Health and Social Care

Two years full-time for the Foundation Degree or one year full-time for the Certificate in Health and Social Care or ten weeks per individual module studied.

This course provides a unique opportunity for support workers currently employed in a health or social care setting to achieve a relevant qualification that matches their own personal and professional development needs. Students not employed in Health and Social Care are also welcomed to apply for this course as placements are available.

The course also aims to support students in developing their own higher level thinking skills such as essay writing, analytical and research skills.

This two year programme can be taken as a full or part time course. The design of the course recognises the significant contribution of support workers in both health and social care settings focusing on improving service delivery.

Stage one

This provides foundation knowledge with core modules in graduate skills, work-based learning and interprofessional learning.

Stage two

This stage provides detailed knowledge with core modules in evidence-based practice, advanced work-based learning and health and well-being. Pathway-specific optional modules are available in areas such as brain injury awareness, learning disability, cultural and gender issues and agency approaches to social issues.  

The design of this course is highly flexible in terms of the study pathways and qualification routes that it offers. Students have the option to study for the full Foundation Degree or the Certificate in Health and Social Care. Alternatively, they may study for individual modules.   

• Agency approaches to social issues
• Work-based learning
• Promoting health and well-being
• Inter-professional working in health and social care
• Safe administration of medicines
• Perspective on human behaviour

A variety of assessment methods are utilised including case studies, presentations, portfolios, examinations and essays.  

There are a wide range of career and further study opportunities open to students depending upon the pathway chosen such as enhanced and extended skills in the workplace. In addition students have the opportunity to enter a career in social work, occupational therapy or nursing, or employment within the charitable or voluntary sectors.