Higher Level Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care

Students would be working in a deputy management position within an adult care setting with already having obtained NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.

General Entry Requirements: 

• Level 3 Children's Care Learning & Development OR equivalent Health qualifications
• Working at a Deputy or Managerial level in a Regulated Health Care setting or have access to managerial duties at least 1 day per week in a regulated health setting  
• English GCSE/Essential Skills is preferred as desired criteria however, each candidate will be assessed on their own merit

International Students English Language Requirements

International Students English Language Requirements International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Admissions:

• Successful completion of the Admissions Process    

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

Closing date for this qualification is 30th June 2025. Late applications may not be considered.

Higher Level Apprenticeship Eligibility

To be eligible for a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), in addition to the entry requirements identified above, you need to:

• be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, allowing you to gain appropriate industrial experience, with a Northern Ireland based company (does not include public sector) who is willing to support you as an HLA candidate,
• work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training),
• be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland.

Candidates are assessed using a range of different methods.  Primarily assessment of occupational competence in the workplace will be conducted through observations.  Assessment will also include coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies - dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. 

Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Candidates will also submit a portfolio of evidence.

Candidates who successfully complete the programme will have a Managerial qualification for the regulated Adult Care sector and recognised by the Sector Skills Council.

Learners who achieve the Diploma are eligible to apply to progress to a Foundation Degree in a related discipline.