Healthcare and sports sector boost from Newcastle College University Centre

Two courses at Newcastle College University Centre are the latest to be awarded Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) status.

The University Centre’s Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice and Foundation Degree in Physical Education and Sports Coaching have both been given HTQ status by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfaTE).

The Foundation Degree Healthcare Practice gives students the clinical and nursing skills to become nursing practitioners, providing access to industry experience from qualified nurses who teach on the programme and a simulated hospital environment to learn in.

Developed with organisations such as North East SCITT, Newcastle United Foundation and The Percy Hedley Foundation, the Foundation Degree Physical Education and Sports Coaching covers topics such as the national curriculum, coaching and teaching styles, child development and SEN. In addition, the course enables students to gain event management experience through the planning and delivery of a sporting event.

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are Level 4 and 5 qualifications that carry the prestigious quality mark to confirm they meet the needs of employers and learners, as well as forming part of the government’s focus on skills for jobs and higher technical education.

The news comes less than six months after the University Centre was named as one of the first providers of an HTQ with its Foundation Degree in Networking and Cyber Security.

Jon Ridley, Deputy Principal and Executive Director of HE at NCG commented: “We are delighted that two more of our qualifications have received the HTQ quality mark.

“The University Centre is committed to collaborating with employers to co-create programmes that meet the demand for technical skills. During the pandemic we have seen the importance of healthcare services. Our Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice will produce skilled healthcare professionals to care for future generations of our region.

“The Foundation Degree Physical Education and Sports Coaching has been developed with insight from the region’s leading sports organisations and will produce coaches and teachers making a positive difference to our region through sport and physical fitness.

“The Higher Technical Qualification is another way to demonstrate that studying at Newcastle College University Centre creates individuals ready to succeed in their chosen career here in the North East of England.”