Nursing Associate (Apprenticeship) FD

Course overview

The Nursing Associate is a support role developed by the NHS. Nursing associates will work alongside existing healthcare support workers and fully-qualified, registered nurses to deliver hands-on care for patients.

The two-year foundation degree allows you to gain the technical knowledge, practical experience, and functional skills needed for both the nursing associate role, and your long-term career. The course is taught through a mix of academic learning at the University, days in practice at your existing place of work, and placement days in a variety of health and care settings.

You’ll be taught by experienced staff who are dedicated to helping you with all aspects of your progress. The course is designed to support your development as a nursing associate and to enable you to apply your learning directly to your work.

When you have completed the course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes, and behaviours relevant to your role as a nursing associate, and will work to a nationally recognised code of conduct.

Accreditation

This apprenticeship programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Apprentices who successfully complete the apprenticeship will be able to register with the NMC.

Lifelong Learning Centre support

We know that as an Apprentice, you may face unique challenges including balancing academic study with family and employment commitments, or returning to education after a long period of time. Whatever your concerns or questions, the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) offers free specialist guidance, advice and support to mature and part-time students, from pre-application through to graduation and beyond.

We’ll welcome you into the LLC community, where you’ll be taught by our friendly and supportive staff, who are experienced in working with adult learners. The nature of the course allows you to fit study alongside your work and family commitments, and we’ll support you in doing so successfully.

Specialist facilities

You’ll have access to four specialist research and student libraries on campus. As a Lifelong Learning Centre student, you’ll have access to dedicated study and social spaces that are designed to be welcoming and accessible. The areas in Beech Grove House and the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building offer computer access, reference books and the space to socialise and work with your peers.

To find out more, email the Lifelong Learning Centre apprenticeships team at LLC-Apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk

Course details and modules

Learning outcomes for this course address the six key standards of proficiency set out by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). These are:

• being an accountable professional
• promoting health and preventing ill-health
• providing and monitoring care
• working in teams
• improving safety and quality of care
• contributing to integrated care.

There is a strong emphasis on your development of clinical practice, coupled with acquiring skills for successful study at university. Half of each year of the course is clinically based, and teaching across modules is designed to help and support you in your learning.

This course is delivered as an apprenticeship, meaning applicants must be employed in a suitable job role with time allocated within their contracted hours to work towards the apprenticeship content. The fees for this programme are covered by the employer through the apprenticeship levy.

To achieve this apprenticeship, you must undertake and log a minimum of 2300 learning hours (as defined by the NMC) with:

• at least 20% (460 hours) spent within academic study (university)
• 20% (460 hours) spent at external placements
• practice based protected learning time within the area of employment.

An individual learning plan for these hours will be discussed with you and your employers at the start of the course to ensure it works flexibly around personal and professional commitments.

If you are an employer and would like to understand more about the course, please contact LLC-Apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk. Employers that do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy may be eligible to receive funding from the University to cover their 5% employer-contribution towards apprenticeship training costs. Non-levy paying organisations in the West Yorkshire Region that are interested in applying to receive funding via the University’s levy transfer process should contact the Apprenticeships team on apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk. Please note that all applications will be subject to the University’s approval process and funding is not guaranteed.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Nursing Associate (Apprenticeship) FD in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

The apprenticeship combines and integrates both academic and work-based learning. It is designed for those who are working in trainee nursing associate roles. You will be taught and supported by a combination of qualified lecturers with years of nursing experience, expert academics and workplace mentors. In addition, contextualised learning experiences working with service users and carers enhance the range of learning opportunities available to you on the course.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment is an important way of enabling you to apply the learning to the real-world challenges that you face in your work setting.

Our range of assessment methods help you to work to your strengths and to develop numerous transferable skills that can be applied to many contexts. Assessment methods may include: critical reflections, essays, case studies, presentations, workplace portfolios, and timed assessments.

Entry requirements

A-level: Typically 3 A-level passes or other Level 3 qualifications, such as Access to HE Diplomas or BTECs. T Levels will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We welcome students with a wide range of qualifications.

If you do not hold formal qualifications and you have been out of compulsory education for three years or more, applicants can apply via the alternative entry scheme for mature applicants. Please contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information – LLC-apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk.

You must spend at least 50% of your working hours in England and Wales. You must have appropriate work and residency rights in the UK to be eligible for apprenticeship funding. For further details, please view the following; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules-for-employer-providers/annex-a-eligibility-criteria-who-we-fund.

GCSE: English and Maths grade C/4 or above. Alternatively, we accept Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent. We can also consider international qualifications. Please check with the course admissions team before applying.

Other course specific tests:

You must be employed in a management role with line management responsibilities in order to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship. You must spend at least 50% of your working hours in England and Wales. You must have appropriate work and residency rights in the UK to be eligible for apprenticeship funding. Please see further details in the ‘Applying’ section below.

For further details, please view the following;  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules-for-employer-providers/annex-a-eligibility-criteria-who-we-fund

Please contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for advice on acceptable qualifications and experience: LLC-apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk.

Alternative qualification

Alternative entry

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

We welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required prior qualifications, you may be eligible for our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the apprenticeship funding requirements).

As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and Maths and/or to write an essay.

If you do not have the relevant GCSEs, we would recommend that you obtain a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in the first instance. We can provide guidance on how to achieve this. Our experienced staff can also talk to you about how you might meet the entry criteria and what support may be available to you.

Please contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information – LLC-apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component.

Fees

UK: See below

Unlike a traditional university course, the full cost of your training and degree is funded by your employer, with support from government apprenticeship funding. This means your employer pays for both your university tuition and apprenticeship training.

Apprenticeship eligibility criteria

To be eligible for an apprenticeship, applicants will usually need to:

• Be aged 16 or over at the start of the apprenticeship

• Have the right to work in the UK

• Be employed in a relevant role with an employer who supports the apprenticeship

• Meet the entry requirements for the degree programme (such as specific qualifications or relevant experience)

• Spend a proportion of their working hours completing off-the-job training as part of the apprenticeship

Additional requirements may apply depending on the apprenticeship standard and employer.

Please note apprentices are not eligible for tuition fee or maintenance loans from the Student Loans Company.

Non-levy paying organisations in the West Yorkshire Region that are interested in applying to receive funding via the University’s levy transfer process should contact the apprenticeships team on LLC-apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk. Please note that all applications will be subject to the University’s approval process and funding is not guaranteed.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Applying

Applications for February 2027 entry are now open. Please access the applications link below on this page. Applications should be submitted by 13 October 2026 for the February 2027 start date.

For guidance on applying to a Lifelong Learning Centre course, visit our admissions guidance page.

You must be currently employed in a healthcare setting in a levy-paying or non-levy paying institution and have the support of your employer.

Applications for this course should be made via your line manager in the first instance. Employers should contact the Lifelong Learning Centre via email LLC-Apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk for more information.

The selection process will include an interview with your employer, a service user or carer, and the Lifelong Learning Centre to assess suitability. If you’re entering through the Alternative Entry Scheme, you will be sent details after your interview.

Once you’re made an offer you’ll be asked to engage with Kickstart. This is a pre-entry programme designed to ease your move into studying at the University of Leeds.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

Lifelong Learning Centre

Contact us

Nursing Associate (Apprenticeship) FD admissions

Email: LLC-Apprenticeships@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 113 3433212

Career opportunities

A qualification from the University of Leeds counts. Our graduates are highly valued by employers. When you complete your Apprenticeship, you will also become part of a network of highly employable graduates. As a Foundation Degree graduate, you would be able to assume responsibility to deliver delegated elements of protocol-based health and social care and undertake clinical work in areas previously only within the remit of registered healthcare providers.

A University of Leeds foundation degree will make you very attractive to employers and enhance your career prospects. Graduates of this course will have a solid platform for career development and further study. The course has been developed to meet workforce development needs identified by Healthcare trusts in the Yorkshire and Humber region. This apprenticeship programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Apprentices who successfully complete the apprenticeship will be able to register with the NMC.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.

• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.

• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.

• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Impartial information, advice, and guidance is available to all students enrolled on courses taught by the Lifelong Learning Centre. We have fully qualified careers advisers who offer employability support, advice on job applications, CVs, and preparation for interviews, together with guidance on career options following your graduation. Contact LLCcareers@leeds.ac.uk.

Work placements

Clinical placements are required to meet Nursing and Midwifery Council requirements. An individual learning plan for your placements will be discussed with you and your employers at the start of the course to ensure it works flexibly around personal and professional commitments.