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FdSc Health Care Practice (Nursing Associate HTQ)
Key information
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Typical offer:
Entry requirements -
Fees: See below
Full details -
Institute code: H36
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Work placement option
Find out more
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This course is up for periodic review
To ensure this course continues to be cutting-edge and enables you to be ready for the modern workplace, it is due to be reviewed by December 2024.
Our website will typically be updated within a month of the review confirming any enhancements, including:
- module titles (and whether they are core or optional)
- expected contact hours
- assessment methods
- staff teaching on the course
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Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or a University of Hertfordshire accepted equivalent qualification.
The normal entry requirements for the programme are 48 UCAS points made up of at least two A-Level or equivalent Level 3 qualifications (e.g. BTEC National, NVQ) or an Access to HIgher Education qualification.
In the absence of formal academic qualification, applicants with more than one year's work experience as a health care support worker (or equivalent) will also be considered, who can demonstrate at interview an ability to study at this level.
All Offers will be subject to the applicants' demonstration of the NHS constitution's Values and Behaviours', satisfactory interviews, numeracy and literacy test, health screening and the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks. You can view the full NHS Constitution for England on the government website.
UCAS points: 48
GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
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Professional accreditations
The Nursing Associate role is a professional role regulated by the professional and regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- Spend over 1000 hours in clinical placements e.g. hospitals and hospices
- Gain practical experience in our simulation laboratories
- Gain a qualification to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
- You’re passionate about becoming a registered nursing associate and want to learn how to provide outstanding person-centred care
- You want to benefit from real-world expertise and knowledge from a teaching team who are all registered with the Nursing and Midwifery council
- Join a course which is co-produced with service users, carers and practice partners to gain essential skills required by today’s health care sector
- Be taught in a rich learning environment, including simulation laboratories where you can practice your skills safely in a real-life setting
- Immerse yourself in a range of clinical placements, from mental health to palliative and primary care to get substantial hands-on experience
- Opportunity to progress onto one of our full nursing degrees and apply to become a registered nurse.
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Level 4
Module Credits Compulsory/optional An Introduction to Interprofessional Education and Team Working 15 Credits Compulsory This module is designed to give students an understanding of a range of professional roles and the responsibilities associated with the role. It will explore the concept of teams and successful team working. The rationale, benefits and challenges of inter professional and team working will be explored. Co-operative learning and working will be encouraged through the use of group work, seminars and tutorials. Students will be required to access and gather appropriate data from a range of sources and apply this to a range of practice based simulated scenarios and exercises. Communication and Relationship Management Skills 15 Credits Compulsory This module seeks to enable students to actively learn how to build upon their existing communication skills and to explore theories around communication that are relevant to caring for patients, service users and their families in a wide variety of practice settings. Students will develop their skills in searching and evaluating the appropriate literature (including grey literature) to aid and underpin all aspects of their communication and develop their academic approaches to communication. The module will provide active learning opportunities for students to develop critical reading and writing skills so that students can formulate and communicate scholarly arguments and ideas. Issues including consent, equality and diversity, and confidentiality around communication will be addressed so students can apply this to person centred care. Students will be introduced to the idea of professional discussions within clinical settings. Person Centred Care 1 30 Credits Compulsory The aim of this module, is to augment the student's practice learning experience in 1st year. The content will bolster practice placements and inform their practice assessments. This is an interactive and practical based module that has simulation and practical exercises and reflection which aim to explore students' knowledge and understanding of current best, evidence-based practice. This module also provides students with an opportunity to practice, challenge, question, refine and enhance their nursing associate skills in a safe environment. The module content is divided onto care concepts and takes as its focus the standards of proficiency as stated by the NMC (2018). Consideration of professional values required to deliver care is a part of this practice module. Students support and progression will be included within the module. Mandatory training requirements will be evaluated in this module. A series of workshops addressing care specific to each field of nursing and maternity care will be included. Anatomy and Physiology for Health Care 15 Credits Compulsory This module aims to introduce students to fundamental bioscientific principles that underpin person centred, safe and effective care delivery. Human development from conception to death including the effects of aging and end of life care will be discussed. Promoting Health and Wellbeing 15 Credits Compulsory The aim of this 15-credit, module, is to understand the principles of health promotion, protection and improvement. Consider the opportunities for prevention of illness when caring for people across the lifetime continuum. It will consider the role of the nursing associate in helping people make informed choices to improve their wellbeing. It will consider how health choices can affect physical, mental and behavioural wellbeing. The Professional Role of the Nursing Associate 15 Credits Compulsory This 15-credit, level 4 module aims to introduce the students to the fundamental professional issues that underpin nursing practice. The module has a focus on the professional context of nursing practice. Academic Study Skills for Nursing Associates 15 Credits Compulsory This module is designed to assist students in preparing for the programme and identifying their study skills strengths and needs. Methods of building on strengths will be addressed and strategies for improving areas of development will be adopted. Skills will be discussed in the context of their applicability to both the academic study and practice learning. Action planning for these will be introduced through Personal Developing Planning (PDP). Reflection and models of reflection will be introduced to enable students to enhance personal development through reflection on and in practice. Digital technology skills will be introduced, and the basics needed for information retrieval and evaluation. Data base searches and the ability to judge the quality of materials accessed will be included. Information will be provided on standard academic practices and assessment tools; for example, essays, note-taking, presentation skills, critical thinking, formulating an argument, finding and using sources of information, referencing and plagiarism. -
Level 5
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Person Centred Care 2 30 Credits Compulsory The aim of this 30-credit, level 5 module, is to augment the student's practice learning experience in 2nd year. The taught content will bolster practice placements and inform their practice. This is an interactive and practical based module that has a strong emphasis on simulation, practical exercises and reflection which aims to explore students' knowledge and understanding of current best, evidence-based practice. This module also provides students with an opportunity to practice, challenge, question, refine and enhance their nursing skills in a safe environment. The module content is divided onto care concepts and takes as its focus the standards of proficiency as stated by the NMC (2018). Students support and progression will be included within the module. Students will be required to understand the effects of own lifestyle, fitness, emotional intelligence and resilience on ability to deliver care professionally The Evidence Base for Care Delivery 30 Credits Compulsory This 30-credit module focuses on research and evidence related to nursing associate practice. Students will be introduced to research processes and a range of research methods. They will be able to differentiate between research and audit. Participation in this module will be via active engagement in interactive enquiry based research Integrated Care for Nursing Associates 30 Credits Compulsory This module will develop the students' ability to use theory to consider the healthcare needs of people utilising the breadth of services. Students explore how underpinning theories of causation help explain variety of commonly occurring mental, physical, behavioural health conditions. The difference between acute illness and long-term conditions is explored and students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to identify and report acute deterioration and improvements in a person's condition. The increasing complexity of those receiving care will be explored and analysed. Be able to discuss the interrelationship between spiritual, sociological, psychological, physical, emotional and cultural aspects of care. Students will explore the variety of services that people may be seen by and how to support family and carers. Students will explore the safe and effective transition of people through the services in a variety of settings and across the lifespan. There will be an emphasis on the spiritual, psychosocial, cultural and emotional aspects of care, with students studying attitudes and beliefs, coping strategies and communication in relation to their provision of holistic person/relationship centred and seamless care. Students will be also encouraged to reflect on their practice experiences and to use these experiences to illustrate application of new knowledge. Health and Wellbeing for Nursing Associates 15 Credits Compulsory This module will provide an opportunity for students to investigate a range of supporting theoretical and policy perspectives on the nature of health and wellbeing for patients and service users in a variety of healthcare delivery settings. Students will explore how contributions from psychology, sociology and philosophy inform our understanding of the various notions of health and wellbeing. Students will be encouraged to explore notions of stigma, exclusion and discrimination and its impact on health and wellbeing, and to their access to health resources. Accountability and Preparing for Practice 15 Credits Compulsory This module is designed to help students prepare for their role as a Registered Nursing Associate on a professional register. Students will consider the social, political and economic factors that affect care delivery The module will augment the practice learning experience and academic study in preparation for the transition to newly qualified nursing associate. This is an interactive and practical module using examples from practice to identify strategies to deal with a variety of issues. Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship: End Point Assessment 0 Credits Compulsory This module summarises the EPA achievement of the apprentice. -
Work placement
We work in collaboration with a range of Trusts within the integrated care system, including private and voluntary organisations. This means our students receive a broad range of placement opportunities. These include, surgical and medical wards, children’s A&E, GP practices, acute mental health services, special needs schools and hospice care. Your clinical placement hours will give you the chance to work with a range of health professionals, from acute nursing staff to district nurses You’ll gain a valuable insight and grow in confidence, as you experience the health care sector first-hand. Every step of the way you’ll be supported by supervisors and practice assessors who will ensure you get the most out of every opportunity.
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What if I need support?
You’ll get a personal tutor to guide you through your course, all the way to graduation. You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. Rest assured, no matter what you study, we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our LRCs run drop-in study skills sessions. And the best thing is, it’s all free.
Why choose this course?
What's the course about?
Nursing associates bridge the gap between health care assistants and registered nurses. This course is designed to equip you with the competencies and understanding you’ll need to succeed in this role. You’ll benefit from our experience, as we share techniques, values and behaviours that have helped us and our patients. Plus, you’ll also learn essential transferable skills, like problem solving, time management, communication and effective team working.
Our strong emphasis on work-based learning, means that throughout the duration of the course you’ll spend over 1,000 hours in a range of clinical settings, including hospitals, GP surgeries and hospices. You’ll be guided by practitioners, as you observe and practice your skills in real-life settings. Working closely with multi professional health care teams, you’ll see first-hand how to deliver compassionate expert care.
What is a Higher Technical Qualification
Launched in 2022, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) provide a high-quality, hands-on, alternative to apprenticeships or degrees. HTQs provide you with the skills and experience employers want to kick-start your career upon completion.
All HTQs are approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. Each course is developed using the same employer occupational standards as apprenticeships without being employed as an apprentice. The Nursing Associate HTQ is suitable for anyone looking to start-their career in nursing or if you are looking to retrain and upskill.
Your main campus is College Lane
This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.
What will I study?
Nursing Associates are expected to attend University one day per week for 45 weeks of the year, and they also have three six-eight week placement blocks during the academic year.
We’ll teach you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a safe, accountable and proficient nursing associate. From technical skills like taking blood pressure and an ECG to learning how to effectively communicate with patients, families and carers. You’ll learn how to prioritise and manage your own case load to meet patient’s needs safely and effectively. Every step of the way, you’ll benefit from constructive professional feedback. By learning how to evaluate your own delivery of care, you’ll become an extremely knowledgeable, reflective and self-aware practitioner.
Together, we’ll explore theories and current research, which you’ll use to provide evidence-based care. We’ll teach you about all areas of care such as hygiene, nutrition and how to prevent infection. You’ll gain an understanding of how to deal effectively with safeguarding issues relating to vulnerable adults or children.
This programme is delivered part-time over a course of 24 months. We offer a blended learning approach, which includes lectures, seminars, workshops, group work and clinical placements. We’ll encourage you to undertake independent study to consolidate your learning. There’s a range of assessment methods too, including essay assignments, simulated practical assignments, scenario-based presentations and professional discussions. This inspired approach to teaching and assessment, gives you a stimulating learning environment to thrive in.
To say that I enjoyed myself would be an understatement. I thrived and I achieved so much, but most importantly, I am now prepared for a wonderful career in nursing and I look forward to returning to the University of Hertfordshire in January to continue my academic development. I highly recommend Herts.
Ian Costello
FdSc Health Care Practice graduate
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What's next for my career?
On successful completion of the programme of study the Nursing Associate will be eligible to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council register and there is the opportunity for progress onto one of our full nursing degrees and apply to be registered as a nurse.
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Key staff
Ceri Baker
Programme Leader
Find out more about Ceri BakerMelissa Wilton
Admissions Tutor / Apprenticeship Tutor
Find out more about Melissa Wilton -
Further information - includes assessment method
Course fact sheets FdSc Health Care Practice Download FdSc Health Care Practice Download Programme specifications FdSc Health Care Practice Download FdSc Health Care Practice Download Additional information Sandwich placement or study abroad year
n/a
Applications open to international and EU students
No Course length
- Part Time, 2 Years
Location
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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How to apply?
2024
Start Date End Date Year Location Link 23/09/2024 30/09/2025 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Part Time) 2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link 23/09/2025 30/09/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Part Time) -
Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students
Part time
- £770 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 academic year
Fees 2024
UK Students
Part time
- £770 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
From September 2023, Higher Technical Qualification courses will be eligible for the higher education student finance offer on the same basis as degree courses. This means that both full and part-time students starting a Higher Technical Qualification that is longer than a year will be able to apply for both tuition fee and maintenance loans.
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
View detailed information about tuition fees
Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
Other financial support
Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students
Living costs / accommodation
The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.