This honours degree provides you with the skills to launch an exciting career as a professional in health, fitness, sport and leisure sectors. It involves the study of six major subject areas, five of which are common to all students: Exercise Science, Health Studies, Activity Leadership, Physical Education, and Professional Practice.

For the sixth subject area, students study either ‘Education in Aquatics’ or ‘Outdoor and Experiential Learning’. All course material is delivered through a mix of applied theory and practice. This blend of teaching and learning approach prepares the student to be competent and confident in their practice as a health professional.

By studying healthcare support, individuals acquire the knowledge, skill, and competence to work under supervision and independently in providing support in a variety of Healthcare settings and or to progress to further and or higher education and training.

Achieving your Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support is crucial as it plays a fundamental role in maintaining and enhancing the overall well-being of clients in Healthcare.

This course can support your entry to a career in health care, and progression to higher education courses in health and social care.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives?

You’ll learn how to create and lead activities that bring joy, purpose, and stimulation—such as art, music, gentle fitness, cookery, and reminiscence therapy—to individuals with additional needs, disabilities and to older adults, including those living with dementia.

The Healthcare Assistance course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and competence to work under supervision in providing support in a variety of healthcare settings or to progress to further and higher education and training.  It provides a recognised qualification for healthcare workers, currently in employment and those seeking to work in this sector. This Healthcare Support Award is one of the Department of Health and Children’s recommended qualifications for Healthcare Assistants working in the public and private sector. The course aims to develop communication, practical and caring skills in the learner, to allow them to respond effectively and with empathy to the needs of the older person. Learners will be introduced to current and emerging legislation that applies to the care of the older person and the need for personal and professional development while working with older people and their families.

If you have a compassionate nature and would like to take on the roles and responsiblities associated with the profession of caring, then this is the course for you. Learn all of the required competencies and skills but also learn about the importance of issues such as dignity, respect, empathy and confidentiality.

Become a qualified Healthcare Assistant (HCA) with a special focus on care of the older person. There is increasing demand for qualified HCAs to work on the frontline in hospitals, dementia care, and hospices, or caring for vulnerable people in their homes and in residential settings.

With this professional qualification you will gain the skills, knowledge and valuable work experience to create a pathway to employment for you.

This one-year full-time course is designed for learners seeking to pursue a career as a healthcare assistant. The course provides students with essential knowledge and skills required to work in various healthcare settings. This course is ideal for those who wish to work as healthcare assistants, support workers, or pursue further studies in other health-related fields. The National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People require all newly recruited care staff and those in posts less than one year, to commence training to Level 5 QQI or equivalent within two years of taking up employment. 

Learners work towards the QQI Level 5 Health Service Skills major award while also developing their English language skills. If you are over 21 and 6 months unemployed you may be eligible for VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme). This scheme gives unemployed adults over 21 the opportunity of returning to full time education, while retaining their benefit.