Healthcare Practice - Level 4 Higher National Certificate (Pearson)

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Full-time
Start date: 15th September 2025
End date: 5th June 2026
Information Event: Yes

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.

Course Content

During the course you will study 7 units (and complete an overarching Practical Learning Assessment and Development Portfolio- PLAD ) which can include the following:

• Law, Policy and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care
• Demonstrating Professional Principles and Values in Health and Social Care Practice
• Supporting the Individual Journey through integrated Health and Social Care
• Fundamentals of Evidence-based Practice
• Sociological and Psychological Perspectives on Health

This is a blended course, a proportion of the course will be delivered online and there will be workshops provided on campus. 

Access to computer facilities and suitable Wi-Fi is a requirement to undertake this course.

There will be workshops held throughout the year on campus, therefore applicants need to be prepared to attend classes on campus

Course Aims

To equip individuals with underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for success in employment in the health and social care sector at supervisory or management levels or as a foundation to further study at degree level. It will be delivered by experienced staff who will provide a supportive and encouraging learning environment.

Special Features

The ability to apply theory to practice is an essential aspect of the course. Students must spend a minimum of 225 hours in placement in a range of care settings over the duration of the course. Failure to complete the necessary hours in placement will mean the course cannot be successfully completed. The course also involves educational visits to care settings, workshops and guest speakers.

Assessment Methods

Units will be assessed through essays, reports, portfolio, presentations, work placement visit and examinations.

A minimal of 1 ‘A’ level pass or relevant level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC National Diploma and achievement of GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above (or equivalent) is recommended.  Alternatively, mature learners with relevant experience may apply however should have an Essential Skills qualification if they do not have C or above at English or Maths GCSE.

Applicants must satisfy ACCESS NI clearance. Applicants must be able to undertake placement in the Health and social care Sector to satisfy the 200 hours requirement if not already working in this field.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

In the event of oversubscription, the College reserves the right to increase the entry criteria for this programme to GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above in preference to Essential Skills or lower graded GCSEs. Applicants will still be reviewed in date order and by order of preference.

Over 85% of students who complete this course progress to university to study. Previous students have progressed into the workplace and onto courses such as Paramedic, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Social Work. Alternatively, Graduates may find employments as senior care workers, team leaders, nursing assistants and other band 3 opportunities.  10 out of 10 students would recommend the course to their family and friends.