Course summary

This new Level 5 HND top-up course is ideal if you're looking for a career in the healthcare sector or to enhance your existing career options. It provides an understanding of the healthcare environment, using work-based experience and academic study. You'll gain valuable transferable skills that can be applied across a range of healthcare careers. Applicants will hold (or be expected to achieve) a full Level 4 in a related subject area. The HND is widely recognised both in the UK and abroad. The course has been designed to emphasise practical skills development, alongside knowledge and understanding of health and social care in the UK relevant to healthcare overseas. This course is subject to validation with a first intake planned for September 2025. Key concepts will include: law, evidence-based practice, health inequalities, reporting and record-keeping. All students must undertake healthcare-based work placements to develop their own professional practice and meet the requirements for working in the sector. About the course This course will be based at our new £58 million City Hub campus, near Nottingham train station. The campus features state of the art teaching and learning facilities, science laboratories and specialist healthcare facilities including a simulated hospital ward, providing students with a realistic learning environment that mimics a hospital environment. Assistant practitioners work as part of a health and social care team and have direct contact with patients, service users or clients, providing high-quality and compassionate care. Topics/units are likely to include: • Law, Policy and Ethical Practice • 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 • Principles of Health Education • Effective Healthcare Practice using Maths • Applied Anatomy and Physiology • Planning Care in Practice • Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Long-Term Health Conditions • Team and Individual Leadership: Mentoring and Coaching Others • End of Life Care Planning and Support • Supporting Mental Health Services Compulsory work placement This course includes a minimum requirement of 450 hours’ work placement or experience in health and/or social care settings. Assessment A wide variety of innovative and traditional methods will be used including: practical assignments, portfolios of evidence, data analysis, case studies, written reports, essays, presentations, work-based evidence with employer statements. Qualification awarded Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Healthcare Professions' Support for England (HTQ) Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) These new qualifications have been developed in partnership with employers and industry stakeholders to provide students with the specific training, knowledge, and skills required for their chosen career. Bursaries We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Details for 2025-26 will be advertised once approved by the university regulator – the Office for Students (OfS). Please check our website for more information. Your career and progression Graduates will be well-placed to continue their studies with a Level 6 top-up degree in a related subject or to seek employment. Possible careers in this sector are: healthcare support worker, nursing assistant/auxiliary roles in a range of areas of specialism, e.g. adult and community nursing, clinical support, midwifery support, rehabilitation services. Assistant practitioners work in many branches of the NHS including: operating departments, prehabilitation/rehabilitation, maternity and community care.

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.