Derby Manchester Newcastle Sunderland

Health & Social Care with Foundation Year

This four-year programme, which begins with a Foundation Year, is ideal for students aiming to build a career in health and social care but who may need additional academic preparation or do not yet meet standard entry requirements.

Apply Now - Free Contact

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 start by strengthening essential academic and personal skills, then move on to modules such as Mental Health and Wellbeing, Partnership and Collaborative Working in Health, and Social Care Interventions: Working with Adults. As you progress, you'll also study areas like Sustainable Healthy Communities, Working with Children and Families, and advanced topics including Law and Ethics in Health and Leadership and Management in Health. Blending theory with hands-on practice, the course equips you for real-world care roles across both public and private sectors. By graduation, you'll be ready to support individuals and communities — or to advance your studies in fields such as social work, public health, or related disciplines.

What You'll Learn

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

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

Entry Criteria To apply for this course, you'll need to meet the following requirements: Applicants aged 18 and above: * Hold a Level 3 qualification such as A Levels (grades EE or higher), BTEC Level 3 Diploma (PP or higher), or an Access to Higher Education Diploma. * A combination of qualifications totaling at least 32 UCAS points may also be accepted. * Have a GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics, or demonstrate equivalent proficiency (for example, CEFR B1 level). * Applicants without formal qualifications may complete an internal English and/or Maths test if required. * Take part in an interview to assess listening, speaking, and writing skills. Applicants aged 21 and over (Mature Students): * We welcome applications from mature students who may not meet the standard academic entry criteria. * Relevant academic, vocational, or professional experience will be taken into account. * You'll attend an interview that evaluates listening, speaking, numeracy, and writing skills. Next Steps 1. Click Apply Now to start your application. 2. Attend a panel interview and complete a short personal reflection writing task. 3. Provide any supporting documents requested by the admissions team. 4. Your application will be reviewed, and you'll be notified of the final decision. UniStart helps you understand and prepare for every step of the admission process — from entry requirements to interview and funding.

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

This degree opens doors to a wide variety of roles across healthcare, social services, community development, and public health. You will develop skills in care management, policy, safeguarding, and person-centred practice.

Possible Career Paths

  • Healthcare Manager - Lead teams and manage healthcare services
  • Social Worker - Support vulnerable individuals and families
  • Care Home Manager - Oversee residential care facilities
  • Mental Health Support Worker - Provide support for mental health service users
  • Community Development Officer - Design programmes to improve community wellbeing
  • NHS Administrator - Manage healthcare operations and systems
  • Public Health Officer - Promote public health initiatives

Graduates can also pursue postgraduate study in social work, nursing, public health, or healthcare leadership.

Tuition Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

£9,535 per year

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 →

Similar Courses in Derby

(Hons) Fashion Management and Strategy with Foundation Year

This degree combines business education with fashion industry knowledge, designed for ethical, innovative and industry-ready leaders for the global fashion and lifestyle sectors.

Full-time
💰 Funded 📍 Manchester

(Hons) Global Business (Business Management) with Foundation Year

To thrive in today's dynamic and interconnected global economy, businesses and managers must adopt a global perspective. BA in Global Business (Business Management) with Foundation Year is tailored for aspiring managers and future business owners. This degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to gain a competitive edge.

Full time - On Campus - 2 Days a week
💰 Funded 📍 Birmingham

Business and Tourism Management with Foundation year

Combine business knowledge with the fast-growing world of travel and tourism. This course is designed to give you the tools to succeed in one of the most dynamic global industries — whether you’re aiming for a leadership role, managing destinations, or launching your own business. You’ll explore key topics like marketing, sustainability, hospitality, and digital innovation — while developing hands-on skills that employers in tourism and business sectors value. The course also covers real-world challenges, preparing you to adapt and thrive in changing global environments.

Full-time – On Campus – 2 Days a week
💰 Funded 📍 London
Browse all courses in Derby →

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.
Partner

Astrolink — Link-in-bio for students

Get 20% off →

Start Your Application

Complete your application in 3 simple steps. Takes less than 60 seconds.

1
Personal
2
Background
3
Academic
Start Your Journey

Let's get you started

Want to get involved, ask a question, or just say hey? Drop your details and we'll be in touch soon.

Quick & easy application support

  • Quick & easy
  • Friendly support
  • Built for students

Start Your Journey

Fill out the form below to get started

We’ll never share your info. Promise.