• The Effective Learner
• Safeguarding and Managing Risk
• Psychology
• Effective Communication in Health and Social Care
• Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
• Social Theories and Concepts
• Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice
• Evidence Based Practice
• Innovative Practices
• Introduction to Public Health
• Worked Based Learning

Applicants must:

1. satisfy the University’s general entry requirements and

1. have attained grade A- C at GCSE level in 5 subjects or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification and

1. provide evidence of competence in numeracy and literacy (GCSE grade C or above or equivalent e.g. Essential Skills Numeracy/Communication – this requirement may be met within (b) and

1. hold a BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or a related Level 3 subject area (including Access Diploma), or 2 GCE A Level passes or equivalent (with a minimum of 48 UCAS points)

OR as an alternative to (a), (b), (c) and (d):

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process. In such cases, contact the Programme Director for the programme who will advise further. Non-standard admission will be agreed with the University Faculties. All applicants must also satisfy Enhanced Disclosure from Access NI to continue on the programme. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

Programme International Entry Requirements:

Any applicant whose first language is not English should demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English. The minimum English language entry requirement is IELTS (academic) of 6.0 (with no band score of less than 5.5 in all four elements of the test).

We accept a wide range of alternative English language examinations and tests so please contact us for an updated list of other accepted tests.

All modules undertaken normally have no more than 2 assessment activities and these can include written assignments, reports, oral presentations, reflective journals, class tests and one examination.

Upon successful completion of the course students may be able to apply to progress to :

Year 3 part-time or full-time of the BSc (Hons) Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University or

Year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Policy programme at Ulster University or

Year 1 of a range of Allied Health Profession Degree programmes including Nursing, Social Work and Community Youth Work as well as a range of Social and Life Science Degrees including Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy, Criminology and many more.

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission and progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

All applicants must satisfy Enhanced Disclosure from Access NI to continue on the programme.

Access NI disclosure is required and costs £35. During your course you may be required to purchase course textbooks and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. This figure may be in the region of £100 or more per year.

2026/27 fees:

£2,800 (payable for each year)

For fees, please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy on the College website

International students (for whom English is not their first language), must demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English at IELTS – Academic 6.0, with minimum 5.5 in all four elements of the test. Trinity ISE - Pass at Level 3 also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Students are required to:

• Comply with College policies and procedures, rules and regulations (available in your Higher Education Student Handbook, on-line via the College website: Policies, Reports and Strategies | South West College and on the College Virtual Learning Environment - VLE).

• Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates. Coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted.

The minimum overall pass mark of 40% is required to be achieved in all modules.