Qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Health and Social Care Practice (610/5301/6)
Day of week: Multiple Days
Times: 09:00 - 17:00
Overview
The purpose of this qualification is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the healthcare sector. This course is delivered as a 1-year full time ‘fast track’ course where students will develop the knowledge and skills required for such demanding health and social care environments.
For those perhaps wishing to change career and move into healthcare, the course can also be studied, part-time over 2 years in the evenings, providing valued choice and flexibility for learners.
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Health and Social Care Practice requires at least 225 hours of work experience in healthcare, social care, or community work settings. Through the practice unit, learners will complete a portfolio of practice learning and development (PLAD).
Key Areas of Study
*Specific units are currently under review due to a specification change*
Download the Pre-Entry Advice presentation. Play Slideshow in the presentation to activate any links or videos
- A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject or alternative accredited Level 3 qualification.
- Applicants should have attained a minimum of 64 UCAS tariff points achieved through the completion of A Levels, accredited Level 3 qualifications, National Awards, Access courses or other alternative approved qualifications.
· The above academic profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) in subjects such as Maths, English and a Science subject. You need to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English, Numeracy and a Science subject or equivalent Level 2 qualification in Maths and English at a minimum GCSE grade C/Pass.
- Applicants are required to produce original examination certification to be awarded a place on this course before being enrolled on the course.
- Applicants who do not meet the above criteria but have substantive work experience within a relevant setting may make an application for Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning. APL guidance- apl-guidance.docx
You will also be required to show evidence of current work or voluntary experience in health or social care at the commencement of the course and ideally at the Course Endorsement session.
Please see below link to the UCAS tariff point calculator:
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points |UCAS
In the event of undersubscription, course criteria may be lowered
In the event of undersubscription, course criteria may be lowered
Are you already an internationally registered nurse? While we would welcome an application to study you may not need to complete further training to gain employment in Northern Ireland. Please check the following links to determine your next steps
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) UK Registration Guidance:
www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/toc - NMC Competence Test Centre at Ulster University (Derry/Londonderry Campus):
www.ulster.ac.uk/nmc-competence-test-centre
Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
Visit our Student Funding page here to find out how to fund your studies
Please contact our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk for other options.
You will be assessed primarily through coursework assignments and your practical work within the sector [minimum of 225hrs over one year]
Careers
Successful completion of this course may allow students to progress to an undergraduate degree in Nursing, Paramedic Science and Allied Health professionals.
Students will have the opportunity to address contemporary health and care issues facing the sector, with particular emphasis on integrated and compassionate care, and person-centred approaches to providing healthcare to individuals across their lifespan.
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:
- Public Health
- Podiatry
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Advanced Clinical Practice
Interests
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Helping others
- Health and Social Care
- Volunteering
- HNC
- Health
- BTEC
- Healthcare Practice
- Healthcare
Contact us
School Administrator, Tel: 028 9026 5332 or Email: hcslinfo@belfastmet.ac.uk
Useful Links
- Study at the Met
- Search for Courses
- Full Time
- Part Time
- Apprenticeships
- Leisure Courses
- Creative Connections
