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 knowledge, 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 complete the Foundation Degree study at Hillsborough campus but must meet the minimum requirement of 400 hours of suitable work (paid/unpaid) in Health & Social Care across the 2 years. The course is currently delivered on Mondays and Fridays in the first year & Tuesdays and Thursdays in the second year. It is recommended that students have a job in the sector to develop their competencies. Guidance can be given to prospective students about suitable work. The course is mapped against the Care Standards at Level 4 and the Assistant Practitioner standards at Level 5. All students must have a Disclosure and Barring Service check (costing approximately £56). Additionally, applicants must apply for Student Finance for tuition fees.
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 and use of a clinical room for practical activities.