Course overview
Learn health and social care through practice.
Develop applied health and social care knowledge, leadership, evidence-based practice, communication and quality-improvement skills through classroom learning and 450 hours of supervised work placement.
Year One
Build a broad understanding of health and social care practice, public health, compassionate care, leadership, evidence, teamwork and care planning through research, independent study and workplace scenarios.
Year Two
Develop and apply your own ideas to quality improvement, professional practice, participatory action research, leadership, mentoring and career development while preparing for employment or Level 6 study.
450 hours of work placement
Complete 225 placement hours at Level 4 and a further 225 hours at Level 5. The placement allows you to apply classroom learning in a real health or social care setting and develop professional experience.
Progression
The HND covers Levels 4 and 5 and can support entry into health and social care roles or progression to an eligible Level 6 programme, subject to the receiving provider’s requirements.
Curriculum
Two years of study with 450 placement hours.
01Year 1
Level 4
120 credits
Year 1
Level 4
- Changing Perspectives in Public Health15 credits
- Compassionate Care and Values-based Practice15 credits
- Developing Leadership Skills15 credits
- Developing Professional Practice30 credits
- Evidence Based Practice (Pearson-set)15 credits
- Planning Care in Practice15 credits
- Teamwork and Communication15 credits
02Year 2
Level 5
120 credits
Year 2
Level 5
- Establishing Professional Practice30 credits
- Facilitating Change for Quality Care15 credits
- Growing Careers in Health and Care15 credits
- Innovation and Improvement through Participatory Action Research (Pearson-set)30 credits
- Leadership, Mentoring and Coaching Others15 credits
- Leading Quality Care15 credits
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
There are no formal examinations on this course. Assessment is designed around the knowledge, skills and professional competences used in health and social care practice.
Methods can include presentations with observation records, project reports, time-controlled tasks, work-based projects, professional discussions, role-play recordings, logbooks, reflective journals, written assignments and case-study analysis.
Independent research, homework, group work and placement learning form an important part of the programme. Assessment methods are reviewed regularly with external academic oversight.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Applicants aged 18+
- A Level 3 qualification or an Access to Higher Education certificate.
- GCSE English grade 4/C or CEFR B2. An English test at a partner campus may be available if you do not hold this qualification.
- A successful academic interview.
Applicants aged 21+
Applicants without the standard qualifications may be considered if their commitment and related academic, professional or vocational experience demonstrate readiness for the programme. The same English requirement normally applies.
Placement requirements
- An Enhanced DBS check is normally required before starting the course and must be completed before work placement begins.
- A current CV must be submitted before starting the course.
- The programme includes 450 hours of work placement: 225 hours at Level 4 and 225 hours at Level 5.
Application process
- Complete the application form.
- Provide supporting documents when requested.
- Attend the academic panel interview.
- The course provider makes the final admissions decision.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Fees shown apply to new and continuing Home students from August 2026.
Tuition fees may increase in later years in line with government policy and inflation.
Funding your study
Eligible students may be able to apply for a UK Government Tuition Fee Loan to cover course fees.
A Maintenance Loan may also be available to help with living costs while studying. Eligibility depends on personal circumstances, the course and the provider.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Complete 450 hours of work placement while developing compassionate care, communication, evidence-based practice, leadership, quality improvement and professional decision-making skills.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Healthcare and clinic management
- Care home manager
- Practice or clinic administrator
- Patient services manager
- Patient services assistant
Public health and health promotion
- Health education coordinator
- Community health worker
- Public health officer
- Wellness project assistant
Care coordination and leadership
- Care coordinator
- Senior care worker
- Care team leader
- Residential care supervisor
Support and rehabilitation
- Support worker manager
- Rehabilitation assistant
- Community support officer
- Family support worker
Quality and care services
- Quality and compliance officer
- Social care auditor
- Care service facilitator
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
How much work placement is included?
The programme includes 450 hours of work placement across two years: 225 hours during Level 4 and 225 hours during Level 5.
Do I need a DBS check?
An Enhanced DBS check is normally required before starting the course and is essential before you begin the work placement. You must also submit a CV before the course starts.
Are there formal examinations?
No formal examinations are currently required. Assessment uses practical formats such as presentations, reports, work-based projects, professional discussions, reflective journals and case studies.
Can I progress to a degree?
The HND covers Levels 4 and 5 and may support progression to an eligible Level 6 programme. The receiving provider’s exact entry requirements should be confirmed before applying.