FdSc Nursing Associate

We consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experiences, and each application is assessed on its own merit.

To enrol onto this course, you will be required to demonstrate the following:

• English and maths at GCSE grade 4(C) or equivalent
• A minimum of 48 UCAS points, from at least one of the following: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access to Higher Education Diploma; NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• A minimum of 1 year’s previous experience within a health care setting

All applicants, who meet the criteria above, will be invited to attend an interview with representatives from our placement partners and patient, carer and service users’ group. Interviews will take the form of multiple mini interviews, information on this process is available on the Health professions and Nursing pages of the South Devon University Centre website.

As you will be working with the public you will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) check prior to the start of the academic term and this will be renewed as required throughout the duration of your course.  An enhanced DBS check covers all previous convictions, including spent ones.

You will also be required to undertake a confidential Occupational health check prior to the start of the academic term, further assessments may also be required throughout the duration of your course.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading , Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you take a combination of compulsory (and if available optional modules) enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year. In the majority of cases this will consist of 6 modules. For part time students it will depend on the intensity of your studies.

Year 1 Modules

• Clinical Education Preparatory Skills (0 Credits)
• Clinical Practice for the Nursing Associate 1 (40 Credits)
• Contextualised Theory for the Nursing Associate (20 Credits)
• The Human Life Span (20 Credits)
• Health and Inequalities (20 Credits)
• Clinical Interventions (20 Credits)

Year 2 Modules

• Clinical Practice for the Nursing Associate 2 (40 Credits)
• Equality in Public Health (20 Credits)
• Personal Development and Wellbeing (20 Credits)
• Specialist Skills for the Nursing Associate (40 Credits)

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. The programme will have a blended approach to delivery, with modules being taught online via distance learning or at one of the intensive block delivery sessions. The practical element of the programme will use a combination of both work and practice-based learning, as well as a utilising digital, simulated and clinical practice to enhance a student’s understanding.

Practice-based learning is a fundamental component of this programme. Students must complete a minimum of 1150 of practice hours during the duration of the programme across all four fields of nursing. Placements are a requirement to achieving your academic modules and the standards of proficiency for the registered Nursing Associate (NMC), you will be supported with and during your placement by the programme team. Please note that all placements are subject to a full clinical audit before you commence placement and you may be placed with any of our placement partners across the peninsula. Associated costs relating to travel to your placement is your responsibility.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development as an effective practitioner. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway, and helps ensure your success.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the South Devon University Centre Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 4 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 15 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 4: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.
Level 5: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision.

We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Once qualified, Nursing Associates may work across a wide range of healthcare settings and clinical areas, including acute or community hospitals; community nursing teams and GP practices.

You can also progress to BSc (Hons) Enhanced Integrated Care at South Devon College, or apply to progress onto the second year of a Nursing degree programme with one of our associated university partners.

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Course Related Costs Included

• Equipment to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning
• Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning
• Annual £10 printing allowance
• Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study

• Additional printing over the initial allowance
• Optional overseas and UK based field trips
• The cost of books you may wish to purchase
• An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to South Devon University Centre