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Health and Social Care in two practical years with 450 hours of work placement built in

A 2-year HND for healthcare support workers, care home managers and career changers entering health and social care. Includes 450 hours of work placement, modules in compassionate care, leadership and quality improvement, with a top-up route to a full BSc.

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HND (Higher National Diploma)

HND in Healthcare

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

In England, the healthcare industry provides jobs for about 1.3 million individuals in a variety of settings and professional pathways. Depending on your preferred professional path, this course might lead to additional specialised study and open the door to a job in healthcare.  Through a combination of work-based experience and practical study, our HND in Healthcare Practice for England (Healthcare Management) gives you a thorough grasp of the English healthcare system. You will gain the information and practical skills necessary to pursue a career in this fulfilling field after completing work experience in a health and social care setting. Gaining knowledge and skills from our HND in Healthcare Practice for England (Healthcare Management) will enable you to work in a variety of healthcare-related fields. Additionally, it will get you ready for undergraduate work in specialised fields like public health or health and social care.  For individuals who are already employed in the healthcare industry, this offers the chance to advance your career by improving your abilities, expertise, and comprehension of your position. You can use it to map out a clear route to future positions in healthcare. Do you intend to start working in a healthcare position?  Do you wish to focus on a certain area of healthcare?  Do you intend to pursue CPD, or continuing professional development?  You will have all the fundamental tools necessary for a rewarding and prosperous career in the healthcare industry with this qualification.

What You'll Learn

2-year vocational qualification focused on practical skills in health and social care

Designed for students aiming to work in healthcare, community care, or social services

Covers safeguarding, health promotion, communication, and person-centred care

Combines theory with workplace-focused projects and real-world case studies

Ideal for roles such as care coordinator, support worker, or healthcare assistant

Offers progression routes to a full BSc degree or career advancement in the care sector

Course Structure

Year 1
  • Changing Perspectives in Public Health (15 credits)
  • Compassionate Care and Values-based Practice (15 credits)
  • Developing Leadership Skills (15 credits)
  • Developing Professional Practice (30 credits)
  • Evidence Based Practice (Pearson-set) (15 credits)
  • Planning Care in Practice (15 credits)
  • Teamwork and Communication (15 credits)
Year 2
  • Establishing Professional Practice (30 credits)
  • Facilitating Change for Quality Care (15 credits)
  • Growing Careers in Health and Care (15 credits)
  • Innovation and Improvement through Participatory Action Research (Pearson-set) (30 credits)
  • Leadership, Mentoring and Coaching Others (15 credits)
  • Leading Quality Care (15 credits)

Entry Requirements

Applicants aged 18+ Level 3 qualification or Access to Higher Education Certificate English: GCSE 4/C or CEFR B2 Successful Academic Interview Enhanced DBS check required before course start CV submission required Applicants aged 21+ No standard qualifications required Relevant work or vocational experience considered Enhanced DBS check + CV required

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 HND equips you with the skills and experience needed to enter or advance in the health and social care sector. With a focus on real-world practice, person-centred care, and leadership development, you’ll be prepared to work in both public and private care settings. Possible career paths include: Healthcare Support Worker – Assist with personal care and health monitoring Care Coordinator – Oversee individual care plans and coordinate services Social Care Practitioner – Provide emotional and practical support to vulnerable individuals Community Support Worker – Work with families, youth, or elderly in community-based settings Team Leader in Residential Care – Supervise staff and ensure quality of care in care homes Mental Health Support Assistant – Support individuals with mental health needs Progression to a BSc (Hons) Degree – Option to top up to a full bachelor’s degree in Health and Social Care or related fields

Tuition Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

£6,355 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 →

Career Prospects

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

Healthcare Manager £30-50k
Care Home Manager £28-45k
Practice/Clinic Administrator £24-35k
Patient Services Manager £26-40k
Community Care Coordinator £25-38k
NHS Ward Manager £30-48k
Social Care Team Leader £26-40k
Health Support Worker £22-30k

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

How You'll Learn

450 hours of work placement over two years. Practical, work-based learning combined with classroom study, giving you a solid understanding of the healthcare environment in England through integrated experience.

Assessment Methods

No formal examinations. Assessments include individual presentations, written assignments, case study analysis, portfolio of evidence, written reports, role plays, and professional discussions.

Schedule

Weekdays (9:45am-3:15pm). Intakes in October, January, and June. Duration: 2 years.

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.

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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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