STUDY

Undergraduate

FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate) - Higher Apprenticeship

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Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
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: N/A
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)

Overview

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 our programme.

A pivotal element is the collaboration between the University and local healthcare providers within the NHS, private, voluntary, and independent sectors. This partnership allows you to learn while employed, combining classroom-based theory with practical experience through work-based learning.

Apprentices enrolled in the FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate) - Higher Apprenticeship course at the University enjoy close working relationships with the teaching team and other experts in the field of health and care from our practice partners in the NHS and other local healthcare providers. You will benefit from our academic staff here taking the time to know each student individually and provide support throughout your academic journey with us, as well as earn while you learn. Apprentices of the Nursing Associate programme will gain experience across all four fields of nursing – Child, Adult, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. 

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

This FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate) - Higher Apprenticeship is offered only to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. For more information on how to apply, visit our Apprenticeships page.

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)
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WHY SUFFOLK

16th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Best Facilities 2023

WUSCA 2023

5th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Career Prospects 2023

WUSCA 2023

14th place in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Student Support 2023

WUSCA 2023

Course Modules

More information about the course module can be found on Definitive Course Records.

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

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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.

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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

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Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Nursing Associate apprenticeship will be well placed to take advantage of a variety of career openings which exist in the health and social care sector. On graduation you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This provides you with an extremely marketable recognised professional qualification, giving you the opportunity to work in England in verity of health and social care environments. Graduates completing the FdA in Health and Wellbeing apprenticeship may be eligible to apply for different degree pathways, such as the Adult and Mental Health Nursing Degree Apprenticeship.

Your Course Team

Mandi Syrett

Mandi is Project Manager for the Centre of Excellence for Health Apprenticeships

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Leanne Logan-Smith

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

Leanne Logan-Smith 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.

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 .

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Star Sibanda

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

Star Sibanda staff profile photo

Apprenticeship Funding

Degree Apprenticeships are only offered to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. Apprenticeship training will therefore be funded directly by employers or by employers in partnership with Government. Apprentices will not be required to pay any tuition or course fees, and will not be eligible for any Student Finance England maintenance support. Please see our Apprenticeship pages for more information.

Apprenticeships Information
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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
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Related Courses

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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.

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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.

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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).

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