Nursing Associate pathway courses
Nursing at Salford: Two strong routes — choose what suits you best
At Salford, we recognise that everyone’s starting point, commitments and career path may differ, so we offer two routes into adult nursing, for those that have already studied the FdSc Nursing Associate course.
- A traditional full-time degree: Accelerated for those with a Nursing Associate foundation degree. The duaration of this course is 18 months.
- A work‑based degree apprenticeship: combining paid employment with academic study, for those already working or ready to earn while they learn. The course is delivered full-time over an 18-month period, with an additional month to complete the Apprenticeship Assessment Plan.
Start your study journey
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Explore our Nursing Associate pathway courses
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Nursing Associate pathway) – Degree Apprenticeship
This course is designed for those already employed or about to be employed in a relevant healthcare role (minimum 30 hrs/week). It is a part‑time / blended format running for 19 months (including Apprenticeship Assessment).
Around 50% of your time is spent working in hospital/community settings (on shift patterns), the other 50% is academic — lectures, seminars, simulation‑based training at university.
As this is an apprenticeship, you earn a salary while you study, and your employer pays your tuition fees.
On successful completion, you gain a full BSc (Hons) Nursing degree and eligibility to register as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), just like traditional routes.
Ideal for those who:
- Want to work while training—earn while you study
- Are already employed (or have a commitment to work) in a relevant healthcare setting
- Prefer a more practical, employment‑linked route, combining hands‑on care with academic study
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Nursing (Nursing Associate pathway) – Degree Apprenticeship
BSc Adult Nursing (Nursing Associate pathway)
This full-time, intensive degree is designed for students who have already completed a Nursing Associate foundation degree (Level 5) and are not currently employed.
The course duration is 18 months (depending on entry point), accelerated to build on prior learning. There is a 50/50 split between academic theory at Salford and clinical placements in hospitals/community settings — working alongside qualified assessors.
Graduates receive a BSc (Hons) Nursing degree, with eligibility for NMC registration as a registered nurse.
Ideal for those who:
- Have already achieved the necessary foundation qualifications (Nursing Associate / Level 5).
- Can commit to full-time study and placements.
- Want a concentrated route to full nurse qualification without combining with paid employment.
Find out more about BSc Adult Nursing (Nursing Associate pathway)
Why study the Nursing Associate pathway?
Develop the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours which are core to you acquiring competencies to become a qualified nurse, and fundamental to achieving your apprenticeship standards and assessment
Develop knowledge of concepts of wellbeing, public health and global health including an awareness of factors affecting health within a diverse and multi-cultural society
Experience the provision of contemporary 24-hour health service provision, caring for patients across all aspects of the health/ill health continuum, and within multiple environments
A wealth of facilities are available to you including formal teaching, group and one-to-one sessions, a comfortable and enriching learning space, and state-of-the-art clinical set-ups
Our courses are well-established and we have a strong reputation, recognised by professionals working across the industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to study the Nursing Associate pathway?
GCSE English and Maths at grade C/grade 4 minimum (or equivalent).
(It is preferred that applicants already hold grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language/Literature and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification, prior to making their application. Applicants who are in the process of completing their GCSE English Language and Mathematics or level 2 equivalents may also be considered).
120 relevant module credits and learning at HE4
120 relevant module credits and learning at HE5
Practice assessed NMC professional values and proficiencies, alongside evidence of the required number of practice hours for entry onto the course.
What career progression is available as a Registered Nurse?
Those who study the Nursing Associate pathway can become a Staff Nurse, Nurse Educator, School Nurse, or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Can I top up a Nursing Associate course?
You can 'top up' as an apprentice if your current Nursing Associate employer can support your application. Alternatively, you can self-fund and complete the 18-month top-up course full-time. The two courses on this page explain the two pathways for topping up a nursing associate course.