Higher/Degree Apprenticeship Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences)

BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science - three Physiological Sciences specialisms

Course code
ST0413C
Level
Higher/Degree Apprenticeship
School
School of Applied Sciences
Duration
Typically three years
Delivery
Block release and one day online; September intake
Programme leader
Kathryn Yuill

Introduction

Study one of three specialist pathways on our Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) apprenticeship. Accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science, this apprenticeship trains you to be a qualified healthcare scientist.

Accreditations and partnerships:

Why study for a Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) apprenticeship?

We've developed this Level 6 degree apprenticeship in consultation with NHS trusts across the UK, and the National School of Healthcare Science. Thanks to our unique collaboration with NHS providers, you'll have access to placement and in-post training options and take on valuable work-based learning, supported by the latest equipment and online study resources.

The apprenticeship is an 'earn and learn' opportunity - fully funded via an apprenticeship - enabling you to join the next generation of healthcare scientists and progress your career in a specific role with your employer.

Why UWE Bristol?

UWE Bristol recently invested £3.2 million in its science laboratories. So you'll have access to the latest industry equipment, extensive online resources and interactive learning environments while attending study blocks with us. These facilities will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge the healthcare scientist's role demands.

Our experienced academic community will offer you guidance and support throughout. Plus, we'll liaise with your employer to build your strengths and expertise as you become a qualified healthcare scientist.

Benefits to your employer

Our apprenticeship will enable you to upskill and become a qualified healthcare scientist for your current employer, with specialisms relevant to, and informed by, your practice. You'll have expertise in physiological measurement techniques, diagnosis and clinical problem solving.

Your accompanying knowledge, and analytical and communication skills will also be highly valuable, and you'll be able to apply them directly to your workplace. By gaining a qualification alongside your current role, you'll have the chance to progress your career in a specialist role while your employer retains your talents in house.

Careers

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

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

  • cardiac physiology
  • respiratory and sleep physiology
  • neurophysiology

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 Mathematics and Statistics
  • Introduction to Physiological Diagnosis
  • Introduction to professional Practice in Healthcare Science
  • Scientific Basis of Physiological Sciences.

Year two (all pathways)

You'll study:

  • Pathophysiological Sciences A
  • Pathophysiological Sciences B
  • Professional Aspects of Healthcare Science
  • Scientific Practice.

Year three

You'll choose a specific physiological sciences pathway from:

  • cardiac physiology
  • respiratory and sleep physiology
  • neurophysiology.

You’ll study:

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

Plus:

Cardiac Physiology pathway

You’ll study:

  • Advanced Cardiac Physiology and Neurophysiology
  • Applied Cardiac Physiology.
Respiratory and Sleep Physiology pathway

You’ll study:

  • Advanced Respiratory and Sleep Physiology
  • Applied Neurophysiology, Respiratory and Sleep Physiology.
Neurophysiology pathway

You’ll study:

  • Advanced Cardiac Physiology and Neurophysiology 
  • Applied Neurophysiology, Respiratory and Sleep Physiology.

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

You'll complete a three academic-year apprenticeship with placement or in-post options.

The course encourages self-directed learning alongside lectures, workshops, tutorials and practical work. Placements are supported by modern lecture theatres and full-equipped laboratories. You'll also accumulate over 40 weeks of work-based experience and training, which can be flexible according to your job needs.

See our glossary of teaching and learning terms.

Features

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you'll achieve a BSc(Hons) in Healthcare Science, with recognition of your specialist pathway in Physiological Sciences:

  • cardiac physiology
  • respiratory and sleep physiology
  • or neurophysiology.

The apprenticeship 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 CT scanner.

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: Biology, Applied Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Health and Social Care, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Applied Science, Science in Society, Sport and Physical Education, Sports Studies.
  • Relevant subjects: Applicants with the following additional qualifications are also welcome to apply to their respective pathway. (Please note that the full entry requirements are still required and that those listed below may form a part of any offer): SCST diploma in ECG Interpretation, ARTP exam.
  • EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: You'll need a minimum of five units in an acceptable 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 a relevant subject.
  • Baccalaureate IB: Grade 5 or above in a higher-level subject in one of the specific subjects shown above.
  • Irish Highers: H2 in one of the specific subjects shown 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: 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.