Course summary

Providing the perfect base from which to begin your nursing career, our FDSc Nursing Associate degree gives you the knowledge and skills needed to play a valued role in a multi-disciplinary health care team. You’ll learn from our experienced lecturers and technicians using state-of-the-art simulation facilities, coupled with time out on clinical placement. This combined learning approach of theory and practice will prepare you to help patients through the vulnerable times in their lives. Upon completion of the degree, you’ll be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, as well as being able to progress into Registered Nursing. Why study this subject? There is high demand across the nursing sector, nationally and internationally, for qualified Nursing Associates. A FDSc Nursing Associate course provides a great foundation to move into health care and will help you learn how to deliver care for a range of people in diverse settings. On graduating from this programme, Nursing Associates will be able to work independently, within defined parameters of practice and under the direction of a Registered Nurse, to deliver a defined plan of care. Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? We've been running our range of nursing programmes for many years and were one of the first universities to launch the FDSc Nursing Associate degree. Students at BNU benefit from an excellent standard of teaching provided by staff who maintain close links with practice, ensuring that the programme is always kept up-to-date. Our lecturers cover various specialities including, adult, children’s, mental health and learning disability nursing. Alongside your studies, you will take part in a range of clinical placements with our NHS partner hospitals. We work with a range of hospitals across the region and our students are highly respected whilst out in practice – many of our students go on to be employed by the Trust that they worked with during their time at the University. As a BNU student, you will automatically become a member of Bucks Students’ Union giving you access to a wide range of services that we offer for free as part of our exclusive Big Deal package. We are the only university in the UK to offer our members free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities, allowing them to experience new things, socialise with broader groups of people and boost their employability – all to enrich your university experience. What facilities can I use? We utilise state-of-the-art simulation facilities for learning, development and practicing of skills – our purpose-built wards include real equipment, just like you’d find in hospital. Simulation is an important aspect of our nursing and healthcare programmes. You will regularly spend time in the simulation labs, taking part in realistic scenarios to practise a broad spectrum of technical skills in a safe and supportive environment. What will I study? The curriculum for this course has been designed to embrace the philosophy of the Nursing Associate to transform lives and create a community of practice with students at the heart of the learning and teaching. Each session is closely linked to the development of knowledge as outlined within the England Nursing Associate Practice Assessment Document. How will I be taught? You’ll benefit from simulation sessions, lectures, seminars and group activities to ensure readiness for professional registration and clinical practice. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to fulfil their potential by taking responsibility for their learning, including being prepared for sessions, undertaking independent reading, and negotiating learning opportunities within the practice setting. Alongside your studies, you will be expected to undertake 575 hours of placement learning each year of the programme.