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The University of Northampton · Undergraduate
FdSc Nursing Associate Foundation degree at Northampton
FdSc Nursing Associate at Northampton. The University of Northampton holds Silver status for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023, and is.
FdSc
Award
2
Years
Full-time
Study mode
95%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Learn to be a highly skilled practitioner delivering high quality care on the University of Northampton’s Nursing Associate Degree FdSc course. Apply now From the provider’s course page.
FdSc Nursing Associate is a Foundation degree (FdSc) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.
For Subjects allied to medicine graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (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.
8.5
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Exceptional91
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)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional95
Moderate evidence Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong70
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (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 5 modules
- Discovering My Identity as a Nursing AssociateCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop nursing associate students self awareness, personal and professional resilience and professional identity within nursing. An understanding of how health science, social and political knowledge, behaviour, vocabulary and skills form their nursing identity. Additionally the module will develop communication skills and understanding of how constructive feedback can be used to evaluate self and effect positive change.
- Professionalism and Public Protection for Nursing AssociatesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide nursing associate students with underpinning theoretical knowledge. Students will consider the scientific, legal, professional and personal context of nursing in order to participate in practice safely, ethically and lawfully within a range of clinical practice settings.
- Exploring the Evidence Base for Nursing AssociatesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to equip nursing associate students with the theoretical foundation skills and evidenced based knowledge to fully participate in person-centred decision making, influence positive lifestyle choices and beginning the students' own professional development within the context of nursing.
- Developing Competence in Safe, Effective Administration and Optimisation of Medicines for Nursing AssociatesCompulsory
Module details
The purpose of this module is to equip nursing associate students with an understanding of the principles of safe, effective adminstration and optimisation of medicines demonstrating proficiency and accuracy when participating in calculating dosages of prescribed medicines in clinical practice. This will enable students, under supervision in the clincial setting, to safely particpate in all aspects of medications management, relevant to their level with developing confidence and competence.
- Foundations of Practice for Nursing AssociatesCompulsory60 credits
Module details
This is a work-based module which enables students to develop the appropriate attitudes, behaviours, values and skills and underpinning knowledge to work competently within health and social care as student Nursing Associates. The module is based on requirements from NMC Proficiencies for Nursing Associates (2018).
Year 2 5 modules
- Developing My Nursing Associate Identity Towards Becoming a RegistrantCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will further develop nursing associate students communication skills, resilience, and professional identity. Students will respond to constructive feedback through reflection to effect positive change and develop self awareness. Student's will apply their knowledge of health science, social and political knowledge and behaviour enabling them to problem solve.
- Applying Understanding of Nursing Professionalism and Protection of the Public in NursingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to further develop nursing associate students theoretical knowledge, advancing their understanding and application of science, the law and professionalism. This will enable them to initiate safe practice that is ethical and lawful within a range of clinical practice settings.
- Interpreting the Evidence Base Influencing Nursing Associate PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to further develop nursing associate students professional development, theory, skills and evidenced based knowledge to initiate person centred care. This will be used to influence positive lifestyle choices, improve health outcomes and understand the appropriateness of quality of care to effect service improvement.
- Demonstrating Competence in the Safe, Effective Administration and Optimisation of Medicines for Nursing AssociatesCompulsory
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop nursing associate students knowledge and understanding of pharmacology and the principles of safe, effective adminstration and optimisation of medicines. Students will demonstrate proficiency and accuracy when calculating dosages of prescribed medicines in clinical practice, developing understanding of a health numeracy assessment. This will enable students to safely initiate and undertake all aspects of medications management in the clinical with confide
- Advanced Work Based Learning for Nursing AssociatesCompulsory60 credits
Module details
This is a work-based module which enables students to develop the appropriate attitudes, behaviours, values and skills and underpinning knowledge to work competently within health and social care as student Nursing Associates. The module is based on requirements from NMC Proficiencies for Nursing Associates (2018).
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
This course focuses on developing you as a skilled nursing practitioner capable of delivering high-quality care across a range of settings. You'll usually begin with foundations in clinical skills, anatomy and physiology, and person-centred communication, supported by supervised practice placements. As you progress into your second year, you'll typically study acute and long-term care management, medicines and pharmacology, moving into broader settings such as community, mental health, or specialist units. Throughout, a course like this normally integrates placements as a core component, running alongside classroom learning. In your final months, you'll consolidate your competence through specialist practice and preparation for NMC registration. Specialisations available include adult nursing, mental health, children's nursing, community and primary care, and leadership pathways.
Who it's for
This course suits those committed to healthcare practice and professional development in nursing and related fields. You'll find specialisations such as Adult Nursing, Mental Health, Child Health, Midwifery, Public Health, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Paramedic Science. The foundation degree provides a clear pathway into healthcare roles and further study. If you're seeking hands-on training with genuine career progression, this programme offers structured progression toward registered practice and advanced qualifications.
Careers & job market
Across Nursing & Health courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, and 87% of those working are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Starting salaries for nursing and health graduates range from £27,000 to £30,500 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £27,200–£38,400 after five years, according to national Graduate Outcomes and LEO data. These figures reflect the broader labour market rather than a guaranteed salary. First-year retention stands at 85% across the student cohort.
University & format
This Foundation degree is studied full-time over 2 years at The University of Northampton, located at Waterside Campus. Instruction is in English. The FdSc Nursing Associate is a recognised UK degree-awarding body qualification, nationally recognised and supported by Silver-rated teaching quality (Office for Students TEF 2023). The degree leads to eligibility for NMC registration.
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.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 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.
Published entryE at A Level, PPP at BTEC typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
AccreditationNMC
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Open daysOpen Days
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of E at A Level, PPP at BTEC. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent70% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 80 - 95 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Northampton's official course page for the current offer.
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 | 70% |
| an Access course | 20% |
| a Baccalaureate | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accessible entry
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.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
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.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesCCDA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeB970quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code B970). 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.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Northampton whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Home£9,790 / yr
International£17,000 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
illustrative borrowing over 2 years
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.
Funding matched to this course
All Northampton funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
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
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £25,000 – £27,500 | 30 |
| 3 years after | £37,000 | £20,500 – £41,500 | 70 |
| 5 years after | £41,000 | £25,000 – £48,000 | 65 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
95%
in work or further study 15 months on
30%
in highly skilled work or study
70%
continue past their first year
85%
find their work meaningful
70%
say work fits their future plans
- 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
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£27,000
£27,000 – £30,500After 3 years LEO
£37,000
£23,800 – £33,600After 5 years LEO
£41,000
£27,200 – £38,400national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,500 – £42,500
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.
95 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
85% working10% working and studying0% in further study30% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Nursing & Health courses at the same study level.
This course £41,000Peer median £31,500Middle 50% £28,000–£34,000
98th percentile
Compared with 1,506 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 60% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Nursing ProfessionalsSOC 2020 223 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,597
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
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: 35; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is FdSc Nursing Associate worth it?
Yes, for most students FdSc Nursing Associate is well worth it. On its graduates’ median earnings, the course is worth about +£150,420 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, after the fees you pay.
Strong payoff: this course pays for itself faster than a typical degree
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 2 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 6.3. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
+£150,420
10-year payoff
extra earnings over the first decade, after the fees you pay
8.7×
Return on investment
extra earnings over 10 yrs per £1 of fees
£19,580
Tuition over the course
£9,790/yr × 2 yrs (published course home fee)
£41,000
Grad earnings, 5 yrs on
£17,000 above a non-graduate (£24,000)
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 2 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Nursing & Health courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes87%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow 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 CareLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/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
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. 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 8.5 out of 10: NSS 90.7% · in work or study 95% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
All students13,505
International16.4%
Aged 25+34.8%
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
Students360,360
Aged 25+51.5%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 679Anti Social Behaviour 509Shoplifting 183Public Order 163Other Theft 143
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 Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 Northampton’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 Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 80 - 95 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Northampton. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Subjects allied to medicine graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
The published home tuition is £9,790 per 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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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