Why study this course with LJMU?
- Supports widening access participation in healthcare education to support the development of the Nursing Associate workforce
- The course aims to develop Nursing Associates who are accountable, safe, and proficient practitioners able to safely deliver holistic person-centred, evidence-based and effective care
- Learners will be able to complete a Foundation Degree whilst in employment
- Contemporary modules to reflect current workforce development needs
- Varied assessment model that prepares the learner for practice
- Simulated learning to support development of practical skills
- University with a recent OFSTED inspection rated as GOOD with EXCELLENT in behaviour and attitudes
- 97% of students on this course said teaching staff were good at explaining things and 92% said the course challenged them to achieve their best work (NSS 2025)
- 93% of students on this course were positive about the learning resources provided (NSS 2025)
About your course
The FdSc Nursing Associate apprenticeship route programme supports the learner to achieve a Foundation Degree whilst in employment.
The programme is delivered over 24 months and is full time.
Each year consists of 6 modules each 20 credits. Year 1 is 120 credits at level 4 and year two 120 credits at level 5. The programme delivers an equal balance of theory and practice learning. The programme consists of a two day a week theory delivered at LJMU. Learning in theory will be facilitated using a variety of methods including seminars, workshops and simulated learning.
In each academic year students will have to undertake five theoretical assessments in addition to being assessed in practice. They will be assessed utilising a variety of assessment methods utilising a range of assessment styles. Learning in theory
On completion of the programme learners will complete with a Foundation Degree and be eligible to apply for an NMC registration as a Nursing Associate.
This apprenticeship programme is aligned to the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) Nursing Associate NMC (2018) standard ST0827 (IFATE, 2018). This programme is also approved by the Nursing and midwifery Council.
Apprenticeship week celebration
" The degree apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity because you get to work as well as go to university at the same time."
" Very proud, support from practice and support from university, very proud I can make a difference"
All modules are core modules there are no optional modules in this programme.
Level 4 modules:
- The Nursing Associate as a professional
- Introduction to the Provision and Monitoring of Effective Care
- Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health
- Principles of Law and Ethics for Nursing Associate Practice
- Establishing Effective Communication
- Principles of Nursing Associate Practice
Level 5 modules:
- Improving Safety and Quality of Care
- Developing Provision and Monitoring of Effective Care
- Evidence based practice and Preventing Ill Health
- Complex Care and the Role of the Nursing Associate
- Effective Interdisciplinary Team Working
- Developing Nursing Associate Practice
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Professional accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and aligned to the Standards for pre-registration nursing associate programmes (NMC, 2023).
Course tutors
Joanne has been in nurse education at LJMU since November 2019 and is a Registered Children's Nurse. Joanne's clinical career has been based at Alder Hey and included working on paediatric intensive care and more recently as a research nurse. Joanne had an honorary contract with Liverpool University Institution of Infection and Global Health from Dec 2012- Nov 2019.and obtained MSc(Res) in Health at the University of Central Lancaster in 2015.
Joanne is programme lead for the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme and has an active role in the design and delivery of nurse education programmes.
Her interests include evidence based practice , safety and quality of care and student engagement in research and the development of future nurse researchers. Joanne is currently undertaking a PhD.
Qualification requirements
A levels
A minimum of 32 UCAS points which can be achieved through A level or BTEC National Extended Diploma. A minimum of two GCSE's which must include Maths and English at grade C or above OR level 2 Equivalency in Numeracy and Literacy.
Other international requirements
Evidence of proof of equivalency from UK ENIC can be used where an individual has an international qualification. To access the apprenticeship, the individual must have a valid and eligible status. Non-UK nationals are eligible for funding if they have been resident in the UK for at least the previous three year period on the first day of the apprenticeship.
Additional requirements
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Interview required
An interview will be conducted involving the prospective learner and the employer prior to offering a place on the programme.
Further information
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DBS Requirements
An Enhanced DBS clearance is required to be evidenced as part of the application process.
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RPL
Recognition of prior learning is permitted where this can be mapped to the programme learning outcomes in line with University Recognition of Prior Learning policy and only up to a maximum of 50% of the programme (NMC standards for Nursing Associate Programmes 2023).
This maximum limit of 50 percent does not apply to applicants to pre-registration Nursing Associate programmes who are currently a NMC registered nurse without restrictions on their practice.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
If you aren’t already employed by a company or a Trust that is willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find one. You can do this by regularly checking the Government’s Find an apprenticeship website.
You can also approach an employer yourself to find out whether they would be interested in offering Degree Apprenticeships and ask them to contact us. Our team will be able to explain to them how they can access the correct funding and the next steps.
Just like any other job application, you’ll go through a recruitment process with the employer. Check out our interview tips to help you prepare for your Degree Apprenticeship interview. You’ll also need to meet the entry requirements to attend Liverpool John Moores University just like any other student. To do this, find your course and make sure you meet the requirements of the particular course associated with your Degree Apprenticeship.
To apply for a Degree Apprenticeship course complete the online application form.
Once you have applied you are required to complete and return a skills scan document that is automatically sent to you upon receipt of your application. The skills scan enables the programme team to carry out an initial assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) that you have acquired through your previous experience and study.
Following consideration of your skills scan, you and your employer contact will be invited to attend a meeting with the Programme Leader to further discuss the requirements of the apprenticeship, including the KSBs set out within the applicable Apprenticeship Standard.
If your application is successful, you’ll enter into an employment/apprenticeship contract with your employer which will set out the obligations of all parties involved in the apprenticeship.
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