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Course Code
YHPM1275A1
Level
Level 4
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Part-time
Duration
2 Years
Location
Magherafelt
Interview Required
Yes

New
Course

Discover the new and improved Pearson BTEC Higher National in Health and Social Care—a dynamic 120-credit qualification designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience to excel in this rewarding sector. Our updated curriculum goes deeper into the realities of modern health and social care, focusing on developing strong professional practice, effective teamwork, and excellent communication skills. Taught by highly experienced industry professionals, the course brings real-world expertise straight into the classroom. 

Why Choose This Course? 

  • Learn from experienced industry lecturers  
  • Practical placement in social care or community settings  
  • New 2025 Pearson Higher Nationals curriculum  
  • Excellent preparation for further study  
  • Supportive environment that builds confidence, skills and professionalism 

Assessment is continuous and based on coursework as well as practical placement experience. To progress, students must be verified as fit for placement—an essential component of the programme requires completion of 225 hours of work placement in a health and social care setting. 

Modules include:

401: Developing Professional Practice (30 credits)  

402: Teamwork and Communication (15 credits)  

403: Evidence Based Practice (15 credits)  

404: Compassionate Care & Value Based Practice (15 credits)  

Practical / Placement Requirement 

  • Students must be prepared to attend on-campus classes/workshops during the year.  
  • As part of the course, students are required to complete a minimum of 225 hours of placement in a range of care settings over the duration of the course.  
  • If a student fails to complete the necessary placement hours, the course cannot be successfully completed.

This programme is designed to support progression to a wide range of university degrees. Many of our learners move on to study subjects such as nursing, social work, occupational therapy, psychology, criminology, speech and language therapy, and paramedic science. 

Upon successful completion of the HNC, graduates can advance to degree-level study in health and care or step directly into rewarding roles within the healthcare sector. 

For those applicants recently in education: 

  • Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, Early Years or related area, equivalent to 48 UCAS points OR 
  • A Level subjects with relevance to Health and Social care, equivalent to 48 UCAS points.  

In addition, applicants will have: 

  • GCSE English & Maths grade C (or equivalent - Essential Skills Level 2 accepted).
  • For those applicants wishing to pursue Nursing, GCSE Science grade C is desirable.

For those applicants wishing to change careers or return to education: 

  • Relevant work experience and qualifications will be considered OR 
  • If you do not meet the formal academic criteria, there is an option to apply via Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) — i.e. using substantial previous relevant experience or skills instead of formal qualifications. Where you wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, you 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.

All applicants must: 

  • Attend an interview (face-to-face or online) - this may include a short-written assessment. 
  • Successfully complete ACCESS NI checks (where relevant). 
  • Have the ability to complete a suitable work placement or relevant employment in health and social care to satisfy the course requirements.   

Conditions & Notes 

  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a place — selection also depends on suitability (academic + personal) and availability of spaces.  

Course Fees

Year Fee Reduced Fee*
Year 1 £838 £569
Year 2 £539 £270
Total

*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.

Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees. 

Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.

If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer, you must upload an approved Employer Consent Form to the online admissions portal.

Payment Options

You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan.  For further details visit our fees and funding page

Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk

Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk


Funding Options including Scholarships

There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships.  For further details visit our student finance page


Additional Mandatory Costs

Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.

These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.

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