HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE PRACTICE Level 4 Higher National Certificate

Level 4
Higher Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Pearson

Overview

This course provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the health and social care sector. It is also an excellent qualification for those interested in pursuing higher education professional qualifications such as social or community work. Students will gain a wide range of knowledge in health, social care, and community practice, linked to practical skills acquired through practice, research, independent study, directed study, and workplace scenarios. They will engage in vocational activities that help them develop vocational behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for competence) and transferable skills. These transferable skills (such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis) are highly valued in higher education and the workplace. Students will also study the legal and ethical frameworks that govern health and social care practice, ensuring they have a strong foundation in professional standards and responsibilities.

Ideally when enrolling, applicants should have work experience in the care sector, however students can be guided to obtain a relevant work experience to enhance their skills and knowledge. This work experience could be part of paid employment within a relevant health and social care setting.

The course runs for 32 weeks per year, two days per week that comprise of 12 hours of lectures and two hours tutorial. Students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 10 hours independent study each week in addition of your lecturer time.

This course is blended delivery. 50% of the course will be delivered onsite and 50% will be delivered online. Students will require access to a computer and suitable WIFI to assist engagement and completion of assessment.

In addition to academic study, students are required to complete at least 225 hours relevant work experience. It is beneficial for students to secure paid employment in health and social care to support learning and course assessment.

Staff delivering this course have industrial experience as nurses, social workers, allied health professionals, childcare and lecturers in further and higher education.

This course equips graduates with practical skills for various healthcare roles, including care assistant, clinical support worker, health and social care worker, practice manager, care coordinator, health promotion specialist, patient pathway coordinator, healthcare administrator, nursing, mental health support worker, and healthcare trainer/assessor. Graduates can also pursue further education in specialised areas like public health, podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and advanced clinical practice.

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.

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.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

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 develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the social and community care sector through four core units. This includes one unit assessed by the awarding body, which includes a set assignment.

Developing Professional Practice
Teamwork and Communication
Evidence Based Practice (Pearson-set)
Planning and Supporting Community Led Activities
Compassionate Care and Values-based Practice
Planning Care in Practice
Addressing Inequalities in Public Health

Assessment will include:

Essays reports
Posters
Booklets
Case studies
Presentations
Recorded reflective discussions
Witness statements
Skills assessments
Self reflections
An electronic portfolio of evidence

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.

Please note there will be occasional field trips to local facilities such as Stormont which will accrue travel expenses.

There is also fees of approximately £29 for UCAS which is applicable for those applying to university.

On successful completion of this course, students may progress to a relevant university degree course in, Social Work, Community Work, Youth Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science or other degrees in areas such as Psychology or Sociology.

Upon completing this course, graduates are well-positioned to pursue a variety of rewarding careers in the healthcare sector. This qualification equips students with the knowledge and practical skills required to work in a wide range of healthcare roles, offering exciting career prospects across different areas of the healthcare system. Below are some potential career paths.

Healthcare Assistant
Support Worker
Youth Worker
Health and Social Care Worker
Practice Manager
Care Coordinator
Health Promotion Specialist
Patient Pathway Coordinator
Healthcare Administrator
Nursing (with further study)
Mental Health Support Worker
Healthcare Trainer/Assessor

Further Training and Specialisation

In addition to these career paths, many graduates choose to continue their education, pursuing further qualifications in specialised areas of healthcare. With additional training and certification, you can work in specific fields such as: