This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Read our cookie policy

STUDY

Undergraduate

FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate)

Fish oil capsules
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: L611
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Two years full-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CDD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T level)
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: L611
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Two years full-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CDD (A-Level), MMP (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T level)
Book an open day Ask a question Applying to university get a prospectus
Book an open day Ask a question Applying to university get a prospectus

Overview

As a Nursing Associate you will deliver hands-on care to patients, bridging the gap between the roles of a Healthcare Assistant and a Registered Nurse.

Students of the Nursing Associate course will gain experience across all four fields of nursing: Adult, Child, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, whilst developing a range of specialist and transferable skills.

Nursing Associate students at the University of Suffolk enjoy close working relationships with our course team of expert registered practitioners alongside our practice partners in the field of health and social care including local healthcare providers in the NHS, private, voluntary, and independent sectors.

As part of the course, students will undertake placements with our practice partners to build the clinical skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver care to patients in a variety of settings.

A £3,000 bursary award is available to students studying this course, subject to eligibility. Find out more about the FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate) Award.

For more information about the University's affiliation with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), please refer to the PSRB Register.

Why choose Suffolk?
Ranked 8th in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Nursing and Midwifery (Complete University Guide 2025), the University of Suffolk boasts extensive experience in administering foundation degrees, along with several pre-registration programmes, including Nursing Associates, Nursing, Midwifery, Radiography, and Social Work. This experience, coupled with substantial input from employers, has influenced the structure and content of new programmes.

Our academic staff take the time to know each student individually and provide support throughout your academic journey with us. The collaboration between the University and local healthcare providers allows you to learn whilst employed, combining classroom-based theory with practical experience through work-based learning.

Get closer to your future and become a highly sought after healthcare professional.

The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

5th

in the UK for graduates in career 15 months after graduation for Health Professions

(Guardian University Guide 2023)

6th

in the UK for spend on academic services

(Complete University Guide 2024)

2nd

in the East of England for Graduate Prospects

(Complete University Guide 2024)
Waterfront Building reflecting in the marina

WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

WUSCA 2024

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

Complete University Guide 2025

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2024

Course Modules

More information can be found on Why Suffolk? 

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Records. 

Surgical lamp

This module introduces learners to the experience of Higher Education, providing a sound foundation for clinical practice and exploring the nursing associate role.

This module introduces learners to human anatomy and physiology.

This module explores the fundamentals of communication and interpersonal skills that are required to facilitate effective therapeutic relationships and team working. 

This module explores the fundamental bio-psycho-social theories of ill health and the changing health needs of a population.

This module is designed to support learners in exploring how the theoretical components of the course relate to practice enabling learners to reflect on their development.

This module explores the principles of pharmacology, professional guidelines, legislation and ethical issues which impacts the safe management of medicines to enhance the learner’s knowledge and skills.

This module introduces the learner to the social determinants of health, health inequalities and the principles of health promotion. 

This module introduces the principles of research; exploring evidence-based practice and leadership skills to be able to confidently supervise, support and motivate others.

This module is designed to support learners in exploring how the theoretical components of the course relate to practice enabling learners to reflect on their development.

A lecturer drawing on a whiteboard in scrubs
Lecturer in class
Tablet displaying vital signs
Facilities in the Health and Wellbeing Building
A nursing student and lecturer using a manual resuscitator bag
Health and Wellbeing building facilities
Students at a bedside in a stimulation ward
Students in the Health and Wellbeing building

Entry Requirements

2025/26

80 UCAS tariff points (or above)

  • CDD (A-Level)
  • MMP (BTEC)
  • Pass A*-C (T level)

or RPEL equivalent to six months of clinical practice (usually to 975 hours)

Evidence of academic certification (Level 2 or Level 3)

How to Apply Entry Requirements Explained

All applicants are required to have English and Maths GCSE's at grade C/4 (or Level 2 equivalents).

IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all components) is required where English is not the students' first language. You can read more about our English language requirements here.

Please select your country of permanent residence from the list below, specific requirements for your country will then be shown.

International Home
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE
GO TO COUNTRY PAGE

Any offer of a place will be subject to:

  • Successful interview
  • Satisfactory Health check
  • Satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
home-masthead-th

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation of the FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate) course, students are eligible register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Nursing Associate.

Graduates may also be eligible to apply for different degree pathways, such as the

- Adult Nursing Degree Apprenticeship
- Mental Health Nursing Degree Apprenticeship
- BSc Nursing programmes

As a highly sought after healthcare professional, graduation offers a wealth of career opportunities within the health and social care sectors.

Your Course Team

Leanne Logan-Smith

Leanne is a registered adult nurse and is Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships.

Leanne Logan-Smith staff profile photo

Tracy Button

Practice Education Facilitator and Associate Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships at the University of Suffolk.

Tracy Button staff profile photo

Alison Howard

Alison is Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships and is a Registered Nurse and a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse .

Alison Howard staff profile photo

Angela Cobbold

Angela is Senior Lecturer in Operating Department Practice and has additional qualifications in the Surgical First Assistant role in the NHS and Private Sector.

Angela Cobbold

Star Sibanda

Star is a Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships and a qualified General Nurse.

Star Sibanda staff profile photo

Abbi Davies

Abbi is a Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships. She is a registered nurse and before moving into education, worked as a Senior Community Nurse in Colchester.

a.davies7@uos.ac.uk
Abbi Davies staff profile photo

Rachel Van den Brink-Budgen

Rachel is a lecturer in Health Apprenticeships.

Rachel Van De Brink-Budgen

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee*

£8,220

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee*

£1,370

per 20 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee**

£14,598

per year

*Please contact Student Centre for further information on part-time fees

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate) Award

The University of Suffolk is offering up to 70 bursary awards of £3,000 for students starting on the FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate) course in the academic year 2025-26.

Find out more about this award
carousel-th

Facilities and Resources

The Health and Wellbeing building provides students with a variety of state-of-the-art clinical simulation facilities, including two simulated hospital wards, a midwifery birthing unit, physiotherapy teaching spaces, a sports and exercise facility and a working radiography imaging suite.  The building also hosts the Institute of Health and Wellbeing Research and the Integrated Care Academy. 

Lift shaft of the Health and Wellbeing Building
A student paramedic using phlebotomy training equipment
A nursing student and lecturer using a manual resuscitator bag
Close-up of a laptop with student listening to heart rate in the background

How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Apply Now Further Information on Applying
A silhouette of a student in their cap and gown

Simon Richardson, FDA health and wellbeing

"I've advanced from a nursing assistant (band 2) to a band 4 registered professional and am now able to ensure safe patient care at a higher level."

read more
Students standing in their caps and gowns

Related Courses

Saline solution drip
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship) 4 year

This course will enable you to develop the knowledge, attitude, and skills necessary to register as an Adult Nurse.

Neurons in the brain under a microscope
BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing

Mental Health Nursing students are encouraged to develop skills in independent learning, critical analysis, leadership, management, and decision-making.

Neuron cell in the brain under a microscope
BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship)

This Nursing Degree Apprenticeship will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours necessary for registration as a Mental Health Nurse.

Medical syringe
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship) 2 year

The program's purpose is to facilitate your development in order to meet the requirements for registration as an Adult Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Unibuddy: Chat to our Students and Staff

Related News

NEXT STEPS

Now you know more about the course, we can guide you through the next steps.

HOW TO APPLY
ACCOMMODATION
FUNDING YOUR COURSE
COME AND MEET US
Close-up of a student sitting with a hot drink Student Life at Suffolk
Students sitting on campus International Students
A member of the Students Union walking Your Students' Union
Member of staff sitting on the phone Get in Touch
Aerial view of the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds

Destination Suffolk