• Unit 401: Developing Professional Practice
• Unit 402: Teamwork and Communication
• Unit 403: Evidence Based Practice
• Unit 404: Compassionate Care and Value Based

• Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
• Addressing Inequalities in Public Health
• Applied Human Development and Behaviour (Omagh and Dungannon Campus)
• Introduction to cancer diagnosis and treatment (Erne Campus)

Applicants may be admitted to the Higher National Certificate who possess either:

A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care.

A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at 9 to 4 and/or A* to C (or equivalent) - in subjects such as maths and English. For some pathways science will be an advantage.

Other related Level 3 qualifications, an Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution.

Relevant work experience, or An international equivalent to the above qualifications.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning policy means that students’ previous learning and experience can be taken into account, and they may be awarded certain qualifications or units of a qualification based on that learning or experience.

The management reserve the right to enhance the criteria according to the demand for the programme.

Students will undertake an interview and a score table of results/UCAS points will be established, as part of the selection criteria for this Level 4 programme.

In order to demonstrate achievement, learners typically undertake assessment activities that include a series of tasks or assignments, reflecting typical practice in sector concerned. To judge the level of achievement, assessment criteria are used for the pass grade and grade descriptors for the merit and distinction grades. Formative and summative assessment is used across all units.

The assessment methods provide opportunities for learning as well as assessment and these include essays, reports, PowerPoint (or similar) presentations, case study, work-based projects and portfolio, academic posters, displays, leaflets, video work, logbooks, professional practice portfolio and reflective journals.

Students completing the HNC course can proceed towards further academic qualification including a L5 HND, professional qualifications, including university study and/or a future career within the health and social care sector.

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Healthcare Practice requires at least 225 hours of work experience/placement in health and/or social care settings and a professional practice portfolio, including reflective accounts, to be completed.

Students are expected to be allocated a placement mentor during their placement in each setting who will monitor and contribute to the continuous assessment of their progress; students are also required to be assessed during their practice on placement by a tutor/assessor from SWC.

As part of this course, you will be required to complete an Enhanced AccessNI check. Depending on your specific placement, this may also include checks against the Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable groups.