
FdSc Registered Nursing Associate
University of SunderlandOn campus, United Kingdom
Course overview
The FdSc Registered Nursing Associate course is a direct-entry foundation degree, covering the six core areas of practice set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It’s ideal for both newcomers to healthcare and experienced staff seeking a recognised qualification. You'll complete 1,150 hours of clinical placements with our partner NHS Trusts, gaining hands-on experience in hospitals and community settings.
On campus, you’ll train in state-of-the-art facilities like mock hospital wards and our interactive Living Lab. You’ll also learn directly from real patients and carers through our Patient, Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) programme. After graduating, you can register as a Nursing Associate or continue your studies to become a registered nurse.
This course is a great next step from a T Level in Health or other health and social care pathways.
Key highlights
- Covers the six core areas of practice set by the NMC
- 1,150 hours of clinical placements with partner NHS Trusts
- Placements in both hospital and community settings
- Train in mock hospital wards and an interactive Living Lab
- Learn from real patients and carers through the PCPI programme
- Graduates can register as a Nursing Associate or progress to nursing
Entry requirements
- UCAS tariff points: 54 — Our typical offer is 54 UCAS Tariff points.
- GCSE: C/4 or above — to include Mathematics, English Language
Scholarships
Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship
The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression): £2,000 cash payment; a tuition fee discount of 20%; a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation.
East Durham College Partnership Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500First Choice Travel Award
This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £500Global Leaders Scholarship
£6,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates, £4,000 for MPharm Pharmacy students, or £5,500 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).
Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.
Up to £1,200Interview Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Open Day Travel Reimbursement
Up to £100
Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology)
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.
Up to £1,000Sunderland College Award
Our Sunderland College Award provides £1,500 plus a £250 voucher, in each year of continuous study. This will support you financially throughout your time at university.
Tees Valley Travel Award
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Up to £1,500The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships
Up to £750.
Careers this course leads to
- Registered Nursing Associate
- Nursing Associate in acute hospital care
- Community Nursing Associate
- Nursing Associate in mental health services
- Student Nurse (top-up to registered nurse)
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,500 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Sunderland, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.
