Health and Social Care Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education

About the course

Health and Social Care Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education is a one year programme designed to prepare you for further study or a career in health and social care. It provides a supportive introduction to the sector while helping you develop the academic skills needed for degree level study.

This course is suitable if you do not yet meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto an undergraduate degree. You will build confidence in your study skills while gaining an understanding of the principles, values and professional responsibilities within health and social care.

What you’ll study

You’ll build a solid foundation in health and social care, while gaining professional skills valued across healthcare, community and social care sectors, including academic writing, research skills, data analysis, ethical awareness, teamwork and communication.

Modules offered can vary each year but may include:

• Academic Skills and Communication

• Data Analysis and Research Skills

• Foundations of Health and Social Care

• Personal and Professional Development

How you’ll learn

You will learn through:

• Lectures, seminars and workshops delivered by experienced academic staff

• Interactive discussions exploring equality, diversity, inclusion and professional ethics

• Group activities that develop teamwork and communication skills

• Coursework, reports and essays that strengthen academic and professional writing

• Opportunities to reflect on personal and professional development within health and social care

You will also have access to digital learning resources through our virtual learning platform and online library services.

Future opportunities

On successful completion, you can progress onto an undergraduate degree in health and social care or apply to related programmes, including nursing, subject to meeting entry requirements and completing the application process during your studies.

Example career areas include:

• Health and social care support roles

• Community and outreach services

• Residential and domiciliary care settings

• Public health and wellbeing services

• Further study in health and social care or nursing

The transferable skills you develop, including communication, ethical understanding and analytical thinking, support progression into degree level study and long term career development.

Facilities

You will study in a supportive academic environment with access to modern learning resources.

• Contemporary teaching rooms and seminar spaces

• Library resources including books, journals and online databases

• Dedicated study areas for individual and group work

• Careers and employability support services

These facilities support your academic development and help you apply health and social care knowledge with confidence.