Peterlee Campus
Course overview
The Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) in Health & Social Care is a one-year Level 4 programme designed to support learners transitioning into higher education while developing the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours needed for careers within health and social care professions.
Students will explore contemporary issues in health and social care through a combination of theoretical learning and applied practice, preparing them for progression into employment or further study.
The programme offers two specialist pathways:
* Health Pathway
* Social Work Pathway
Both pathways share a common foundation before specialising in work-based learning aligned to your chosen career direction.
This qualification is worth 120 credits and is delivered over one academic year.
Topics
Core Modules
The Whole Person: Biopsychosocial Perspectives in Health and Social Care - 30 Credits
Safeguarding Vulnerability: Protecting Ourselves and Others – 30 Credits
Supporting Academic Transitions in Higher Education – 30 Credits
Pathway Modules
Social Work Pathway - Work Based Learning (Social Care) – 30 Credits
Health Pathway - Work Based Learning (Health) – 30 Credits
Job opportunities after this course
Health and social care is a diverse sector with opportunities to specialise in areas such as:
* Mental health support
* Young people’s services
* Drug and alcohol support
* Community health
* Adult social care
This qualification can support progression into careers within:
* The NHS
* Charities such as Age UK and MIND
* Social care organisations including Turning Point
* Public, private, and voluntary sector agencies
Some professions, such as nursing, occupational therapy, and social work, require additional professional qualifications.
Further study options after this course
* Progress to a BA (Hons) top-up degree
* Receive a guaranteed interview for Nursing at the University of Sunderland (subject to additional criteria)
Entry requirements
To apply for this course, you will need one of the following qualifications in a relevant subject area:
* 56 UCAS points from a minimum of two GCSEs/A Levels/AVCE or equivalent
* PPP at BTEC Extended Diploma level
* BTEC Level 3
* NVQ Level 3
* Modern Apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3 plus Key Skills)
Applicants must also have:
* GCSE Mathematics and English Language at Grade C/4 or above
OR
* Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number
How is this course assessed?
Assessment methods include:
* PowerPoint presentations
* Professional discussions
* Written assignments and essays
* Portfolios
* Formative mini assessments
* Controlled Timed Assessments (TCTs)
When does the course start?
September 2026
Length of course
1 year course
Face to face delivery
Fees & Funding
Please read our Course Fees & Funding page.
How to apply
To apply online for this course, please click on the 'Apply' button at the top/bottom of this page.
Alternatively, if you need assistance with your application or you would like to apply over the phone or using a paper-based application form, please call Student Services on 0191 518 8222.
If you're not quite ready to apply for this course and would like some more information or to speak to a member of staff then please click on the 'Enquire' button at the top/bottom of this page.
