Ready to apply?
Applying to more than one university? Apply through UCAS. Only applying to us? Apply direct.
Full-time, 1 year
Why choose this course
- Academic and work-based competencies for many health and social care roles
- Workplace hours in a relevant health and social care setting
- One contact day a week, leaving room for work and family
- Lectures, small group seminars, workshops and guest lectures
- Support with study skills such as referencing and academic writing
Overview
The Cert HE Professional Practice in Health and Social Care is the first year (level 4) of the Foundation Degree and is designed for adults wanting to progress towards a professional degree within the health and social care sector. It has been designed in response to the rapidly changing workforce demands and policy initiatives aimed at modernising services and improving quality, productivity, and efficiency. It covers both the academic and work-based competencies that are relevant to a multitude of roles within health and social care settings.
Read the full overview
This programme requires the completion of 200 hours in a relevant Health and Social care setting, for which an enhanced DBS may be required. Students will be expected to pay the cost of this if required.
What you’ll study
4 modules
Modules
- Transition to Higher Education20 credits
- Integrated Holistic Assessment and Development20 credits
- Essential Science40 credits
- Work Based Learning One40 credits
There will be 200 workplace hours to complete over the duration of programme.
Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.
How you’ll learn
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and workshops, with independent study in between.
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Practical and lab sessions
- Guest speakers
- Independent study
Read more about how you’ll learn
The primary way of delivering this course is on campus.
On campus teaching includes a combination of lectures, small group seminars, workshops, guest lectures and one to one discussion with your tutor.
Contact time for students is over 1 day per week for the full-time route. This allows students to obtain work experience in the sector throughout the other days as well as conduct independent learning and assessment work. This also allows students to manage work and family commitments they may have during the course.
Students will receive approximately 8 hours of teaching time per week throughout the full-time course, depending on the modules being taken. Additional one-to-one meetings with tutors will provide further support. Students have the option to contact an additional support team to develop key study skills such as referencing and academic writing style. We have found this to be a very useful aspect of the course, especially for anyone who has had a break in education and is returning to studies, however the service is available for all students who attend the course.
Meet us at an open event.
Where it can take you
This course prepares you for a rewarding career the management of health, care, and other related services. Through a comprehensive curriculum, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this field. From administration to management, you will be equipped to lead and make a positive impact on the well-being of individuals and communities. With a focus on healthcare systems, ethics, and effective leadership, this programme paves the way for a fulfilling and impactful career.
Found where you fit?
Entry requirements
Don’t have the standard qualifications? You may still be able to apply.
48UCAS points
Entry requirements would usually be one of the following:
One of the following:
- 48 UCAS Points (can be general studies)
- Access to HE from a QAA recognised Access to HE course
Plus:
- Normally, Maths and English at level 2 or above (grade 4, or previously C) or equivalents such as: level 2 adult numeracy/literacy level 2 key skills/application of number
Personal qualities:
- You must be able to demonstrate through an informal discussion your potential to be caring and compassionate and the ability to develop meaningful relationships with colleagues, service users and carers.
DBS and placement:
- As part of this programme of study you will be required to have a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You will be required to pay the cost of this. You may be able to supply an existing DBS but this must be within 3 years of issue. A DBS must be in place before you start your placement. Please note: if your DBS comes back with a restriction which could stop you from accessing a placement you will not be able to complete the programme.
- You must have the opportunity to complete 200 placement hours per year, either voluntary or in paid employment
Other information:
- As part of this programme, you will be required to engage in practical/ experiential learning sessions. Please note: for these sessions you will be expected to have long hair tied back.
- Students will be required to purchase a polo shirt in preparation for starting the programme.
We welcome applications from people of any age who might not meet the standard entry criteria, but we would expect to see evidence of recent work experience in the sector and a capacity to pursue the course successfully.
Taken a different path?
We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider your application and offer you a range of support. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.
Fees and funding
£8,190
a year for UK students
Financial support
UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.
We also have a range of other financial support available.
Additional costs
Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment.)
There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:
- Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
- Printing and photocopying
- Trips and enhancement opportunities
As the course includes a work placement, you will be required to pay for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
This programme requires the completion of 250 hours in a relevant Health and Social care setting, for which an enhanced DBS may be required. Students will be expected to pay the cost of this if required.
Questions about funding?
Your next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
UCAS gives you an applicant ID to track your application. Apply direct and we’ll reply by email.
2
You hear back
Responses usually arrive between November and May: an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.
3
You get ready to start
Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.
Quick reference for careers advisers
Level
Level 4
Duration
1 year
Study mode
Full-time
Awarding body
Sheffield Hallam University
UCAS code
L5D1