Higher/Degree Apprenticeship Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Engineering)

BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science - four Clinical Engineering specialisms

Course code
ST0413A
Level
Higher/Degree Apprenticeship
School
School of Applied Sciences
Duration
Typically three years
Delivery
Block release and one day online; September intake
Programme leader
Dr Mario Orsi

Introduction

Study one of four specialist pathways on our Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Engineering) apprenticeship. Accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science as part of Health Education England (HEE), this apprenticeship trains you to be a qualified healthcare scientist.

Accreditations and partnerships:

Why study for a Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Engineering) apprenticeship?

Thanks to a unique collaboration between UWE Bristol and NHS providers, healthcare science practitioners can now access exciting learning opportunities fully funded via an apprenticeship.

This Level 6 degree apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to 'learn and earn' while undertaking your Practitioner Training Programme (PTP). It has been built in consultation with service providers, the National School of Healthcare Science and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

Through the apprenticeship, you'll develop new skills and knowledge that will allow you to progress your career in a specific role with your employer. On successful completion, you'll graduate with one of the following degrees, depending on your specialism:

  • BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Medical Engineering)
  • BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Radiation Engineering)
  • BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Rehabilitation Engineering)
  • BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Renal Technology).

Why UWE Bristol?

We've recently invested £3.2 million in our science laboratories, so you'll have access to the latest industry equipment while attending study blocks with us. Extensive online resources and interactive learning environments will give you access to everything you need to achieve academic success.

Our experienced academic community provides guidance and support throughout, and we'll liaise with you to ensure the course builds on your strengths and expertise in clinical engineering.

Benefits to your employer

You'll continue working in-post for your employer while studying for this qualification, so you'll integrate theory and practice from the start and remain a key asset to your workplace. Learning and work experience complement each other in a live context, and you'll be able to apply your learning directly to your workplace, growing in confidence and competence as a result. Your employer will reap the benefits of your expertise while you develop a new set of skills that will enhance your career.

Careers

On successful completion of the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Engineering) apprenticeship, you'll be a qualified healthcare scientist. The technical, analytical and communication skills you'll gain will benefit both your career and your workplace.

Depending on your specialism, you'll graduate with BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science, with recognition of your specialist pathway in Clinical Engineering: medical engineering, radiation engineering, rehabilitation engineering, or renal technology.

As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply for our MSc Biomedical Science, MSc Applied Transfusion and Transplantation Science, MRes Applied Sciences and MSc Health Technology course(s) at UWE Bristol, which will give you advanced knowledge and support your career development. 

In addition to supporting your development in the workplace, this apprenticeship will help you to understand the career landscape in your sector and plan for your longer-term ambitions. Our award-winning Careers Service is on hand to give you independent advice and guidance at any point in your studies.

Course details

Content

Year one (all pathways) 

You’ll study:

  • Foundations of Engineering Science
  • Foundations of Mathematics and Statistics
  • Introduction to Professional Practice in Healthcare Science
  • Life Science for Clinical Engineering.

Year two (all pathways)

You’ll study:

  • Advanced Clinical Engineering
  • Applied Clinical Engineering
  • Professional Aspects of Healthcare Science
  • Scientific Practice.

Year three

You'll choose a specific clinical engineering pathway from:

  • radiation engineering
  • rehabilitation engineering
  • medical engineering
  • renal technology.

You’ll study:

All pathways
  • Healthcare Science Project
  • Professional Healthcare Science Practice.

Plus:

Medical Engineering pathway
  • Advanced Medical Engineering
  • Applied Renal and Medical Engineering.
Radiation Engineering pathway
  • Advanced Radiation Engineering
  • Applied Radiation and Rehabilitation Engineering.
Rehabilitation Engineering pathway
  • Advanced Rehabilitation and Renal Engineering
  • Applied Radiation and Rehabilitation Engineering.
Renal Technology pathway
  • Advanced Rehabilitation and Renal Engineering
  • Applied Renal and Medical Engineering.

For information about the Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship standard, please visit the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website. For further details about the curricula, visit the National School of Healthcare Science website.

Learning and Teaching

This is a blended learning course, with three five-day blocks at UWE Bristol in each year for seminars, laboratory and practical sessions, plus tutorials and assessments.

The rest of the learning is work-based and requires a combination of directed and independent studies alongside hands-on experience.

See our glossary of teaching and learning terms.

Features

Professional accreditation

On completing this apprenticeship successfully, you'll achieve a BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science degree apprenticeship, with recognition of your specialist pathway in Clinical Engineering:

  • radiation engineering
  • rehabilitation engineering
  • medical engineering
  • renal technology.

The course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science as part of Health Education England.

Study facilities

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll have access to student support, multi-million pound science laboratories and the latest industry equipment, including our Virtual Linear Accelerator.

You'll also have 24/7 access to IT support, whether you're on campus or at your workplace.

Find out more about our state-of-the-art facilities.

Life

Health and Wellbeing

We provide support in the way you need it.

Bristol

A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.

Sports, societies and activities

There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.

Sustainability

It is embedded in our culture, teaching and research.

Campus and facilities

Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.

Entry

Typical offers

  • Tariff points: 96
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent (we accept Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English).
  • A-level subjects: Grade C or above in one of the subject requirements shown below.
  • Specific subjects: At least one relevant STEM subject (for example, Physics, Engineering or Mathematics) at 32 points/Grade C or higher.
  • Relevant subjects: Applicants with the following additional qualifications are also welcome to apply.(Please note that the full entry requirements are still required and that those listed below these may form a part of any offer): NVQ Avensys L3 in Engineering Maintenance.
  • EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: You'll need a minimum of five units in a relevant STEM subject. You may be asked to do more based on the size of your units. Please list the units you're studying in your application. For further advice on acceptable units, please email us. For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
  • Access: 15 Level 3 credits at merit or above in the relevant STEM subjects as indicated above.
  • Baccalaureate IB: At least Grade 5 in a higher-level subject of the relevant STEM subjects as indicated above.
  • Irish Highers: H2 in one of the relevant STEM subjects as indicated above.
  • T Levels: C or above in Healthcare Science, Science or Engineering.

Entry requirements

To be an apprentice, you must be employed in a role that is relevant to the skill, trade, or occupation you're being trained for. As part of your commitment to the apprenticeship, you'll have to complete at least six hours per week of off-the-job learning activity within your normal contracted working hours, which is supported by your employer.

We use the UCAS Tariff system to make offers to applicants. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to convert your qualifications and grades into points.

Please note: if you have more than four years' extensive and relevant work experience the typical offer may be reduced. For example from 96 to 64 UCAS Tariff Points.

In addition, all applicants are required to complete:

  • Occupational Health* - you must be in good health and up to date with all routine immunisations that are required for working in health and social care settings. Employers will be required to share applicants' Occupational Health Clearance with UWE Bristol before they start their course. 

*All information will be treated in confidence and only taken into account when absolutely necessary.

If you’re interested in applying for Advanced Entry onto this course please contact the Degree Apprenticeship Hub, via the contact details at the foot of this page.

ESFA eligibility requirements

To study an apprenticeship, you need to:

  • be aged 16 years or over
  • be an EEA citizen (with Right to Work in the UK) and not be in any other kind of full-time education (including being enrolled on any other apprenticeship programme)
  • be employed (for at least the full planned duration of your apprenticeship) in a role that is linked to the appropriate industry for the apprenticeship training
  • receive at least legal minimum wage for apprentices (wages vary depending on experience, employer and level or type of apprenticeship)
  • commit to at least six hours per week of apprenticeship training during your normal working hours
  • have support from your employer, including a mentor/line manager. Your employer is also responsible for funding your apprenticeship.

More information about eligibility for apprenticeship funding is available on the GOV.UK website.

Read more about entry requirements.

How to apply

Employed

If you’re interested in applying and have the support from your employer, speak to your line manager and/or HR team in the first instance for approval. Your employer will contact us so we can send you an application link.

Unemployed

If you’re not employed, you can use the following tools to find an apprenticeship vacancy with an employer:

For more guidance on higher and degree apprenticeship applications.

For further information

For course-specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Leader.

For entry requirement enquiries, please contact admissions@uwe.ac.uk.

For all other enquiries, please email our Apprenticeship Hub apprenticeships@uwe.ac.uk or call +44 (0)117 32 84888.

For further information about Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.