Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner (Health) Independent Route)

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

The FdA Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner (Health) Independent Route) is your opportunity to take great professional and academic leaps toward helping improve the day-to-day lives of vulnerable people. With access to excellent facilities, you can gain the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to embark on a genuinely rewarding career in this sector.

The health and social care sector is vast and offers enormous career potential. The University of Greater Manchester's FdA Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner (Health) Independent Route) provides an opportunity to develop the values, skills, and knowledge essential to good health and social care practices in the UK. These can support your initial development in providing support for people of all ages and walks of life who have disabilities, mental health issues or are vulnerable in other ways.

The course is linked closely to the UK government's health and social care agendas, so you'll experience a current and carefully considered balance of policy, practice and academic training. Join us as we explore the principles of care, care planning and delivery, the ethical aspects of care, and areas such as health promotion and safeguarding, among many more.

This foundation degree emphasises work-based learning. A significant part of your learning will take place on-the-job with support from your practice trainer in the workplace and your University tutors. We'll guide you in reflecting on your practice and how the skills and knowledge you develop in the workplace relate to the academic theory you've learned. You'll then take your learning back into the workplace, enhancing your practice further. This two-way process offers the best combination of theory and practice. Studying at the University of Greater Manchester complements the experience you gain at work, supporting your journey to becoming an Assistant Practitioner.

We're working to bridge the gap between health and social care and foster a multi-agency approach. We'll support you every step as you learn how to collaborate across professional boundaries, use evidence to support your professional decision-making and enhance your understanding of critical health and social care issues.

We focus on helping you become a knowledgeable, compassionate, and person-centred care professional.