We offer a foundation degree in health and social care that allows you to gain a qualification while continuing in your current job.
Why study for a foundation degree?
A foundation degree can let you gain a qualification while continuing to work in your current job. In face, your ongoing work experience makes up a significant part of your learning.
A foundation degree can also boost your career prospects: the skills that you develop will enable you to progress to higher bands within the NHS structure.
It ensures that you are using best practice in your work, and you benefit from the opportunity to share your experiences with other practitioners.
You will not have to pay any course fees (these are currently covered by the Strategic Health Authority). In addition, seconded students will normally be paid by their employer while at university and when in practice for the two work-based learning days. Also, employees who are not employed directly by the healthcare sector but receive some healthcare support (eg independent sector) may be eligible for funding.
Lastly, a foundation degree can be a route to an honours degree, for example Health Studies BA(Hons), which will usually require a further one or two years study.
Why study the health and social care foundation degree?
The health and social care foundation degree has been designed for healthcare assistants, support workers, assistant and associate practitioners currently working within the NHS and other health and social care settings (such as acute care, community homes and day care facilities). Employers will usually have to agree for students to undertake the course as a secondment.
The course includes a blend of core healthcare, specialist/profession-related and work-based learning modules.
It is divided into four distinct routes from which you can choose depending on your needs and those of your employer. Each has been designed to ensure that the competencies you develop are relevant and closely mapped to the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework.
It has been developed in partnership with practising healthcare professionals and employers to ensure that both the academic and work-based learning is up-to-date and relevant.
Placements will be in the work place of the employer from whom you have been seconded. The work-based supervisor may facilitate external visits and placements to meet the negotiated outcomes of the work-based learning modules.
Help with getting back into study
Understandably you may be nervous about returning to study. We recognise this and aim to do everything we can to help.
- All of our foundation degrees start with a study skills module
- In practice, you will be supported by a work-based supervisor and education adviser who will help set your learning outcomes to ensure the course meets your individual learning needs.
Find out more about the different routes you can take on our foundation degree.
