Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate combines academic study with supervised clinical practice to develop the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required for the Nursing Associate role. Core areas include anatomy and physiology, clinical skills and assessment, medicines management, person‑centred care, safeguarding, communication, and the legal and ethical frameworks that govern practice.

Modules typically cover:

• Fundamentals of nursing and clinical skills, including physical care, observations and infection prevention
• Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology relevant to common long‑term and acute conditions
• Pharmacology and safe medicines administration
• Mental health, cognitive impairment and approaches to supporting people with dementia
• Professionalism, leadership, teamworking and quality improvement
• Research methods and evidence‑based practice to support reflective and safe care
• Practice‑based learning through supervised placements across community, hospital and care‑home settings

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, simulation and practice placements. Assessment methods include practical competencies and observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), workplace assessments and written assignments reflecting on practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a background in health or care practice, such as prior qualifications or substantive experience in care settings. Typical application requirements include a minimum level of formal qualifications in English and mathematics at Level 2 (or recognised equivalents), evidence of previous study at Level 3 or relevant vocational experience, and a satisfactory employment or placement history in health or social care.

All applicants must be able to meet professional requirements for practice, which include a clear enhanced criminal record check (DBS or local equivalent), occupational health clearance, and eligibility to work in the jurisdiction of the placement provider. Shortlisted candidates are usually invited to an interview or selection day that assesses communication, values and suitability for patient‑facing practice. International applicants must demonstrate recognised English language competence.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to register as Nursing Associates with the relevant professional regulator and to take up posts in a wide range of settings such as hospitals, community health services, mental health services and care homes. The Nursing Associate role sits between healthcare support workers and registered nurses, providing hands‑on care as part of multidisciplinary teams.

The foundation degree also creates clear progression routes into registered nurse programmes: many students move on to a top‑up degree or apprenticeship that leads to registration as a Registered Nurse. Career progression can include specialist practice roles, leadership and education within health and social care organisations.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes has established partnerships with local NHS trusts and care providers, ensuring students gain diverse, supervised placement experiences across acute, community and social care settings. The university combines practical skills teaching with simulation resources and experienced academic staff who have current clinical expertise.

Students benefit from dedicated support services for healthcare learners, including academic skills development and careers guidance, and clear academic progression pathways should they wish to continue to registered nurse training. The programme emphasises professional values, patient safety and interprofessional working to prepare graduates for contemporary practice in health and care systems.