Qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Health Care Science (603/2313/9)
Overview
Are you passionate about science and interested in a career that makes a real difference to people’s lives? The HNC in Healthcare Science at Belfast Met offers an exciting first step into the world of modern healthcare — combining scientific study, compassionate practice and real-world experience.
Delivered over one year full-time, this course is ideal for school leavers or those progressing from a Level 3 qualification who want to develop the knowledge and skills to work confidently within healthcare settings. You’ll be taught and supported by experienced lecturers who are registered nurses and subject specialists, ensuring your learning is rooted in real professional practice.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore the science that underpins safe and effective care, learn how to communicate and work as part of a healthcare team, and understand how health inequalities can be addressed through evidence-based approaches. Learning takes place through engaging classroom sessions, group projects, simulated clinical practice and a compulsory work placement, helping you gain valuable experience and insight into healthcare roles.
You’ll also make extensive use of Belfast Met’s fully equipped skills suite, where you’ll have the chance to practise and refine essential care and clinical skills in a realistic environment — preparing you for both employment and further study.
Key Areas of Study
- Professional values, accountability and reflective practice in healthcare
- Teamwork, communication and interprofessional collaboration
- Using evidence and research to improve healthcare outcomes
- Compassionate, person-centred and values-based care
- Applying scientific principles in healthcare practice
- Anatomy and physiology for health and disease
- Understanding and addressing health inequalities in public health
- Have attained a pass in at least one GCE A Level subject of equivalent Level 3 qualification.
- Applicants should have attained a minimum or 64 UCAS tariff points achieved through the completion of A Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved qualifications and / or experience.
- Have evidence of competence in written and spoken English and Numeracy, and one Science equivalent to Level 2 certification in each subject or GCSE grade C; have attained at least 12 points at Level 2 or above (eg GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications;
- Applicants are required to produce original examination certification to be awarded a place on this course.
You will 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
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.
Fees are payable annually.
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 through a variety of methods, including coursework, presentations, role play, class tests, and in-practice assessments. This ensures you graduate confident and ready for the next step in your healthcare career.
Careers
Completing the HNC in Healthcare Science opens the door to a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities within the healthcare and life sciences sectors. The skills and knowledge you gain will prepare you for roles where science, care and teamwork come together to improve people’s lives.
Graduates from this course are well-placed to progress into roles such as:
- Healthcare Support Worker
- Clinical or Laboratory Assistant
- Rehabilitation or Therapy Assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Health or Wellbeing Support Worker
- Public Health or Community Health Assistant
Many students also choose to continue their studies to higher-level qualifications* in areas such as Biomedical Science, Nursing, or Midwifery, building on the strong scientific and professional foundation gained through the HNC.
Whichever path you choose, this course will equip you with the confidence, competence and practical experience to take your next step towards a successful career in healthcare.
*additional UCAS points and application would be required
Interests
• Health
• Science
• Care
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Wellbeing
• Compassion
• Research
• Empathy
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Diagnostics
• Innovation
• Biology
• Medicine
• People
• Community
• Technology
• Laboratory
• Data
• Prevention
• Public Health
• Investigation
• Improvement
Contact us
School Administrator, Tel: 028 9026 5332 or
Email: hcslinfo@belfastmet.ac.uk
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