2025/26 entry
FDSc Nursing Associate
Why study Nursing Associate at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Qualify as a nursing associate with eligibility to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- Nursing associates provide care that bridges the roles of registered nurses and health care assistants, and work across all healthcare settings
- After completing your two year foundation degree, you have the option to apply to enter the midpoint of our BSc (Hons) Nursing degrees
- Also available as a degree apprenticeship for employees of our partner organisations
- 95% of students surveyed said the academic support on our nursing courses was good or very good (National Student Survey 2024)
About your course
Nursing Associate Foundation Degree (FdSc)
Do you aspire to work in the nursing profession, but don't currently have the A Level or BTEC qualifications to apply? Liverpool John Moores' new Nursing Associate foundation degree could be the ideal way for you to start your journey to becoming a registered healthcare professional.
When you successfully complete this two-year foundation degree, you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a nursing associate.
Nursing associates play a vital role in patient care and are a key part of the nursing team. Working closely with registered nurses and healthcare support workers, nursing associate duties can include:
- performing and recording clinical observations, for example, blood pressure, temperature, respirations and pulse
- undertaking clinical tasks including venepuncture (taking bloods) and electrocardiograms (ECGs)
- supporting individuals and their families and carers at emotionally difficult times during their care
- discussing and sharing information with registered nurses on a patient's condition, behaviour, activity and responses
- ensuring the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times
- recognising issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults.
You can read more about the role of a nursing associate on the NHS Health Careers website.
LJMU's FdSc Nursing Associate gives you lots of chances for hands on clinical skills practice, whilst supporting you to develop a robust knowledge base. Our professional tutors, student mentors and support staff are all here to help you progress through the foundation degree confidently and successfully.
Whether you decide to enter work as a registered nursing associate, or go on to apply to the half-way point of a BSc (Hons) Nursing degree, this foundation route offers a fantastic, accessible way to join the healthcare profession.
Professional accreditation/links
This programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and aligned to the Standards for pre-registration nursing associate programmes (NMC, 2023).
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Please note: As a foundation degree, currently the NHS Learning Support Fund and training grant is not available for this course.
You may be eligible for student finance. You can use the government's student finance calculator to find out which loans and grants you could be eligible for.
Students who would like to buy extra uniform items, further to their standard uniform which is included in the course fees, have the option to do so.
International experience may incur costs.
Liverpool John Moores University offers a number of scholarships and bursaries, which you may be eligible for. We encourage all applicants to learn more about, and take advantage of, these opportunities.
Employability
Successful completion of the programme will allow you to apply for registration as a nursing associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. This can lead to careers in the NHS, private sector and voluntary sector.
The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan (2023) states that that by 2036/37, there will be over 64,000 nursing associates working in the NHS. Nursing associates can work across a variety of settings with patients and service users across the lifespan, encompassing physical and psychological health.
Qualified, registered nursing associates usually enter the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale at Band 4, which starts at £25,147 per year, rising to £27,596 after three years' experience.
In addition, students who have successfully completed a Foundation Degree Nursing Associate programme will be able to apply to enter Level 5 (Year 2) of a BSc (Hons) Nursing degree in order to progress in their career to Registered Nurse Status.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
The modules you will undertake have been designed to meet the Nursing Midwifery Council’s (NMC) programme standards and proficiencies. They ensure you will be capable of demonstrating the knowledge, skills and behaviours to provide safe, effective and kind care that improves health and wellbeing.
All modules are core (compulsory).
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
The Nursing Associate as a Professional
20 credits
This module will enable you to understand, consider and demonstrate the professional principles that underpin your practice, specifically the NMC Code, your personal and others’ expectations as an ambassador for the role. The module will explore how you care for and manage yourself and the impact that has on your ability to undertake your nursing associate role.
Introduction to the Provision and Monitoring of Effective Care
20 credits
This module will facilitate you, the Nursing Associate, to understand key anatomy and physiology across the lifespan. The module will explore the impact of medicines, develop your understanding of pharmacology, and how these link to your ability to deliver effective care.
Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health
20 credits
This module will enable you to develop your understanding of the evidence related to factors which impact upon health. The module will explore the complexities relating to public health and how adapting care to the needs of the individual can aid in the prevention of ill health and promote a healthy lifestyle within the population.
Principles of Law and Ethics for Nursing Associate Practice
20 credits
This module will enable you to develop the knowledge and understanding of the legal frameworks for the delivery of care, how they apply to you and how they support the most vulnerable in society. The module will explore inclusivity and diversity and your responsibility as a health professional.
Establishing Effective Communication
20 credits
This module will enable you to explore how key communication approaches are developed, understood, and applied within the practice setting. This module requires you to look at yourself and develop your communication skills within the boundaries of your professional role.
Principles of Nursing Associate Practice
20 credits
This module will introduce and develop the principles of professional practice and introduce the scope of competencies for the nursing associate role guided by the NMC Standards of Proficiency for the Nursing Associate. This module will run alongside your practice placements and will introduce the skills required for Nursing Associate practice enabling you to engage with care of individuals across different health and care settings.
Level 5
Core modules
Improving Safety and Quality of Care
20 credits
This module enables you to examine the relationships between quality, safety and safe and effective person-centred care. You will apply your knowledge of frameworks and legislation to an awareness of assessing and managing risks and maintaining a safe patient environment.
Developing Provision and Monitoring of Effective Care
20 credits
This module enables you to develop your underpinning knowledge of commonly encountered conditions, health monitoring and working in partnership with others to provide safe and effective care.
Evidence based practice and Preventing Ill Health
20 credits
This module enables you to develop your understanding of the principles of research and how this informs evidence-based practice in relation to public health and the prevention of ill health.
Complex Care and the Role of the Nursing Associate
20 credits
This module will enable you to develop your understanding of the role of a Nursing Associate within end-of-life care, providing you with an overview of the legal frameworks. You will explore the challenges and complexities of providing safe and effective nursing care for patients with complex co-morbidities and care needs.
Effective Interdisciplinary Team Working
20 credits
This module enables you to consolidate your identity as a Nursing Associate and your role working in partnership with others. You will explore how you act as a role model within the healthcare team, through support and supervision and reflect on your future progression.
Developing Nursing Associate Practice
20 credits
This module will support you to develop your professional practice and scope of competencies in preparation to meet the competencies of the Nursing Associate role as guided by the NMC Standards of Proficiency for the Nursing Associate.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
Your learning journey has been designed to be inspiring and motivating, provide tailored support, and to meet the specific NMC requirements for nursing associates.
You will learn through a mix of:
- lectures
- seminars
- group work activities
- simulation skills development sessions
- practice placements in a range of settings
- tutorials.
We use an active blended learning approach. This means you will attend face to face teaching on campus - usually at the School of Nursing and Advanced Practice, based in the Tithebarn Building (part of our City Campus), along with independent learning and work online. Examples of online activity include asynchronous tutorial discussions, discussion boards and collaborative or individual projects such as wikis, padlets, blogs and e-portfolios.
You will also complete two placements per year across a variety of healthcare settings.
You will be taught by a team of professionally qualified and experienced academic staff, who have experience in designing, developing and delivering professional programmes.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Every undergraduate student at Liverpool John Moores has a designated personal tutor, who is there to help you stay on track to achieving your degree. You will find out who your tutor is during induction.
Your personal tutor will work with you on:
- Personal Development Planning (PDP) appointments: This is a structured process intended to help you become a more effective, confident and independent learner. It will support you in gaining knowledge of your strengths, but also of areas in need of further development related to your academic, personal and professional aspirations.
- Pastoral support: Your personal tutor will also be knowledgeable of wider LJMU support services and you can approach your personal tutor if you are having any personal, financial or social problems that are affecting your studies. Your personal tutor may be able to help with the problem themselves, but if not, they can refer you on to the appropriate support, either inside or outside of the university.
As a FdSc Nursing Associate student, you will also be assigned practice supervisors and assessors for when you are out on placement, along with an academic assessor. They will support your learning and assessment in practice and confirm your progression.
We encourage students to take advantage of the study skills support available through Library Services. This covers everything from how to find the books or journals you need, through to the correct way of referencing them in your assignments.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
You will have both formative and summative assessments throughout the programme.
Formative assessments are diagnostic in nature and focus on your development, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, in addition to providing you with feedback on your progress during the learning process.
The feedback may come from several sources, including academic staff, practice supervisors and assessors, service users and wider university support staff. You may receive this verbally or in written format. Formative feedback and feedforward are helpful in your development throughout the modules.
Examples of formative activities include discussion boards to develop learning networks, a reading log, article reviews and group presentations.
Summative assessments are the module assessments in which you need to pass to receive the credits for the module. Learning outcomes for the module will describe the knowledge, skills or expertise that you will need to demonstrate you have acquired to pass the assessment. As an undergraduate student, the pass mark for your assessments is usually 40%.
The assessments for each module have been designed to align with the learning outcomes and be authentic to Nursing Associate practice. This means that assessments will require you to use the same competencies, or combinations of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that you will need to apply in your professional life.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Lisa Woods
Programme Leader
Lisa is an experienced mental health professional with an extensive background in academia, heath care leadership / management and clinical practice. She re-joined the academic team at Liverpool John Moores University in 2020 after working in Leadership roles in the NHS for the previous 6 years.Lisa is the Programme Leader for the Nursing Associate direct entry programme. She teaches on both pre-registration and post-registration programmes, supports the coordination of mental health nursing placements and act as an academic link tutor and personal tutor.Teaching interests include mental health, leadership, co-production, service user engagement, suicide prevention, innovation, quality improvement and psychological therapies.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
The School of Nursing and Advanced Practice is based in the Tithebarn Building, which is part of LJMU's City Campus. It's no exaggeration to say the School has some fantastic facilities! With hospital-grade clinical simulation suites, including nursing wards, intensive care, maternity and paramedic facilities, our students have access to the latest technology-enhanced learning environments.
You'll recognise Tithebarn Building from the giant Superlambanana public artwork sculpture that sits outside, and also marks the entrance to the adjoining Avril Robarts Library.
There are a wide range of physical learning resources across all sites that you will be able to access, including flexible learning spaces and IT suites.
As an LJMU student, you also have access to our Student Life Building and Sports Centre, situated at Copperas Hill. Student Life is home to a range of student-facing services, such as Advice and Wellbeing, the Student Futures team, and the Students’ Union (JMSU).
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications:
Qualification requirements
A levels
A minimum of 32 UCAS points which can be achieved through A level or BTEC National Extended Diploma. A minimum of two GCSE's which must include Maths and English at grade C or above OR level 2 Equivalency in Numeracy and Literacy.
Additional requirements
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Assessment required
All applicants will be sent an admissions assessment. Once this assessment is completed your application will be reviewed by the admissions team. In certain cases you may also be required to attend an interview.
Further information
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DBS, Occupational Health requirements
International applicants will be required to have IELTs scores of 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component
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RPL
Recognition of prior learning that is capable of being mapped to the Standards of proficiency for registered nurses and programme outcomes, up to a maximum of 50 percent of the programme, is permitted (NMC Standards for Pre-registration Nursing Associate Programmes, 2023: 1.5).
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.