Healthcare Practice - Level 4 Certificate Higher Education

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Full-time
Start date: 11th September 2025
End date: 28th May 2026

Course fees for each year.

Find out more about eligibility for reduced course fees, payment options and financial support available in our fees and funding page.

This innovative 1-year work-based health care programme will be delivered and assessed in partnership with the Open University and the Northern Health Care Trust. On successful completion, the programme of study provides the underpinning knowledge and practical skills required to work in the health and social care sector. As healthcare support staff you will undertake studies which will equip you to pursue a higher professional qualification in health and social care.

You will study theory with Northern Regional College staff one day a week in college and complete 770 hours (24 hours per week) placement in the Northern Health Care Trust. On successful completion, this vocational health care qualification will give you solid foundation of clinical skills to progress into Year 2 of a higher professional qualification in the health and social care sector.

You will benefit from the industry experience of qualified nurses and industry experts who teach on the programme. You will also be allocated a placement supervisor and assessor in placement. In College, you will study modules including psychology, sociology and safeguarding, giving you a solid foundation of knowledge in health and social care. It is anticipated clinical placement will be two days per week and you will be able to practice your clinical specialist skills in a dedicated clinical skills room within the College.

The course is enriched with a catalogue of guest speakers who are industry experts and will add value to your learning experience.

This course is validated by the Open University.   

Course Content

There are two mandatory modules. K102 (60 credits) Introducing Health and Social Care, this module provides the underpinning knowledge of Health and Social Care. The teaching modality is face to face one day per week in college and consists of 6 core topics. K104 (60 credits) Introduction to Health Care Practice this module provides students with the underpinning knowledge for professional practice to ensure safe care while on placement with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Additional Information

Students will be required to wear a uniform on placement.

Assessment Methods

Academic Reports, Poster Presentations, Case study work, Exams, online tests, observed practice and the completion of Northern Ireland Practice Assessment Document (NIPAD)

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July on entry to the course.
• Applicants should have a minimum of 48 UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) points from A-levels, National Diplomas/Certificates/Awards, Access, or other equivalent qualifications.
• Applicants should have GCSE English Language Grade C or Level 2 Essential Skills equivalent and GCSE Mathematics Grade C or Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy
• Applicants who do not meet the level 3 criteria above and can provide substantial evidence of knowledge and industry experience and skills may apply for APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)
• It is essential that applicants attend an initial interview and information session.
• Applicants who meet the entry requirements above will be interviewed and assessed for the course in relation to their suitability. This ensures they have the academic ability and personal qualities to successfully complete the programme.
• Those applicants who are made offers will then undergo an Enhanced Access NI (Northern Ireland) check after successful completion of this applicants will then be required to complete a Health Declaration.

• In addition, this course will allow you to apply for other undergraduate courses that are healthcare related including nursing at a range of universities. Some universities may consider exemption of modules on the basis of your achievement on this course.
• Develop your existing role to promote safe care and service improvement.
• Be eligible for consideration for promotion to a higher salary band within the knowledge and skills framework.