Healthcare Science Associate Apprenticeship
Healthcare Science Associate Apprenticeship
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science at University Centre South Devon is designed for students who are working, or aspiring to work, as Healthcare Science Associates within the NHS and wider healthcare sector. This higher education qualification provides a strong academic and professional foundation for those supporting Clinical Scientists and Healthcare Science Practitioners in delivering high-quality diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring services across a wide range of clinical environments.
Healthcare Science Associates play a vital role in patient care from conception through to end of life. Working within hospitals, general practice and other healthcare settings, students develop the knowledge and skills required to carry out routine technical and scientific procedures with confidence and professionalism. The course reflects the real-world clinical scientific environment and supports students to work safely, ethically and effectively within one of the recognised divisions of healthcare science.
Throughout the programme, students will develop a broad understanding of healthcare science practice, including the NHS Constitution, person-centred care, good scientific practice, mentoring, legislation, policy and quality management. Technical knowledge is explored across key themes such as pathology investigations, clinical investigations of human systems, imaging and medical physics, and clinical engineering, with an emphasis on the role of research and innovation in improving patient outcomes.
Students will also build essential practical and transferable skills, including equipment management, recognising and responding to problems, contributing to audit and quality improvement activities, planning and assessing team workloads, and promoting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Professional behaviours are embedded throughout the course, encouraging students to follow standard operating procedures, work within the limits of their role, collaborate effectively and contribute to continuous service improvement.
This nationally recognised Level 4 qualification supports career progression, further study and long-term professional development within healthcare science, while recognising and building on existing skills and experience.
You will be required to have achieved English at Level 2
You will be required to have achieved Maths at Level 2
Skills for Lifelong Learning
Professional Practice and Person-centred
Legal and Ethical Context of Practice
Health, Safety and Security in the Healthcare Science Environment
Technical Scientific Services
Effective Communication in Healthcare
Audit, Research, Development and Innovation
Leadership and Teamwork
Teaching, Learning and Assessing Practical Skills
Continuing Personal and Professional Development
Year 1 Modules
Skills for Lifelong Learning
Professional Practice and Person-centred
Legal and Ethical Context of Practice
Health, Safety and Security in the Healthcare Science Environment
Technical Scientific Services
Effective Communication in Healthcare
Audit, Research, Development and Innovation
Leadership and Teamwork
Teaching, Learning and Assessing Practical Skills
Continuing Personal and Professional Development
At University Centre South Devon, we’re committed to helping you succeed – academically, professionally and personally. Whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, you’ll benefit from supportive teaching, flexible study options, dedicated academic and wellbeing support, and access to funding to help with the cost of living. Below you’ll find essential information about how our university-level courses are delivered, assessed and supported, so you can feel confident in your next steps.
Financial support and bursaries
Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.
When studied part-time, the duration of the course depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. For example, studying half-time would be equivalent to 50 per cent intensity of study and would typically extend the length of the course from two to three years. As part-time study will mean attendance of some modules that are on the full-time timetable, it may mean that you will be required to attend modules timetabled over three days of the week. You may be able to change the intensity of study during your course. Not all intensities of study are available for all programmes.
Teaching
Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.
Assessment
We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.
Academic support
A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the Research Centre, and our course specific environments.
International students with UK settled status
Qualification and Language Requirements:
- International Qualifications: If you hold qualifications from outside the UK, these must be officially translated and verified through ECCTIS.
- English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of proficiency by achieving an IELTS score of 6.8 or above.
