Nursing Associate Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc

Overview\
Interested in a nursing profession and would like to study at foundation degree level? You may be a school or college leaver, mature student, new to healthcare, making a career change or already working in a relevant healthcare support role. It doesn't matter. You just need to be dedicated to providing compassionate care for a wide range of people who use health and social care services, want to develop your understanding of key concepts in nursing and be motivated.

The degree emphasises the role nursing associates play in providing holistic treatment to support the delivery of safe, effective and responsive nursing associate care. Taught by lecturers who are registered health professionals and have worked across the healthcare settings in our outstanding teaching environments, you will not only develop key skills and values, but key behaviours such as leadership, resilience and discretion. You will be allocated placements in multiple settings and build on these by working with experienced healthcare professionals who will support and assess you.

Once completed, you can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and apply for Registered Nursing Associate roles or go onto further study in nursing, health and social care. You can also top-up to a full bachelor's degree in 18 months to become a Registered Nurse in either adult or mental health nursing.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

* EDUCATION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR – Named Nurse Education Provider of the Year 2025 (pre-registration) at the Student Nursing Times Awards.

* AWARD-WINNING PLACEMENTS – Winner of Student Placement of the Year: Hospital 2022 and shortlisted for two Student Nursing Times Awards in 2023.

* STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES – Train at our £44 million Moss House campus, featuring a simulation ward and immersive VR technology.

* PERSONALISED SUPPORT – Learn in a supportive environment with experienced nursing lecturers throughout your degree.

* STRONG EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS – Benefit from links with local NHS trusts and healthcare providers, supporting future career opportunities.

* INDUSTRY-APPROVED TRAINING – Study in line with NMC standards and apply for Registered Nurse status after graduation.

* TOP FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION – Our nursing degree courses are rated in the UK’s top five for student satisfaction (NSS 2026).

FACILITIES

As part of your Nursing Associate foundation degree, you will have access to University College Birmingham’s specialist practical and academic learning environments in Moss House and McIntyre House. These include our Health Skills and Simulation Suite, complete with a purpose-built, six-bed hospital ward with simulation manikins, Anatomage table, integrated filming and audio equipment and a community care environment to help you practise your clinical skills and enhance your practical training.

PLACEMENTS\
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate.

Student nursing associates must experience practice learning in a variety of settings to be exposed to four fields of nursing practice - child, adult, learning disability and mental health - as well as gaining knowledge on the care of patients across their lifespan. Our Health Placement team can help find the ideal placements for you, which you will be assessed on as you progress.

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION\
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:

* Registered Nursing Associate

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the FdSc degree will enable you to top up to our bachelor's degrees and postgraduate courses.

* Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course