CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE PRACTICE (SHSCT PATHWAY)

Level 4
Higher Education
Newry Campus
Lurgan Campus
The Open University

Overview

The Open University Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice is delivered by SRC in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT). While this course is delivered as a standalone qualification, it also provides the equivalence of Stage 1 of the Open University Nursing Degree and may allow progression to Stage 2 with the SHSCT (further details in the progression section).

This is a specialised programme designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles and skills necessary for a career in healthcare. This certificate offers a comprehensive overview of healthcare practice, focusing on key areas such as patient care, healthcare ethics, communication, and professional development.

Emphasis is placed on developing strong communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as effective interpersonal skills necessary for interacting with patients, their families, and healthcare teams. Students will learn how to effectively communicate medical information, provide compassionate care, and navigate ethical challenges in healthcare settings.

The programme also addresses the importance of professional development and lifelong learning in the healthcare field. Students will be introduced to critical thinking skills, problem-solving techniques, and reflective practice. They will explore the legal and ethical frameworks that govern healthcare practice and gain an understanding of the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy.

This exciting and challenging course is currently delivered as a one year full-time course on both our Lurgan and Newry campuses. Students will attend College one day per week and will benefit from state-of-the-art healthcare simulation suites and learning spaces designed to develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to work effectively in a modern healthcare environment. Extra simulation and skills days will be added throughout the course.

In addition, students will be required to complete 770 hrs of practice. This will consist of up to 22 hours per week of unpaid supernumerary status, with tutors providing other opportunities to complete the hours. Students may be required to find additional opportunities to complete their clinical practice hours (this shall be discussed with tutors during induction).

Students will be required to attend a compulsory induction programme in September for three weeks (Monday - Thursday each week) in order to complete the required training needed prior to attending placement. This will take place on either Newry or Lurgan campus. Details will be available closer to the start of the course. Students will also attend training with Southern Health and Social Care Trust, details will be given during induction.

Upon successful completion of this qualification, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required for positions in healthcare. Graduates may also find employment as senior care workers, team leaders, nursing assistants and other band 3 opportunities.

Previous students have also progressed into the workplace and onto courses such as paramedic, nursing or social work.

Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

Southern Regional College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants should normally have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Vetting Process

This course involves working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. To assess suitability to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults it is our policy to ask for a criminal record check to be carried out by AccessNI. Therefore, Southern Regional College requires checks to be completed at an ‘Enhanced’ level. Please visit our information page for further detail on the requirements and obligations for the AccessNI process.

Applicants and learners will also be subject to the Professional Suitability and Fitness to Practice Policy.

Students will complete two modules of study.

Module K102: Introducing Health & Social Care (60 academic credits)

This is an academic unit where learners will be taught essential knowledge and theory of Health and Social Care. It is delivered face-to-face at SRC's Newry Model campus or Lurgan campus and consists of 6 blocks of learning topics that include:

Roles and settings in health and social care
Human development across the life course
Safeguarding
Sociology
Innovative practices

Module K104: Introduction to Healthcare Practice (60 academic credits)

This is a taught module that prepares learners for their practice development on placement. In this module, students will be introduced to the essential aspects of practice and help develop the skills essential for safe and effective care. Topics of study include:

Becoming a healthcare student in practice
Being a professional
Person and family-centred care
Communication skills
Numeracy skills and observation of medicines management
Quality and safety of care
Infection prevention and management
Assessment skills and care planning
Bladder and bowel health
Mobility
Nutrition and hydration
Hygiene, skin integrity and wound care
Acute and emergency care
Promoting health
Supporting skills

In addition to these modules, learners will complete 770 hours of practice and will be allocated a Practice Supervisor for their placement. This will be a registered nurse who has completed further training in supporting students and will be on shift with students approximately 50% of the time.

In addition, SRC will allocate a Practice Tutor who will work with the student on their practice development and visit them on placement. Much of this evidence is captured through the use of the Northern Ireland Practice Assessment Document (NIPAD) adapted for healthcare practice students.

Assessment methods include:

Tutor marked assessments to include essay style questions and presentations
End of module assessments
Online tests
Assessed simulation exercises
Observation of practice
Completion of the Northern Ireland Practice Assessment Document (NIPAD)

Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC in the full fee breakdown, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 26/27. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Fees displayed for each course represent fees to be charged for year 1 of each programme. Please note that fees may increase in year 2 or 3 of the course. Read more in our Fees Policy at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...

Students will be allocated a placement setting by the Trust. This will normally be in a hospital setting and travel costs will be met to by the student. While there will be an attempt to consider placements that are geographically close to student's home, the Trusts availability of placements will be the determining factor. Placement sites may include Craigavon Area Hospital, Lurgan Hospital, Daisy Hill Hospital and South Tyrone Hospital.

Students will be provided with a SRC healthcare uniform and identity badge which must be worn at all times when on placement. Students will be required to purchase suitable trousers and shoes to complete their uniform.

While this course is delivered as a standalone qualification, it also provides the equivalence of stage 1 of the Open University Nursing Degree and allows progression opportunities to Stage 2 with the SHSCT in the four areas of nursing practice. This is dependent on the following requirements:

Successful completion of all components of this qualification
Securing a permanent position with the SHSCT at a minimum of 26hrs per week, for at least 6 months
Places being available
Receipt of management support within the workplace
Applicants being successful at interview

In addition, this course will allow students 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.

Upon successful completion of the Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required for positions in healthcare. Graduates may find employment as senior care workers, team leaders, nursing assistants and other band 3 opportunities.

Previous students have progressed into the workplace and onto courses such as:

Paramedic
Nursing
Social Work

Faculty of Health and Science

FacultyHESC@src.ac.uk 028 3025 9685

Model School

Apply

P2473NF
Code

Full Time
Mode of Study

Day
Class Type

1 Year
Duration

15.00
Hours Per Week

16/09/2026
Date

TBC
Total Full Fee Per Year

Full Fee Breakdown

Course Fee

£3060

Exam/Awarding Body Fee

TBC

Total Fee

TBC

Fees Payable Each Year

Lurgan Campus

Apply

P2507LF
Code

Full Time
Mode of Study

Day
Class Type

1 Year
Duration

16.00
Hours Per Week

16/09/2026
Date

TBC
Total Full Fee Per Year

Full Fee Breakdown

Course Fee

£3060

Exam/Awarding Body Fee

TBC

Total Fee

TBC

Fees Payable Each Year

2 Available Sessions

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