Students at HSDC’s South Downs Campus have been celebrating exceptional success on the College’s dynamic Health & Nursing T Level.
The clearest metric of this success is reflected in the T Level’s most recent results, with a 100% pass rate highlighting the determination of HSDC’s students and the quality of the teaching. 72% of students also secured the highest grades of Merit or Distinction, and every student on the course was also offered a pre-registration university place to progress into high-demand healthcare careers such as Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Paramedic Science and Midwifery.
The Health & Nursing T Level is designed with industry at its heart, combining classroom learning with substantial high-quality work experience placements in NHS and community healthcare settings.
Daniella Davis is a second year Health & Nursing student, and plans to study Paramedic Science once she leaves South Downs. For Daniella, the industry placements have been a defining element of the course:
“Placements in the community are so beneficial when you’re going to be working in a hospital,” she explains, “the course felt like university-level learning, because the NHS placements are exactly the same as what you’ll experience in higher education”
Several students in Daniella’s cohort have enjoyed up to seven different placements in the industry, giving them a wide breadth of experience across healthcare environments before even stepping into university life.
The practical and hands-on nature of the course has been especially valuable for Milla Lewis, who is looking to progress into Adult Nursing. Milla said:
“Being practical in lessons helped me to develop the technical skills and knowledge that I was able to bring with me into my placements, as well as practicing for university.”
Milla also highlighted how placements provide genuine insight into the realities of healthcare professions, saying:
“After completing my geriatric placement, I was given a real insight into the industry, and that helped to inform me to choose my occupational specialism in my second year.”
Students on the T Level at South Downs consistently praise the quality of teaching and the level of individual support they receive. With small class sizes, learners benefit from a close-knit supportive environment filled with like-minded individuals.
The course is delivered in industry-standard facilities on South Downs Campus, including clinical mannequins that allow students to practice observations, communication and procedures. The use of this equipment gives students the chance to learn about the importance of PPE, contamination control and confidence before working with live patients.
In their second year, students can specialise in areas such as adult nursing, mental health, maternity and pediatrics, allowing them to tailor their course to their career goals. Emily Roberts, who is progressing into Mental Health nursing, says that HSDC’s environment played a key role in her success:
“When I was applying for College, I came here and instantly felt at ease. The Nursing facilities are incredible and the teachers will make sure to tailor their lessons to your learning style.”
By combining academic rigour with extensive industry placements and exceptional student support, the Health & Nursing T Level at South Downs is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to succeed, at university and beyond.