Course overview
Develop practical health and social care knowledge with an award from the University of Suffolk.
Prepare for higher education through a health and social care foundation stage before completing a Level 4 CertHE focused on policy, wellbeing, safeguarding and research.
Course overview
This two-year route develops academic, digital, communication and partnership-working skills in a health and social care context. Level 4 then explores professional development, health policy and law, wellbeing, safeguarding, contemporary health issues and introductory research.
Study location and delivery
The programme is available at study centres in London and Manchester and is awarded by the University of Suffolk.
Course structure
The published course structure comprises 240 credits completed over 2 years. Optional modules are shown separately where the official curriculum requires a choice.
Curriculum
Complete the published 240-credit curriculum.
03Level 3 · Trimester 1
40 credits
40 credits
Level 3 · Trimester 1
40 credits
- Context of Health & Social Care20 credits
- Study Skills for Health & Social Care20 credits
03Level 3 · Trimester 2
40 credits
40 credits
Level 3 · Trimester 2
40 credits
- Information Technology Skills for Health & Social Care20 credits
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills20 credits
03Level 3 · Trimester 3
40 credits
40 credits
Level 3 · Trimester 3
40 credits
- Sociology of Health & Illness20 credits
- Introduction to Partnership Working20 credits
04Level 4 · Trimester 1
40 credits
40 credits
Level 4 · Trimester 1
40 credits
- Safeguarding in Care20 credits
- Professional Development Skills20 credits
04Level 4 · Trimester 2
40 credits
40 credits
Level 4 · Trimester 2
40 credits
- Introduction to Care Policy & Law20 credits
- Understanding Health & Wellbeing20 credits
04Level 4 · Trimester 3
40 credits
40 credits
Level 4 · Trimester 3
40 credits
- Contemporary Health Issues20 credits
- Introduction to Research20 credits
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Teaching uses lectures, tutorials, workshops, group discussions and presentations.
Coursework can include assignments, reports, case studies, projects and group work. Exact assessment methods and weighting should be confirmed for the selected intake.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic and admissions requirements
- Five GCSE passes or an overseas qualification confirmed as equivalent through UK ENIC/NARIC.
- Applicants complete an LSC interview covering listening, speaking and reading, together with a personal reflection statement used to assess writing.
- Non-standard applicants may be considered using relevant life or work experience and other evidence of readiness for higher education.
- Final admission approval is made by the University of Suffolk.
English language
- Applicants whose first language is not English should normally demonstrate English at CEFR B1 or an accepted equivalent.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
The listed tuition fees are those published for the 2026/27 academic year.
Fees may change for later academic years; confirm the amount for the selected intake before applying.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Complete a 120-credit foundation stage and a 120-credit Level 4 CertHE stage.
Understand health, wellbeing, safeguarding and care policy in context.
Develop academic, communication, digital and introductory research skills.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Career directions
- Health and social care support
- Community wellbeing
- Care coordination
- Health administration
- Progression to further health study
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Where is the course taught?
The course is available at study centres in London and Manchester.
Who awards the qualification?
The qualification is awarded by the University of Suffolk.
When can I start?
A current intake date is not published on the course page. Confirm the next available start date before applying.
How much is the course?
Published 2026/27 tuition is £9,535 per year, giving an indicative two-year total of £19,070.