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Diploma in Healthcare Science (Apprenticeship)

Designed specifically for laboratory life scientists, the two-year Healthcare Science Apprenticeship has been designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals progressing to a band 4 healthcare science associate role.

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A hand holding a glass beaker in a science lab
Course codeCID1502
Duration2 years
Fee(s)View fees
LocationOn campus

Course summary

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 recognition to build your career in this essential and growing field.

The application deadline for this course is 7 February 2026.

What you'll study

Modules

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some of these options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific required modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available alongside core modules on your course, you should choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

Modules will be delivered using a blended learning format which we've developed to provide maximum flexibility for you to study around the operational requirements of your job role. Most of the teaching will be delivered asynchronously via the Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas).

This material will consist of recorded lectures by subject experts, slide packs prepared by University staff, and directed materials for self-study including targeted reading from websites, textbooks, and journal articles. Learning will be arranged into two-week blocks and each will feature around:

  • Four hours of pre-recorded material
  • Four hours of guided self-study material
  • An online quiz to test you on your understanding of the material and its application to the practice of a Healthcare Science Associate
  • One-hour live tutorial.

You can complete this work at any time and you'll be supported by a one-hour live online tutorial every two weeks to explain the correct answers to the quiz. This session will also allow you to discuss the material with other learners and ask any questions.

Practical scientific and analytical skills will be delivered through on-campus teaching blocks comprising workshops and laboratory classes. These will run in blocks, with one in the first year and two blocks in the second year.

A range of assessment methods will be used to evidence the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required in the apprenticeship standard. These include a professional portfolio of work-based learning, MCQ exam, patient information leaflet, and laboratory report.

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

On-campus workshops and practical laboratory classes will be delivered in three blocks of four days across the course; one in Year 1 and two in Year 2. If you're from outside the north-east region, we recommend that you seek nearby hotel accommodation for nine nights with an approximate cost of £450.

Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.

For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

To apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship, you must have an employer in place to support you on the course. If you're interested in applying and have an employer in place, please email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) and we'll send you the relevant application link.

To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship(opens in new tab).

For a discussion around your specific requirements, or if you're an employer interested in creating a vacancy, please call us on 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and been offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

View our programme specifications(opens in new tab) for further information about what the course covers, learning outcomes and the skills you'll gain when you graduate.