University of Sunderland

Diploma in Healthcare Science (Apprenticeship)

University of SunderlandSunderland, United Kingdom

Course overview

The two-year Healthcare Science Apprenticeship has been developed in partnership with employers, ensuring the design and delivery meet the needs of both apprentices and the healthcare sector. Delivered through a flexible blended learning model, you’ll combine online study with three short on-campus blocks for practical skills training, making it accessible wherever you’re based in the UK. On successful completion, you’ll achieve a Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science, mapped to the Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship standard.

This qualification prepares you for work as a band 4 healthcare science associate, developing the knowledge and skills needed to carry out safe, high quality diagnostic, therapeutic, and technical procedures that directly support patient care. Healthcare scientists play a vital role in both direct patient care and behind the scenes roles, often working as part of multi-professional teams. With this apprenticeship, you’ll gain the confidence, skills, and

Key highlights

  • Developed in partnership with employers to meet healthcare sector needs
  • Blended learning combining online study with three on-campus practical blocks
  • Accessible to apprentices based anywhere in the UK
  • Mapped to the Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship standard
  • Prepares you for band 4 healthcare science associate roles
  • Builds skills for diagnostic, therapeutic and technical patient care procedures

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6 — 6.0 IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) — standard University of Sunderland requirement (source: sunderland.ac.uk/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)

Scholarships

  • Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship

    The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression): £2,000 cash payment; a tuition fee discount of 20%; a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation.

  • East Durham College Partnership Award

    This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study, helping you access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £1,500
  • First Choice Travel Award

    This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £500
  • Global Leaders Scholarship

    £6,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates, £4,000 for MPharm Pharmacy students, or £5,500 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).

  • Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship

    There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.

    Up to £1,200
  • Interview Travel Reimbursement

    Up to £100

  • Open Day Travel Reimbursement

    Up to £100

  • Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology)

    There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.

    Up to £1,000
  • Sunderland College Award

    Our Sunderland College Award provides £1,500 plus a £250 voucher, in each year of continuous study. This will support you financially throughout your time at university.

  • Tees Valley Travel Award

    This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £1,500
  • The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships

    Up to £750.

  • We Care Postgraduate Bursary

    The We Care Postgraduate Bursary awards £2,500 cash to eligible postgraduate students.

    Up to £2,500

Careers this course leads to

  • Healthcare Science Associate
  • Associate Healthcare Scientist
  • Laboratory Associate
  • Clinical Physiology Associate
  • Medical Technical Associate

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Sunderland, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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