Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

• Applicants should also have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points from A-Levels, National Diplomas/Certificates/Awards, Access or other such equivalent level 3 qualifications.
• Applicants who do not meet the level 3 criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, may apply for APEL.
• Applicants should have attained at least GCSE English Language Grade C or Essential Skills Communication Level 2 and GCSE Mathematics Grade C or Essential Skills Numeracy Level 2.

Applicants must attend an initial information and advice session.

• Those applicants who meet the entry requirements above will then be interviewed and assessed for the course regarding their general suitability. This is to ensure evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. Final selection will then be made on the applicant’s suitability and offers made accordingly.
• Those who are made offers, will then undergo an Access NI check. On successful completion of this, applicants will be asked to complete a Health Declaration.

This is a rigorous selection process but ensures that successful applicants have the academic ability and personal qualities to study at level 4 and the potential to progress to level 5.

Assessments include traditional essays, presentations, exams, online tests, assessed simulation exercises, observed practice and the completion of Northern Ireland Practice Assessment Document. (NIPAD)

The course is offered as a stand alone qualification but also provides the level 4 equivalence for the stage 1 of the Open University Nursing degree course. The College is currently working with other UK University’s to enable students to progress to year two of a 3 year Nursing degree and more information will be available on the college website in due course.

Enhanced Access NI disclosure is required, Students will be required to wear a formal Uniform for the duration of their programme both in College and in Placement.. During your course you may be required to purchase course text books and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £250 per year.