This flexible course, validated by Sheffield Hallam University, is a work-based learning award combining health and social care education with existing employment or work experience to develop your skills and competencies for various roles across the health, social or community care sectors. This award is recognised as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ).
The course can be studied via two routes:
1) Foundation Degree
Applicants can complete the Foundation Degree study and meet the minimum requirement of 200 hours of suitable work experience in Health & Social Care. This is delivered on Mondays and Fridays in the first year, and applicants must apply for Student Finance for tuition fees.
Applicants are advised to find suitable work experience (paid or unpaid) in a health and social care setting before enrolling on the course. Guidance can be given to prospective students about doing this. Students must have a College Disclosure and Barring Service check (costing approximately £45).
2) Apprenticeship
Applicants with existing social care or healthcare employment may liaise with their organisation/employer to provide funding for the tuition fees as an apprentice. Students on this route will still obtain the required academic knowledge for the foundation degree, but this is delivered as part of the apprenticeship programme, with one day per week being spent in college.
Both routes include sessions with visiting speakers for holistic interventions with qualified therapists and use of a clinical room for practical activities.