FdSc Health and Social Care

Understand the key issues that affect health, social care, and wellbeing. Earn an academic qualification that also delivers practical skills. Boost your earning potential.

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Start date/study mode:

UCAS codeBL95

Duration2 years

Fee (UK)£7,777

LocationPartner centre

Course summary

The field of health and social care offers a wide range of career opportunities, allowing you to specialise in areas such as supporting young people, mental health, or drug and alcohol abuse. This highly practical two-year foundation degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for this career while also helping you gain a professional qualification as you work.

Delivered at East Durham College(opens in new tab), the FdSc Health and Social Care course provides a comprehensive understanding of health and social care policy and practice, enabling you to apply your learning directly in any workplace that involves caring for individuals and communities.

With a degree in health and social care, you’ll be qualified to work for:

The NHS
Charities
Social care organisations
Public, private, and voluntary sector health agencies.

Some careers, such as social work, nursing, or occupational therapy, may require additional academic and professional qualifications. After completing this foundation course, you’ll have the option to ‘top-up’ to our full BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree with just one additional year of study.

How you'll learn

This foundation course combines academic study with work-based learning. The elements of the foundation course which are taught at East Durham College(opens in new tab) include lectures, discussions, case studies, and workshops.

Your progress will be assessed with evaluations of work experience, reports, presentations, and time-constrained tests. Throughout the course, you'll have one-to-one support from academic staff.

Library support

You can access library support through both your college library and University Library Services.

You can:

Visit your college library buildings and borrow print books
Visit University library buildings and borrow print books
Use online library services and resources at both the University and your college
Find support from the University Partnership Liaison Team, University Library Services, and your college library

Read more about what you can access on the University Library Services website(opens in new tab).

Entry requirements

To apply for this course you need one of the following qualifications in a relevant subject area:

56 UCAS points from a minimum of two GCSEs/A Levels/T Levels/AVCE or equivalent. We'll also accept PPP at BTEC Extended Diploma level.
BTEC Level 3
NVQ Level 3
Modern Apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3 plus Key Skills).

In addition to these academic qualifications, you should have experience in health and social care. The experience can be from paid or voluntary work.

You may also be eligible to apply if you don’t have formal qualifications but have at least two years’ relevant work experience.

You'll need a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before you can start this course.

Please note, this course isn't available to international students.

You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include mathematics and English language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

Enrolment information

You'll enrol as a student at both your chosen college and the University. You'll apply for a campus card, which is your University ID, library, and Students' Union card. Remember to carry it with you when you visit the University campus as you'll need it to access some buildings and facilities.

As a University student, you'll automatically become a member of the Students' Union(opens in new tab). You'll be able to access benefits such as student discounts (you can apply for a TOTUM card via the TOTUM website(opens in new tab)).

For further information on enrolment and becoming a new student, see our welcome page. Here, you'll find details on applying for your campus card and how to update your personal details (as it's important you keep both the University and your college informed of any changes in your personal circumstances).

During your studying, there are processes in place that allow you to raise issues with both the college and the University.

Fees and finance support

UK£7,777

You'll pay your fees directly to the University. Learn how to apply for your student finance and find out more about financial support.

Check your fee status(opens in new tab).

See all course tuition fees.

Apply now

Start date/study mode:

UK students

Full-time September 2026
Apply now

Please note, part-time courses aren't available to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

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 been offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

View our programme specifications(opens in new tab) for further information about what the course covers, learning outcomes and the skills you'll gain when you graduate.