providers
- Community & mental-health services
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Nursing & Health graduates.
Nursing Home ManagerJarrodean Healthcare RecruitmentSenior Charge Nurse Uist Community Nursing teamNHS National Services ScotlandCare Assistant - Nursing Home | Flexible Hours, Weekly PayMpa RecruitmentCare Assistant (Nursing) - Nightshift - RatheaneMacklin Care Homes LimitedSenior Support Worker: Meaningful Care & Flexible ShiftsPotens GroupDental NurseBupa Dental CareIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,535/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.0 out of 10: NSS 88.4% · in work or study 85% · continued 67%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of East London
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of East London
1,002 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to East London from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by East London; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check East London’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with East London and gov.uk before you apply.
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Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
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