Intro

Health and social care is a growing area. As more emphasis is placed on health promotion in our society, there is an ever-increasing demand for qualified health and social care practitioners.

This foundation degree provides a higher apprenticeship pathway and is suitable for you if you are currently working in a health or social care setting. Our assistant practitioner and nursing associate apprenticeships will develop your knowledge and skills enabling you to progress to an assistant practitioner or nursing associate role.

These apprenticeships are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge that you need to administer high-quality, safe and compassionate care in one of the rewarding careers under the umbrella of health and social care.

The course has an applied focus, with practice-based learning making up a high proportion of the qualification. This means that you can apply and consolidate your classroom-based knowledge through your practical work.

Recognising that patients come first in everything the NHS does, and the values of the NHS constitution – respect, dignity, compassion and working together for patients – are embedded in our curriculum.

We have a dedicated team of academic staff who are actively engaged in internationalising the nursing and midwifery curriculum, and we offer all our students the chance to experience practice in another country.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer

UCAS code Not applicable. Apply direct to the university. 

Full-time 2 years

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

Course content

Course structure

You are required to attend university one day a week during term-time, and the equivalent of two days a week in supported/supervised practice. 

You will spend approximately 30% of your course time at the university, 40% in practice undertaking skills and role development, and 30% undertaking independent, guided or private study.

Induction takes place during the first week, during which you'll be able to find out more about the course and the wider university support mechanisms and university life like the Students’ Union, Fresher’s Fair etc.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Syllabus

Our course team recognises that students come from a diverse background within NHS hospitals, community NHS and social care settings, including the private and voluntary sector, and so our course subjects cover a number of different areas. Subjects focus across the age spectrum on different service user groups and types of care from acute to long-term care.

Year 1 

The focus of the first semester is on study skills, the transition from the workplace to higher education (university), and communication skills.

You will cover writing academic essays, learning styles, time management, IT, reflective writing, effective studying techniques and numeracy skills, along with developing communications skills. In practice, you will complete a number of core skills related to practice and role development.

In the second semester you'll develop your knowledge and understanding of key areas related to your practice – anatomy and physiology, and legal and ethical aspects.. Additional skills sessions are built into the semester either within the classroom (knowledge-based) or practice skills rooms (simulated practice-based).

Modules

  • Study Skills for Health and Social Care Practice
  • Communication in Health and Social Care Practice
  • Legal and Ethical Foundations of Health and Social Care
  • Anatomy and Physiology to Support Health and Social Care Practice
  • Work-based Learning for Health and Social Care Practice

Year 2 

The focus of the second year is enhanced practice development towards associate and assistant practitioner roles. 

Skills on which you are assessed will be:

  • negotiated in partnership with the employer
  • closely related to your job description
  • are applied to your developing role in the work environment.

You also have opportunities to develop your skills in the simulated environments that are available at the university. 

You will develop research awareness and knowledge in the first semester, and undertake a work-based project throughout the year. The projects you will achieve are challenging but often lead to promoting positive practice and changes in the workplace.

Modules

  • Using Evidence as a Basis for Practice
  • Project Planning
  • Work-based Project
  • Practice Skills Development
  • Integrative Health Care Practice

Facilities

Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite

Clinical skills and simulation rooms provide an invaluable tool for assessment and monitoring students' progress throughout the course.

You will benefit from practising nursing skills in an environment that simulates nurses’ real-life professional experiences. Learning by simulation with state-of-the-art mannequins enables you to practice in a safe environment under supervision, so you can apply your knowledge and skills in professional practice with confidence.

We have skilled technicians on every campus to support you.

nursing suite

Flexible Learning Environment 

The Flexible Learning Environment is an adapted home environment in a residential location where you'll be able to practise skills and learn from other students while taking part in realistic training scenarios.

Every room is fitted with cameras and microphones, so that students can be directed and monitored from the control room while the observation room provides the opportunity to review, playback and debrief.

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Careers

Graduates gain an Assistant Practitioner or Nursing Associate Apprenticeship qualification as well as their foundation degree.

In most cases, graduates have their foundation degree award linked to assistant or associate practitioner status (for example, Band 4 NHS pay scale).

Graduates are normally in their own area of work and use the foundation degree as a stepping stone for career development within their own organisation.

Entry to our Nursing BSc(Hons)

Successful completion of this course qualifies you to apply to our nursing degrees with 120 credits at level 5 meaning that you could start in year 2.

Nurse and doctor using diagnostic equipment

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

All candidates must be employed in a suitable health or social care setting, have employer support and a guarantee of work-based supervision from an appropriately qualified work based supervisor (Assistant Practitioner pathway) or Registered Nurse Mentor (Nursing Associate pathway).

Candidates must normally be employed for a minimum 30 hours per week (N.B If the apprentice works fewer than 30 hours a week the provider must extend the minimum duration of the apprenticeship (pro rata) to take account of this).

In addition, candidates need to meet the following entry criteria:

Candidates usually possess a minimum of Key Skills level 2 in English and maths together with (or part of) a relevant or equivalent level 3 qualification such as:

  • an Advanced Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care
  • BTEC National Diploma (pass), or Certificate (merit)
  • two A-levels (with maths and English GCSE grade C)
  • Open University course in Health and Social Care related subject such as SDK125,subject related NVQ level 3 (Includes key skills English and maths level 2) with a Skills for Health: Bridging Skills for Higher Education course.

Other qualifications that have equivalence will be considered by the course leader. Candidates with relevant and substantial work experience but without a recognised level three qualification will be considered on a case by case basis.

Invited candidates will have an interview at the university. The interview will include an entry test (level 2) for maths and English.

COVID-19 vaccine requirement

The COVID-19 vaccination requirement has been removed. Find out more about this decision.

Fees

Course fees

This course is an approved Higher Apprenticeship. Higher apprenticeships offer an apprentice the opportunity to combine working while studying for a work-based academic or vocational higher level qualification, with course fees paid from apprenticeship funds.

To find out more you can contact your employer, visit www.gov.uk or contact the course team for more information on becoming an apprentice.

Read more about apprenticeships at Brighton. 

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Sport and Health Sciences in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • Where health course includes a placement
    • UK students – travel costs which are over and above your daily journey to university and dual accommodation costs may be reimbursed by the NHS learning support fund.
    • Overseas students are not covered by the NHS scheme, this means that any additional travel or accommodation costs for this course will be your responsibility. Travel to placement may be up to 90 mins each way/ travel on public transport at peak time cost, and you may incur additional accommodation and living costs if staying away from your usual home base for the length of your placement.
  • An initial set of specialist clothing and uniforms, where required, are included in the course fees.
  • DBS checks and occupational health checks, where required, are included in the fees.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £100 if buying your own copies.
  • In sport courses, UK-based field trips are available in some option modules in the final year. You do not have to take these option modules to complete the degree programme. Where a field trip is present costs are covered but you are expected to make a contribution towards food. Typically this is £50.
  • For sports courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your living costs and travel. Physical Education (QTS teacher training) students can claim travel costs to their school placement.
  • The school runs a number of day trips which students do not pay for. There may be some food and drink costs and you should budget around £30 per year.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. 7,000 students are based here taking subjects including criminology, English, education, nursing and medicine, paramedic science, psychology and sociology. Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources and clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students. Psychology students learn in our applied cognition and flexible creative method labs.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes, and a students' union shop and bar.

The campus sports centre has a fitness suite, activity studios and a sports hall. There is also a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine minute journey to central Brighton.

Newly refurbished atrium in the Checkland Building

Accommodation

Brighton: Falmer

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Falmer campus is linked to the halls on Falmer campus and at Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls are on Falmer campus and offer a range of rooms
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent.

Private renting
There's plenty of support if you opt for private renting. This is an option which offers choice and flexibility – enabling you to choose where you live and who with. Every summer we provide online events and resources, as well as other advice services, for students looking for a place to live and people to share with.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Student views  

Sharon Whitmore 

"I am thoroughly enjoying the course so far. The best aspect is how well the modules run alongside one another and relate to my role at work. I find they give me a fantastic amount of information, of which I am already putting into practice.

"Overall I think the whole experience will benefit me in the future and allow me to progress well in my career.

"After I have completed the course I would like to consolidate what I have learnt for a period of time before applying to the nursing degree apprenticeship."

Sharon Whitmore, 1st year student, 2017

Sharon Whitmore

Louise Garrett 

"I enjoyed the course, in particular the evidence-based practice. I had a great tutor and it was very interesting.

"The course has taught me to question and research everything. I am constantly finding myself wanting to learn more about procedures and aspects of my job that I had never thought of before. I am always asking 'why' and 'could this be done better?’

"I will use everything I have been taught in all sorts of different ways. When I complete the course, I would like to stay at the GPs I am in now but have more responsibility."

Louise Garrett, 2nd year student, 2017

Louise Garrett

Davina Lovell 

"My university experience hasn't just taught me facts, figures and theories; it’s allowed me to grow, to become more open minded and to consider aspects of care that I didn't even know existed before. The depth of my knowledge now as I graduate in comparison to that on day one has grown so significantly I'm still astounded. Most importantly this growth and development is now benefitting the patients I care for and making a difference.

"Additionally the support I received from university staff was truly exceptional. Their commitment and passion encouraged success and inspired me to continue with my learning journey by applying for a second university course."

Davina was student of the year in her first year and also reintroduced the 'lone worker in the community policy' as part of her university project. This has made a great difference in ensuring safety and high quality of care within her NHS trust.

Davina Lovell

Stay in touch

School of Sport and Health Sciences
01273 644016
foundationdegreeadmissions@brighton.ac.uk

You are also welcome to contact course leader Mark Lees: m.t.lees@brighton.ac.uk

Keep up to date at the School of Sport and Health Sciences blog.

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