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

Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1502

Duration2 years

Course summary

The two-year Healthcare Science Apprenticeship has been developed in partnership with employers. This ensures the design and delivery meet the needs of both apprentices and the healthcare sector.

The course follows 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. You'll develop 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. They often work 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.

Why Sunderland for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific 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, choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

You'll learn through a blended learning format which we've developed to provide flexibility for you to study around your job. Most of the teaching is via our Virtual Learning Environment, Canvas.

The study materials include recorded lectures by subject experts, slide packs prepared by University staff, and directed materials for self-study. This includes targeted reading from websites, textbooks, and journal articles. Learning is across two-week blocks and each will feature:

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. There'll be 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.

You'll learn practical scientific and analytical skills through on-campus workshops and laboratory classes. These will run in blocks, with one in the first year and two blocks in the second year.

Your assessment is through a range of methods that will 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
Laboratory report.

Entry requirements

This apprenticeship is work based and is subject to you being in employment with an organisation throughout the duration of the course. The employer must confirm you comply with the apprentice eligibility criteria including funding requirements. You must:

Be employed by a supporting NHS Trust or private organisation for a minimum of 30 hours a week as an HCS associate apprentice, or equivalent position
Have a designated work-based learning supervisor who'll support you for the duration of the course
Hold at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above
Hold maths and English language GCSE at a minimum of grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).

Fees and finance support

On-campus workshops and practical laboratory classes will take place in three blocks of four days across the course. There is 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. This has 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).

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Start date/study mode:

UK students

Apprenticeship September 2026
Application deadline is 6 July 2026

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 you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.