The City of Liverpool CollegeHealthcare Practice — Higher National Certificate (HNC) - The City of Liverpool College
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Healthcare Practice — Higher National Certificate (HNC)

Health and Social Care

Course ID: 177071

Course Year: 25/26

Course Details

  • A fantastic starting point in your journey to a career in the health and social care sector.
  • Supportive and respectful learning environment.
  • Excellent support from tutors.
  • Core and specialist modules taught by our experienced tutors.
  • Higher National Certificate.

What to expect from the course

The Higher National Certificate in Healthcare Practice is a unit-based programme that provides the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for a successful career in the health and/or social care sector. This could include healthcare support and assistant roles in a range of settings, planning and assessment roles or roles in health promotion or public health.

As part of this programme, students are required to apply knowledge through a voluntary healthcare work placement or their current employment in a healthcare setting.

On successful completion of the HNC Healthcare Practice, students can progress to the HND Healthcare Practice at Level 5. Alternatively, they may apply for degrees in Nursing, Social Work and Allied Health Care Practice, or use the HNC to progress their careers.

The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:

HNC Healthcare Practice Programme Handbook (2024-25)

Modules studied:

  • Law, Policy and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care
  • Demonstrating Professional Principles and Values in Health and Social Care Practice
  • Supporting the Individual Journey through Integrated Health and Social Care
  • Fundamentals of Evidence-based Practice
  • Effective Reporting and Record-keeping in Health and Social Care Services
  • Sociological and Psychological Perspectives on Health
  • Health Education in Action

How will I be taught?

All course tutors are subject specialists with a wide range of extensive experience in these fields of practice. Students gain an understanding of the use of information and communication technology as a tool in health and social care settings. Guest speakers aid understanding and add currency to students' learning. Students will also present evidence that effectively reflects their abilities as a developing care worker in the field of health or social care.

The course primarily uses classroom-based teaching methods, supplemented by guided, independent study, which is facilitated by materials and tasks made available to students via The City of Liverpool College's student intranet. Learning from workplace experience is developed and consolidated in through tutor visits to the workplace and college-based programme activities.

How will I be assessed?

A range of assessment methods are used including academic essays, reports, shorter workbook-based tasks, skills development tasks, including presentations. In addition, a portfolio is used to record student's development and progress through workplace activity.

It is also essential that learners can apply learning in class activities to the skills and development in industry and through work placement.

Who is the course intended for?

The HNC in Healthcare Practice at The City of Liverpool College University Centre is recognised by both employers and universities. The course equips students for a career working in the health sector such as a Higher Level Care Assistant, also provides the underpinning knowledge to pursue a health professional degree in areas such as Nursing, Psychology and Social Work.

Additional Costs

Students may be required to purchase their own materials for any specialist projects they undertake as part of the course.

Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.


Qualifications

Higher National Certificate in Healthcare Practice

Why study with us?

All course tutors are subject specialists with a wide range of extensive experience in these fields of practice. Learners gain an understanding of the use of information and communication technology as a tool in health and social care settings. Guest speakers aid understanding and add currency to your learning. You will also present evidence that effectively reflects your abilities as a developing care worker in the field of health or social care.


Student Benefits

A baker decorating pastries.
Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery
A woman getting a nail treatment on her hands.
Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons
A chef preparing a dish.
Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant
An illustration of students using Office 365.
Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

A gym, including treadmills and exercise bikes.
Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.


Career pathways

On successful completion of the HNC Healthcare practice learners can access:
• HND Healthcare Practice at Level 5
• Enter Degrees in Nursing, Social Work and Allied health care practice.
• Further development in careers in care, such as Higher Level Healthcare Assistant.

N.B: This award may allow progression onto another higher education programme of study but you will need to check entry requirements for that programme.

This course is a Level 4 qualification in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It does not lead to a professional qualification in nursing, medicine or social work.

We're here to help...

Contact us to discuss your application or find out more:

 : 0151 252 3000
 : enquiry@liv-coll.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold a total UCAS Tariff points score from relevant qualifications of at least 96 points.

If you are unsure of the entry requirements, or if you don't meet the criteria, please contact our Careers Advice and Guidance team who will be happy to help you find the best option for you. Email careersadvice@liv-coll.ac.uk or call 0151 252 3607.

Fees

This course is only available to learners aged 18 and over. Fees are payable by all students unless sponsored by an employer, but you may qualify for a student loan through Student Finance England towards the cost of your course and living costs. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/student-finance, or contact our HE team at HEoffice@liv-coll.ac.uk.

Fee for25/26 is 6700.00
In future years we anticipate increasing this fee in line with the annual inflation level (capped at RPI All Items Excluding Mortgage Interest (RPIX)).


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