University Level
Foundation Degree Assistant Practitioner Health & Social Care
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:
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. 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 currently delivered on Mondays and Fridays in the first year & Tuesdays and Thursdays in the second year. The course is mapped against the Care Standards at Level 4 and the Assistant Practitioner standards at Level 5.
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.
About the course
Level 4 (Year 1)
Transition to Higher Education (20 credits)
Essential Sciences for Person-Centred Care (40 credits)
Integrated Holistic Assessment & Delivery of Health & Social Care Interventions (20 credits)
Work-based Learning* (40 credits)
Level 5 (Year 2)
Transition to Professional Practice (40 credits)
Students wishing to study this programme should have:
48 UCAS points GCSE Mathematics grade 4 (or Functional Skills Level 2)
GCSE English Language grade 4 (or Functional Skills Level 2)
You will also require an Enhanced DBS and Occupational Health Screening at start of the course.
Suitable experience of working in care or a job in the sector advisable.
Applicants with relevant life experience may be eligible to apply through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, which can potentially waive the requirement for 48 UCAS points. If you would like to explore this alternative entry route, please get in touch for further details.
Presentations
Essays
Case studies
Literature reviews
Professional discussions
Currently, learners may gain direct entry into the second year of the following degrees:
Adult Nursing (BSc) / Child Nursing (BSc) / Mental Health Nursing (BSc)
Paramedic Science (BSc)
Physiotherapy (BSc)
Occupational Therapy (BSc)
Social Work (BA)
Learners who complete the Foundation Degree can progress onto Top-Up degree(s) at Sheffield Hallam:
BSc Health & Social Care Studies
BA Working with Children, Young People & Families
Additionally, learners may use the Foundation Degree to progress onto the second year of a Degree Apprenticeship (if suitably experienced).
Information regarding course fees can be found here. You can apply for a loan via Student Finance Student finance. Please note all quoted fees are subject to change.
Students are required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS) check, the current cost of which is approximately £56. If you already have a DBS, it is recommended to have it on the Update Service.Students in financial hardship may be eligible to apply for support through the HE Student Support Fund.
Student case study
“I have gained a wealth of knowledge, skills and behaviours that have helped me grow as a healthcare professional. The course has strengthened my ability to think critically and make informed decisions in a healthcare setting.”
Cheryl - Foundation Degree Assistant Practitioner in Health & Social Care
81,168
Employed in 2026 across Sheffield
79,310
Graduate jobs predicted in Sheffield, during 2027
£33,599
Average salary
Click here to apply through UCAS
Key Information
Course Code
P00149
Subject Area
Health and Social Care
Campus
Hillsborough Campus