Higher/Degree Apprenticeship Healthcare Science Practitioner (Medical Physics Technology)

BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science - three Medical Physics Technology specialisms

Course code
ST0413B
Level
Higher/Degree Apprenticeship
School
School of Applied Sciences
Duration
Typically three years
Delivery
Block release and one day online; September intake
Programme leader
Pippa Dunbar

Introduction

Study one of three specialist pathways on our Healthcare Science Practitioner (Medical Physics Technology) 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 (Medical Physics Technology) 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 is aimed at healthcare workers who wish to develop in the field of medical physics and specialise in radiation physics, nuclear medicine or radiotherapy physics. The teaching content has been built in consultation with the National School of Healthcare Science and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

If you're currently employed as a healthcare worker, you'll develop the skills and behaviours required to excel in the field of medical physics. Combining study with your existing role, you'll gain the technical knowledge needed to research, develop, test and maintain specialist equipment used to prevent, diagnose and treat many conditions.

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. Our Virtual Linear Accelerator allows you to experience delivering doses of radiotherapy to tumours in a virtual radiotherapy room environment.

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. Extensive online resources and interactive learning environments will give you access to everything you need to develop the skills and knowledge a healthcare scientist's role demands.

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

This apprenticeship enables you to gain a professionally accredited BSc(Hons) qualification designed for NHS Clinical Technologists. On successful completion of the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Medical Physics Technology) apprenticeship, you'll be a qualified healthcare scientist.

Depending on your specialism, you'll graduate with BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science with recognition of your specialist pathway in Medical Physics Technology:

  • nuclear medicine
  • radiation physics
  • radiotherapy physics.

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:

  • Clinical Applications of Medical Physics
  • Foundations of Mathematics and Statistics
  • Introduction to Professional Practice in Healthcare Science
  • Introduction to Radiation, Physics and Safety.

Year two (all pathways)

You'll study:

  • Advanced Medical Physics
  • Applied Medical Physics
  • Professional Aspects of Healthcare Science
  • Scientific Practice.

Year three

You'll choose a specific medical physics technology pathway from:

  • radiation physics
  • nuclear medicine
  • radiotherapy physics.

You’ll study:

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

Plus:

Radiation Physics pathway

You’ll study:

  • Advanced Radiation Physics and Nuclear Medicine
  • Practice of Radiation and Radiotherapy Physics.
Nuclear Medicine pathway

You’ll study:

  • Advanced Radiation Physics and Nuclear Medicine 
  • Applied Radiotherapy Physics and Nuclear Medicine.
Radiotherapy Physics pathway

You’ll study:

  • Applied Radiotherapy Physics and Nuclear Medicine
  • Practice of Radiation and Radiotherapy Physics.

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 three-year course combining face-to-face, work-based and online learning. You'll complete three five-day blocks at UWE Bristol in each year for seminars, laboratory and practical sessions, plus tutorials and assessments.

The rest of your learning will be based in your workplace with extensive online interaction, requiring a combination of directed and independent study alongside hands-on experience.

See our glossary of teaching and learning terms.

Features

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you'll gain a BSc(Hons) in Healthcare Science with recognition of your specialist pathway in Medical Physics Technology:

  • radiation physics
  • nuclear medicine
  • radiotherapy physics.

This degree is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) 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 at least one relevant STEM subject (for example, physics, engineering, or Mathematics).
  • 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 are 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, in one 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 or Science.

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: that if you have more than four years' extensive and relevant work experience the typical offer may be reduced. Foe 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 6 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.