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Course type
Foundation Degree  

Foundation Degree

  • Widely recognised qualification.
  • Enhance your professional and technical knowledge and skills.
  • Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree.
  • Use it to support your current role or progress your career.
  • Combine work-based learning with academic study – you need to be employed or volunteering in a relevant work setting.
  • Top up to an honours degree in just two years.

We offer most of our foundation degrees as diplomas of higher education for students living or working in Scotland.

Credits
240  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Flexible practice-based programme
2–4 years depending on the start date
and pace of study
Study method
Distance learning
& Practice-based learning
Practice-based learning is learning delivered in partnership with employers to support their staff development aims.

We’ve blended our unique distance learning approach with learning undertaken in your workplace:

 

  • A flexible model with the potential to earn as you learn.
  • Develop highly relevant skills and knowledge to advance your career.
  • Allows employers to support employees to develop within the organisation.
  • Recognises both academic achievement and attainment of work competencies.
  • Provides a setting for the assessment of professional competencies, where this is a requirement for your qualification.
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements
Ask a question

Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate Practice

Course code: X20

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality, safe, and compassionate care with our Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate Practice. This Higher Technical Qualification is approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) as meeting occupational standards for the healthcare sector. The nursing associate role has been developed in England to meet workforce needs, acting as a bridge between healthcare support workers and registered nurses. To study, you must work in an appropriate healthcare setting or be supported by an NHS Trust or healthcare organisation that can provide the required practice learning experience. Upon successful completion, you can register as a nursing associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

  • Enhance your employability through a professionally regulated IfATE-approved Higher Technical Qualification
  • Enables professional registration as a registered Nursing Associate on the NMC register
  • Practice-based learning – you’ll need the support of your employer, an NHS Trust or another healthcare organisation to undertake your practice placements
  • Covers all fields of nursing practice across the lifespan, including long-term conditions, mental health, children and young people, end-of-life care, learning disabilities, and primary, secondary, community and acute care
  • Build a solid foundation for further study and potential progression to study to be a registered nurse
Course type
Foundation Degree  

Foundation Degree

  • Widely recognised qualification.
  • Enhance your professional and technical knowledge and skills.
  • Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree.
  • Use it to support your current role or progress your career.
  • Combine work-based learning with academic study – you need to be employed or volunteering in a relevant work setting.
  • Top up to an honours degree in just two years.

We offer most of our foundation degrees as diplomas of higher education for students living or working in Scotland.

Credits
240  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Flexible practice-based programme
2–4 years depending on the start date
and pace of study
Study method
Distance learning
& Practice-based learning
Practice-based learning is learning delivered in partnership with employers to support their staff development aims.

We’ve blended our unique distance learning approach with learning undertaken in your workplace:

 

  • A flexible model with the potential to earn as you learn.
  • Develop highly relevant skills and knowledge to advance your career.
  • Allows employers to support employees to develop within the organisation.
  • Recognises both academic achievement and attainment of work competencies.
  • Provides a setting for the assessment of professional competencies, where this is a requirement for your qualification.
Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This foundation degree has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

  • You’ll start Stage 1 with a 60-credit module introducing health and social care. This is followed by a 60-credit module that focuses on healthcare practice. In this module, you'll be required to complete 770 hours in practice as part of your study.
  • In Stage 2, you’ll complete your foundation degree with a 60-credit theory module and a 60-credit practice module ,where you will need to complete a further 770 hours in practice.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module. See Entry requirements for more details.

In Stage 1, you’ll study a theory module and a practice module. For the practice module, you will be required to complete 770 hours in practice; 345 as a supervised student, 230 in supernumerary external practice placements (recommended minimum) and 195 in a healthcare setting which can be the role you are employed in.

Stage 1 modules
ModulesCredits
You'll study both of the following:
Introducing health and social care (K102)60
Introduction to healthcare practice (K104)60

In Stage 2, you will also study a theory module and a practice module. For the practice module you will be required to complete an additional 770 hours in practice; 345 as a supervised student, 230 in supernumerary external practice placements (recommended) and 195 in a healthcare setting which can be the role you are employed in.

We recommend that external supernumerary placements be spread equally across the whole programme. However, as long as you can evidence a minimum total of 460 hours by the end of the programme, you can split these in different ways between Stages 1 and 2. For example, you may choose to complete 300 hours in Stage 2 and 160 in Stage 1 rather than 230 hours in Stage 1 and 230 hours in Stage 2.

Stage 2 modules
ModulesCredits
You'll study both of the following:
Developing nursing practice (K211)60
Healthcare theory for practice (K234)60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate Practice uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

  • Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
  • Online tutorials
  • Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
  • Group-work
  • Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
  • Practical work
  • Finding external/third-party material online
  • Accessing online catalogues and databases
  • Specialist material, such as scientific journal databases
  • Assessment such as essays, production of materials, online computer marked assessments
  • Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
  • Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
  • In addition to the above, the regulatory body for nursing associates also has guidance on health and disability relating to fitness for professional practice

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.

Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding.
  • Cognitive skills.
  • Practical and professional skills.
  • Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some university-level study somewhere else, you may be able to count it towards this qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate Practice.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 

Compare this course

This practice-based qualification is offered in association with partnering employers in England. You'll need to have access to an appropriate setting to undertake the practical element of this foundation degree.

To register for this qualification, you'll need to:

  • be employed by a partner organisation or supported by an NHS Trust or other healthcare organisation that has agreed to support your studies. This includes providing alternative practice placements and supervision in practice that meets the NMC requirements for practice assessors and supervisors.
  • complete an entrance interview
  • demonstrate literacy skills (functional skills level 2 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE Grade C or above in English)
  • demonstrate numeracy skills (functional skills level 2 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE Grade C or above in Maths)
  • show your ability to study at academic level 4 and the potential to progress to level 5.

If you are a trainee nursing associate, you'll need to be employed in a setting where you can be appropriately supervised by a registered nurse or other appropriate health or care professional.

Find out more

Please note you cannot register online for this qualification. Interested employers and individuals should contact us on +44 (0)300 303 0529 for information on how to apply.

If you're interested in the foundation degree for your staff, you can find out more employer-related information here.

How much time do I need?

  • Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
  • This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week, plus work-based learning.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

  • feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
  • support from a dedicated team throughout your study
  • detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

  • A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
  • Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
  • Our current fee for 60 credits is £3,892*.
  • Our current fee for 120 credits, which is equivalent to a year’s full-time study, is £7,784*.
  • At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £15,568*.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.


How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

  • a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
  • course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
  • module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
  • details of each assignment and their due dates
  • a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
  • online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

See how our module websites work.

Tutor support

Student, Joe, talks about balancing working at the NHS and studying with the OU and how he has the best of both worlds.

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

  • mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
  • guide you to learning resources
  • support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

  • Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

  • You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
  • They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
  • Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

  • The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
  • Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

  • Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
  • You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
  • Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
  • If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.

Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

  • our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
  • other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
  • the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
  • free Microsoft Office 365 software
  • IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.

Skills for career development

This foundation degree will prepare you with the practice experience and knowledge required to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a nursing associate. You will gain experience and knowledge in all four fields of nursing and across the lifespan, including long term conditions, mental health, children and young people, end-of-life care, learning disabilities, and primary, secondary, community and acute care.

We’ve created this qualification to meet defined occupational standards approved by the IfATE (Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education). Meeting these standards means you’ll gain professionally approved skills and abilities applicable to a range of employers in the public and private sectors.

Career relevance

Throughout this qualification, you'll build on your skills and knowledge already gained by working in the healthcare sector. This will lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a nursing associate.

Accreditation

When you have successfully completed this foundation degree, you'll be eligible for Nursing and Midwifery Council registration as a nursing associate. You must complete your registration within five years of completing the qualification, or you will be required to undertake further training to register.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has approved this foundation degree as compliant with the Nursing Associate Higher Technical Qualification occupational map.

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Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

Register for this course

Please see Entry requirements to register for this course as online registration is not available.

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