Birmingham London Manchester

Health and Social Care with Foundation Year

This 4-year degree, including a Foundation Year, is designed for those who want to build a career in the health and social care sector but may not meet traditional entry requirements or need extra academic support before starting the full degree.

This route can be pursued with Student Finance when you meet the official criteria.

Review the funding guide, download the UniStart app to chat with real advisors, or return to all courses if you need a different campus or schedule.

Course Description

You’ll begin by developing key academic and personal skills, before moving on to explore topics such as health inequalities, safeguarding, mental health, diversity, and public health. The course combines theory with practice to prepare you for real-world care roles in both public and private settings.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to support individuals and communities — or to continue your studies in social work, public health, or related fields.

What You'll Learn

4-year degree with Foundation Year for academic preparation and sector insight

Explore key areas such as public health, social policy, safeguarding, and ethics

Blend of classroom learning, case studies, and real-world care scenarios

Designed for students aiming to work in health, social care, or community support

Develop transferable skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork

Ideal route to careers in care services or further training in social work or health management

Course Structure

Foundation Year
  • Empowerment in Social Care (20 credits)
  • Interprofessional Learning (20 credits)
  • Preparing for Undergraduate Study (40 credits)
  • Social Care Context and Delivery (20 credits)
  • Valuing the Self and Others (20 credits)
Year 1
  • Academic, Personal & Professional Development II - Skills for Practice (20 credits)
  • Health, Society & Culture (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Research Skills (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Social Care and the Mixed Economy of Welfare (20 credits)
  • Social Care Values, Equality and Diversity (20 credits)
Year 2
  • Developing Research Skills (20 credits)
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
  • Partnership and Collaborative Working in Health (20 credits)
  • Social Care Interventions: Working with Adults (20 credits)
  • Sustainable Healthy Communities (20 credits)
  • Working with Children and Families (Part 1) (20 credits)
Year 3
  • Appraising Health Policy and Practice (20 credits)
  • Independent Research and Practice (20 credits)
  • Law and Ethics in Health (20 credits)
  • Leadership and Management in Health (20 credits)
  • Technology and Innovation in Social Care Practice (20 credits)
  • Working with Youth and Families (Part 2) (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

Applicants aged 18+

  • Level 3 qualification (60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points)
  • Five GCSEs at grade 4/C including English
  • Interview (listening, speaking) + personal reflection statement (writing)

Applicants aged 21+

  • Relevant life or work experience considered
  • May apply without standard qualifications
  • Same interview assessment applies

Don't have A-levels? No problem.

We accept equivalent European qualifications: Diploma de Bacalaureat (Romania), Matura (Poland), Abitur (Germany), Baccalaureat (France), and more. Career changers and mature students with relevant UK work experience are also welcome.

Job Prospects

Career Opportunities

This degree prepares you for a wide range of roles in the health and social care sector. You'll graduate with practical experience, theoretical knowledge, and transferable skills needed to support individuals, families, and communities in various care environments.

Possible career paths include:

  • Health Care Support Worker – Assist individuals in clinical or community care settings
  • Social Care Practitioner – Deliver person-centred support to people with complex needs
  • Community Outreach Officer – Promote health awareness and connect people to services
  • Mental Health Support Worker – Provide care in therapeutic or residential environments
  • Housing and Welfare Officer – Help people access secure housing and support
  • Family Support Worker – Work with vulnerable families to ensure wellbeing and stability
  • Support Worker (Learning Disabilities or Elderly Care) – Offer daily care and emotional support

Graduates can also progress to postgraduate studies in areas such as public health, social work, or care management.

Tuition Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

£9,250 per annum (24/25) £9,535 per annum (25/26)

Total available per year

up to £23,297

Tuition £9,535 + Maintenance up to £13,762. You pay nothing upfront.

Don't worry about fees. Your advisor will check your eligibility and help you apply for full funding, including any additional grants you may qualify for.

Estimate your funding →

Career Prospects

Graduates go on to work in high-demand roles across the UK:

NHS Healthcare Manager £30-50k
Social Care Coordinator £26-40k
Community Health Worker £24-35k
Charity/NGO Manager £28-45k
Public Health Officer £30-45k
Mental Health Practitioner £28-42k
Early Years Manager £26-38k
Local Authority Case Worker £26-38k

Salary ranges are indicative based on UK market data. Actual salaries depend on location, experience, and employer.

How You'll Learn

Four-year programme beginning with foundational academic writing and healthcare sector introduction, progressively advancing toward behavioural influences in healthcare and sector management. The curriculum emphasises practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge, with real-life simulations and evidence-based research.

Assessment Methods

Essays, reports, presentations, debates, and small group projects. Real-life simulations where you develop arguments through reflection and evaluation. Research with evidence-based conclusions, peer review, and group debates.

Schedule

Flexible: weekdays and/or evenings. Intakes in October, January, and June.

Admissions Interview

Most courses include a short, friendly admissions interview. Before your interview, your UniStart advisor will send you a personalised preparation pack - including a written guide and a video walkthrough - created by our admissions experts specifically for your course.

Students who use our preparation pack have up to a 94% success rate.

Frequently Asked

Is funding really 100% covered?
Yes, eligible students can receive full funding covering tuition fees and living costs through Student Finance England.
How long does the application take?
Most applications can be completed in 15-30 minutes using our streamlined process and expert guidance.
Can I study part-time?
Many courses offer flexible study options including part-time, evening, and weekend classes to fit your schedule.

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