FdSc Nursing Associate Direct Entry

The Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate at London South Bank University is a two-year full-time programme that starts in either January or April, and prepares students to work in healthcare, providing hands-on, person-centred care as part of a team. Upon completing the programme, students become eligible for professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Nursing Associate, filling an important role between healthcare support workers and registered nurses.

The programme is divided equally between theory and practice, with students attending university one day a week and gaining hands-on experience in the workplace for the rest of the week. They learn from experienced academics and gain practical experience in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and community care. After completing the programme, students are not only ready for employment but also have the option to further their training and become Registered Nurses.

Graduates of the Nursing Associate programme are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Nursing Associate, enabling them to work in various healthcare settings across the UK. They can also use this as an added advantage to become a Registered Nurse through further training, such as a shortened nursing degree or Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.

London South Bank University is a well-known institution that focuses on teaching students the practical skills they need for their future careers. It has a good reputation for helping its graduates find jobs, and it was even named University of the Year for Graduate Employment two years in a row. The university's goal is to give students the technical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

London South Bank University offers a wide variety of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering fields such as health, business, arts, and engineering. Students at LSBU learn in a supportive environment and have access to modern facilities, including skills labs and libraries, as well as dedicated support services to help them with their studies and future careers.

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying for the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. A relevant academic and/or employer reference is also required. Students have the option to upload their CVs along with their applications to demonstrate their work experience.

Grade Requirements:

• Applicants must hold GCSE Mathematics and English Language at Grade A*-C or Grade 4 and above, or a Level 2 equivalent qualification
• Also, 48 UCAS tariff points are required which is achieved through qualifications such as a BTEC National Extended Diploma (PPP), BTEC National Diploma (MP), BTEC National Foundation Diploma (M), BTEC Extended Certificate (D), or A-Levels (DD).

English Proficiency:

• Applicants need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• TOEFL and PTE are also accepted.

For international students, the tuition fee for the FdSc Nursing Associate (Direct Entry) course is £14,900 for the 2025/26 academic year.

London South Bank University offers scholarships and bursaries to help eligible students with tuition fees, including university-wide awards and support specific to certain programs like healthcare, with options such as the NHS Learning Support Fund, which provides up to £11,000 per year for eligible students. The International Merit Scholarships offer fee reductions of up to £4,000 for international students with strong academic records. The Global Success Scholarship helps international students start their careers, and the LSBU Loyalty Award, gives tuition fee discounts to LSBU graduates who go on to study another course at the university.

After completing the FdSc Nursing Associate (Direct Entry) programme, candidates can go for career roles as:

• Nursing Associate (NMC Registered)
• Healthcare Professional within NHS Trusts
• Care Coordinator
• Senior Healthcare Support Worker
• Assistant Practitioner (with further specialisation)

Candidates can apply for this course through UCAS. For assistance with your application process, reach out to our trained counsellors at AHZ.