
Course summary
OVERVIEW
Assistant Practitioners (APs) are experienced staff working in support roles alongside registered healthcare professionals and this full-time, two-year course is aimed at those who want to work with Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) or in mental health. Students develop a high level of skills and knowledge, all while working independently under the direction of a health professional.
The course itself is made up of eight modules, including two modules assessed on placement. Assessments for modules vary and include practical exams, reflective writing, report writing, multiple choice exams and assignments.
Most students on this course will have had some experience working as a healthcare support worker or at therapies assistant level and are wanting to progress. Having completed this course, students have the opportunity to move up to degree level and become a fully-qualified registered healthcare professional. Students who complete this course can also take on the role of an assistant practitioner in a hospital, as well as other settings such as working in the community.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
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BOOST YOUR SKILLS – you will acquire a minimum of 1,150 hours of work placement in a variety of settings
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PRACTICAL APPLICATION – you will develop key practical skills in observation, interpretation, information processing and presentation, as well as core nursing values and behaviours
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HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION – learning outcomes are mapped against the occupational standard for Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) as approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
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TOP-UP TO A DEGREE - having completed the Assistant Practitioner in Healthcare foundation degree, you can top up to a full bachelor's degree including Phisiotherapy or Paramedic Science with us
FACILITIES
As part of your Assistant Practitioner in Healthcare foundation degree, you will have access to University College Birmingham’s specialist practical and academic learning environments in Moss House and McIntyre House. These include our Health Skills and Simulation Suite, complete with a purpose-built, six-bed hospital ward with simulation manikins, Anatomage table, integrated filming and audio equipment and a community care environment to help you practise your clinical skills and enhance your practical training.
PLACEMENTS
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and building your confidence and skills before you finish your course and may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our placement team can help find the ideal placement for you. You will need to complete a minimum of 1,150 hours of work placement over the course. These placements may be tailored to meet your future aspirations, taking into consideration your experience and how much of the course you have completed.
CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:
- Assistant public health practitioner
Want to take your studies to the next level? Having completed the Assistant Practitioner in Healthcare foundation degree, you can top up to a full bachelor's degree including Physiotherapy or Paramedic Science with an accreditation of prior learning. Note: you will need to confirm the Assistant Practitioner in Healthcare foundation degree would be applicable for an accreditation of prior learning at other institutions.
Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers.
Learn more about Higher Technical QualificationsModules
Year 1 - Principles, Philosophy and Professional Development in Healthcare - Anatomy and Physiology to Monitor Health -Health, Safety and Risk Management in Diverse Populations -Practice Placement (1). Year 2 - Leadership and Communication in Healthcare - Evidence Based Practice - Provision and Improvement of Healthcare within Specialist Areas - Practice Placement (2).
Assessment method
Modules are delivered through face-to-face lectures, small group tutorials or practical skills and simulation sessions on campus at University College Birmingham. There will be some online learning and self-directed study required. Time for taught content and study will be allocated on your timetable. Assessments are varied and include: - Reports - Professional discussions - Reflective - Assignments - Practice-based assessments called OSCEs - Practice Assessment Document - Healthcare numeracy tests.
You will be assigned a personal tutor and academic assessor during your foundation degree course, and alongside your module leaders, you will receive support to develop academically, personally and professionally throughout the two years.
Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course: Coursework – 53% Practical assessment – 37% Written examinations – 10%. Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

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How to apply
Apply by
31 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- L74P
- Institution code:
- B35
- Campus name:
- University College Birmingham
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
Access to HE Diploma - D: 0 credits M: 0 credits P: 45 credits
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level - Pass (D or E)
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Location | Fee | Year |
---|---|---|
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
UK:
If you are a UK student enrolling on a Foundation Degree or a BA/BSc at University College Birmingham, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. A half year tuition fee is £4625.
This is a yearly fee, and will increase with inflation in subsequent years (in line with the government’s permitted rise).
If you are an English student studying your first higher education qualification, you can apply for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company. You will not start repaying this loan until you leave the course and are earning over £25,000 a year.
If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you should apply to Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, or SAAS. The loans and grants available to you will differ from those available from Student Finance England.
UCB does not charge for 24 or 48 week placements.
More information about UK Fees please go to our website here -
https://www.ucb.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/undergraduate-fees/
EU and International:
More information about International Fees please go to our website here - https://www.ucb.ac.uk/our-courses/international/tuition-fees-and-scholarships.aspx