Certificate of Higher Education in Health and Social Care

Kickstart your career in health and social care. This course will allow you to progress onto Level 5 of our full undergraduate degree. You'll learn through our partnership at East Durham College.

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Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1614

Duration1 year

Fee (UK)£7,777

LocationUK Educational Partner

Course summary

Are you passionate about caring for the community? Do you want to be at the forefront of policy change for the most vulnerable in society? The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Health and Social Care could be for you.

This one-year, Level 4 course provides a strong foundation in health and social care practice. You'll gain essential skills and explore some key topics including:

Social determinants of health, policy, and legislation
Safeguarding
Health and wellbeing
The development of the UK welfare system.

We deliver the CertHE at East Durham College. You'll learn in a supportive environment and have access to some excellent facilities.

When you complete the course, you can progress onto Level 5 of the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care. If you meet extra requirements, you may be able to join a nursing or social work course. In this case, you'd be guaranteed an interview.

Graduates can pursue a range of careers across the health and social care sector. Or, you can continue studying towards further qualifications like a master's degree or PGCE.

How you'll learn

You'll learn through a range of engaging teaching methods. This will help you develop both the academic knowledge and practical skills you need. These methods include:

Lectures
Seminars
Small group sessions
Interactive discussions.

We'll encourage you to take an active role in your own learning. This means you'll gain vital skills in critical thinking and communication.

You'll also have the chance to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios. This gives you an understanding of how theory links to practice within health and social care.

Assessment methods include:

Essays
Presentations
Exams
Blogs
Discussions.

These approaches allow you to show your understanding in different ways. You'll build confidence and transferable skills including research, analysis, and professional communication.

During the course, you'll also receive regular feedback and support from your lecturers.

Entry requirements

To apply for this course you need:

56 UCAS points from a recognised Level 3 qualification. These can include A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Level 3, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent. A relevant subject area (such as health and social care) is preferred. Please note, we don't accept General Studies A Level.
At least three GCSEs at grade C or above. This must include maths and English language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If GCSEs are graded numerically, a grade 4 or above is required.

We also prefer you to have relevant experience in health and social care. The experience can be from paid or voluntary work. You may be eligible to apply if you don’t have formal qualifications but have at least two years’ relevant work experience.

You'll need an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting the course.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance support

UK£7,777

Please note, fees may increase every year in line with Government guidance.

Learn how to apply for your student finance and find out more about financial support.

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See all course tuition fees.

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Start date/study mode:

Full-time September 2026
Apply now

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.