Applicants may be admitted to the Higher National Certificate who possess either: A BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or a related L3 subject area, or two GCE A level passes or equivalent, An Access to Higher Education Diploma together with three appropriate GCSE passes, grades C or above and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) The management reserve the right to enhance the criteria according to the demand for the 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 and reflective journals. Students must complete - The Practical Leaning, Assessment and Development portfolio – linked to placement/work setting.

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 Learning and Development portfolio (PLAD), including reflective accounts, to be completed. Students are expected to be allocated a placement supervisor 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. Access NI Clearance is a requirement of this course