Please note: This programme is subject to approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Course summary
The programme underwent a conjoint approval event with the University and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in June 2025. The outcome was successful and the NMC visitors recommended that the programme be approved. The University is now awaiting confirmation of the programme approval from the NMC.
Once the University has notification of approval by the NMC it is intended to start delivering the programme in September 2026.
This new apprenticeship will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills required to deliver high-quality, safe, and compassionate care while supporting the wider healthcare team as a Nursing Associate. The nursing associate role has been developed in England to meet workforce needs. Nursing associates act as a vital bridge between health and care support workers and registered nurses. They provide essential care and support across various health and social care settings, including hospitals, care homes, hospices, GP practices, social care, and community services.
The responsibilities of a registered Nursing Associate will vary depending on the setting but typically include:
- Monitoring and recording clinical observations such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration, and pulse.
- Performing clinical tasks like venepuncture and ECGs.
- Providing emotional support to individuals facing complex diagnoses and life-changing news.
- Communicating and collaborating with healthcare professionals to share patient assessments and observations.
- Upholding patient dignity, privacy, and safety at all times.
- Identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable adults and children.
To study, you must work in an appropriate health or social care setting or be supported by an NHS Trust, health or social care organisation that can provide the required practice learning experience.
Upon successful completion of the programme, which includes the achievement of the integrated End Point Assessment, and continued confirmation of Good Health and Character, the University will confirm to the NMC your eligibility to progress to NMC registration.
Duration | Start date | Location | Entry level | End Point Assessment Organisation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2 years | TBC (subject to approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)) | New Cavendish Campus, Central London | Level 4 | University of Westminster The End Point Assessment is integrated into the programme. |
Level 4 modules (Year one)
- Developing personal, professional and academic skills for person centred care (20 credits)
- Psychology and sociology of health and wellbeing (20 credits)
- Sciences underpinning professional practice (20 credits)
- Professional Practice One (60 credits)
Level 5 modules (Year two)
- Evidence based practice (20 credits)
- Recognising and responding to illness across the lifecourse (20 credits)
- Transitioning to being a registrant (20 credits)
- Professional Practice Two (20 credits)
- Medicines management (non-credit bearing module)
Accreditations
The Higher Technical Qualification Standards that this programme is mapped to are approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) as meeting occupational standards for the healthcare sector: Nursing associate (NMC 2018) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
The University of Westminster’s Foundation Degree Nursing Associate apprentice programme is subject to accreditation by the NMC and aligned to the Standards for pre-registration nursing associate programmes (NMC 2023). The course structure and content also align to the NMC Standards of proficiency for nursing associates (NMC 2023).
Apprenticeship applicants should contact their employer to enquire about opportunities and the application process.
Programme specification
The programme specification and modules will become available after NMC approval.
Entry requirements and eligibility
Our apprenticeships are only available to those employed as part of an agreed apprenticeship scheme in a related role, who are aged 18 or over on the first day, are not in full-time education and meet the Department for Education funding eligibility criteria.
The Department for Education funding eligibility is a requirement. Eligibility checks will be completed using the University’s apprentice management system, APTEM. Further details on apprenticeship funding eligibility criteria are available on our How to apply page.
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must currently be employed full-time and be supported by your employer. Your employer will have agreed to cover the apprenticeship costs and allow you to undertake external placements in addition to your place of employment.
Employers are responsible for ensuring students meet occupational health requirements and have passed appropriate vetting procedures, which include an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check and Right to Work Check. This is evidenced through the submission of supplementary evidence as part of the selection process. Employers may also set additional entry requirements as part of the selection process before assessment for entry by the University.
You will also need to demonstrate your ability to study to Level 5 foundation degree level and commit to completing the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme.
Academic entry criteria
- Level 2 English qualification (GCSE Grade 4–9, GCSE Grade A-C, Level 2 Functional Skills English, Key Skills Level 2 Communication or equivalent) (essential).
- Level 2 Maths qualification (GCSE Grade 4–9, GCSE Grade A-C, Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, Key Skills Level 2 Application of Number (Numeracy) or equivalent) (essential).
- Health or care experience to demonstrate an insight into the professional values and behaviours associated with health and care environments (desirable).
- Normally a minimum of 48 tariff points or equivalent from (essential):
• A Levels
• BTEC National Diploma
• BTEC Extended Diploma
• NVQ at Level 3 or above in Care or a related subject
• An Accredited Access to HE Diploma (pass with at least 45 credits at level 3)
• Level 3 Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications
Other qualifications (including the Care Certificate and Health Education England-approved Bridging Programme), alongside relevant and substantial work experience, will be considered at an individual level.
Where applicants do not have Level 3 qualifications, a portfolio assessment will be offered.
Applicants will be able to submit a CV with the application form.
Further requirements for entry to the apprenticeship programme:
- Demonstrate capability for digital and technological literacy
- Evidence of study within the last five years (not mandatory training)
- Show the ability to study at academic level 4 and the potential to progress to level 5.
- Evidenced nursing values through the interview process at the University (with the employer)
If your first language is not English, you will need to have recently achieved the required score in the academic version of International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
- IELTS: at least 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in Writing, Speaking, Listening and Reading (or recognised equivalent).
If you meet the entry requirement, you will be invited to attend an entrance interview. This will assess your communication skills, motivation, aptitude, and knowledge of the nursing associate role.
Following a successful interview the University will also require:
- A complete satisfactory occupational health assessment
- A new enhanced criminal records check/ disclosure and barring service (DBS)
- A reference from their employer
A student will not be able to enrol on the programme without these being completed.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL/RPEL)
Recognition of prior learning enables previous certificated or experiential learning to be recognised and accepted as meeting some programme outcomes, this means it includes both theory and practice achievement.
This apprenticeship allows the recognition of prior learning that can be mapped to the Standards of proficiency for nursing associates and programme outcomes, up to a maximum of 50 percent of the programme. 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 (NMC 2023).
All RPL/RPEL claims are agreed by an external examiner.
For further information about RPL/RPE, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Fees
Fees will be paid by your employer with government-funded support or through the apprenticeship levy. University module retakes are not included in apprenticeship levy funding and employers will be charged separately for any modules that need to be retaken. (Fees for the academic year 2026–2027 are to be confirmed).
Additional costs and optional extras
We are committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career.
Please be aware that whilst most costs are covered as part of your apprenticeship, you may need to cover a few essential items not provided as part of the course. These are detailed below:
Mandatory costs:
- Suitable shoes that comply with uniform policy
- Travel to and from internal and external placements
- Professional NMC registration required to practice once qualified
Optional costs not included in your fees:
- Textbooks to supplement those available through the library - various prices depending on the context.
- Printing costs of course materials if a hard copy is desired.
For additional information about what tuition fees cover, visit our What tuition fees cover page.
Careers/professional development
People typically choose this apprenticeship for the following reasons:
- They want to become a Registered Nursing Associate while gaining hands-on experience.
- They may aspire to be a Registered Nurse but do not yet meet the entry requirements for a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship or a full-time nursing degree.
Teaching and assessment
How will you learn?
The NMC requires that the curriculum provides an equal balance of 50% theory and 50% practice learning across the programme. This equates to 1150 hours of theory and 1150 hours of practice learning across the programme which will be assured protected learning time. Protected learning time is designated time in which students are supported to learn.
Academic study
You will attend university one day per week during teaching time. Teaching includes lecturers, seminars, tutorials, enquiry-based learning using scenarios, skill development, and simulated activities within a simulation suite.
Practice placements
As well as working in your paid role and in addition to your academic study, you will be required to complete external practice placements in different healthcare settings, across the programme. Hours in your paid role do not count as programme hours and these placements will be external to your employed place of work.
Nursing associate students are not required to have placements in each field of nursing, but you will benefit from experience with children and adults, and people who use services/patients with mental health conditions and learning disabilities, and understand the most significant factors to be aware of when providing care to different people who use services
Please note that there will be an expectation to travel to placements, and you will be expected to work the shift patterns set by the host organisation.
How will you be assessed?
Your progress will be evaluated through both practical and academic assessments. In practice all apprentices must be appropriately supervised until they have demonstrated proficiency in aspects of care. Therefore, during each placement, you’ll be guided by a Practice Supervisor and a Practice Assessor, these are registered practitioners, including registered nursing associates/nurses, who will offer support, teaching, and constructive feedback to enable you to achieve the required level of proficiency expected of a registered nursing associate.
A Practice Assessor will complete your practice assessment. You will also have an Academic Assessor who will monitor your development and provide regular feedback.
You will be required to document your completed proficiencies, placement hours, supervisor meetings, and more in a practice assessment document.
The University is committed to authentic learning and assessment, offering a range of assessment types.
Course location
University teaching is delivered primarily at our Cavendish Campus, which offers our students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring. Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Applications
Please note that the programme is currently not open for applications, information about how to apply will be made available once we have approval confirmed by the NMC. Registration to the programme is subject to confirmation of NMC approval.
Contact us
We are keen to establish new relationships with employers from a wide range of sectors and welcome enquiries. For more information, please contact our dedicated apprenticeships team on:
T: +44 (0) 207 911 5027
E: [email protected]