Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care

Course summary:

This is a two-year programme which is strongly vocationally orientated and will provide learners with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to succeed in a range of careers within the exciting field of Health and Social Care.

The course actively promotes good practice and will allow students to draw upon their experiences whilst developing new work based skills, knowledge and understanding within the fields of Health and Social Care.

Course content:

To achieve the whole qualification, a student must successfully complete:

Year one modules

Understanding Health and Social Care
Exploring Psycho-Social Theory
Assessment, Care Planning and the Identification of Risk
Working in Health and Social Care Settings I
Dimensions of Health
Applied Qualitative Research Methods

Year two modules

Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
Advocacy and Empowerment
Working with Adults
Health Improvements and Healthy Lifestyles
Life Course Approaches to the Health of Children, Young People and Families
Working in Health and Social Care Settings II

Work based learning

Experience working within the field of health and social care is fundamental to successful completion of this qualification, either through permanent full or part time employment or working on a voluntary basis. There are three specific modules which incorporate work experience on the course, and assessment methods for these modules require students to reflect on current practice and apply theory to practice.

Assessment procedure:

Students work will be assessed and graded through a variety of methods including; essays, reflective essays, presentations, research tasks and time constraint tests.

Entry requirements:

Students applying for the programme should be currently working in the field of Health and Social Care either in a paid capacity or on a voluntary basis. Applicants are also required to have a full level three qualification, preferably in the subject area. This could include A Levels, Btec National Diploma or a work related vocational qualification at Level 3. It is also a requirement to have passes at G.C.S.E grade C or above or equivalent qualification in English.

Interested candidates are required to complete an application form and if successful at this stage of the application, candidates will be invited to attend an interview where they will also be asked to complete a written assessment. Two references will also be required to ensure suitability for the course.

Qualifications achieved:

Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care

Progression opportunities:

Students can progress on to the third year of the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care or the BA (Hons) Community Health at the University of Sunderland. The Foundation Degree will strengthen opportunities to progress on to a Social Work degree, although the full three years of this course will need to be completed. It will also give the opportunity for career advancement in Health and Social Care fields.

Course Fees

£4000 per academic year.

Financial support:

For more information about student loans and grants visit Student Finance England.

Further information:

We do everything we can to help you succeed. We treat all our students as individuals, so we’ll help and support you during your time with us in whatever way suits you best. Whether you need lots of help or a little, our outstanding support systems will help you to achieve your potential.

South Tyneside College, South Shields campus is within easy reach of the Tyneside Metro (Chichester Station) and each site is situated on main bus routes. Car parking is available on each site.