HND in Health and Social Care Practice

This HND in Health and Social Care Practice helps you build the knowledge and practical experience needed for a career in healthcare. You’ll learn how care services work and gain hands-on experience through work placements, developing communication, teamwork, and care skills for employment or further study.

This HND in Health and Social Care Practice is designed for students who want to start or progress a career in the healthcare sector. The course provides a strong understanding of how health and social care services operate in England, combining academic learning with practical workplace experience.

Throughout the programme, you will develop essential skills in areas such as communication, teamwork, care planning, problem-solving, and professional practice. A key feature of the course is the opportunity to complete 450 hours of work placement in a health and social care setting, allowing you to apply your learning and gain confidence in a real working environment.

The qualification is suitable for new learners, those looking to specialise, or professionals wanting to develop their skills further. By the time you graduate, you will be prepared for a range of healthcare roles or further study in health, social care, or public health.
Applicants Must be Aged 18+ and:

Have a Level 3 qualification or an Access to Higher Education certificate.

Demonstrate English proficiency: GCSE 4/C or CEFR B2. If you do not have this qualification, you can carry out an English test provided at a GBS campus.

Pass an Academic interview.

Applicants Aged 21+:

We welcome applications from students 21+ who do not match the standard entry requirements but who can demonstrate willingness and commitment to studying this subject, and who can evidence academic, professional or vocational experience in a related field.

Demonstrate English proficiency: GCSE 4/C or CEFR B2. If you do not have this qualification, you can carry out an English test.

Important Information:

Please note an Enhanced DBS check is normally required prior to starting your course. This is essential as you will need it before commencing your work placement as the Enhanced DBS check helps employers make informed decisions about hiring individuals who will work closely with children, adults in need of care and support, or other vulnerable groups.

You are required to submit their CV prior to starting your course.
Health and Social Care Worker

Care Coordinator

Support Worker

Community Support Officer

Healthcare Assistant

Residential Care Worker

Senior Care Assistant

Mental Health Support Worker

Social Care Practitioner

Family Support Worker

Community Development Worker

Healthcare Administrator

Patient Support Worker

Care Home Supervisor (with experience)

Health and Wellbeing Officer

Modules

Year 1

Changing Perspectives in Public Health

Compassionate Care and Values-based Practice

Developing Leadership Skills

Developing Professional Practice

Evidence Based Practice

Planning Care in Practice

Teamwork and Communication

Year 2

Establishing Professional Practice

Facilitating Change for Quality Care

Growing Careers in Health and Care

Innovation and Improvement through Participatory Action Research

Leadership, Mentoring and Coaching Others

Leading Quality Care

*Please note you’ll conduct 225 hours of work placement on this module.

Please note: The modules listed are those currently offered and may change through our ongoing review processes. However, the core learning outcomes and themes will remain similar.

Location

London (Greenford UB6 0HE, Stratford E15 2JA, Stratford E15 2SN, East India E14 2BE, Olympic Park E3 2SE)

Leeds (LS1 3DL, LS1 5RD, LS1 4AP)

Birmingham (B5 4EG, B5 5SE)

Manchester (M12 6JH)

Please note that the campuses and locations listed are subject to availability and may change at any time. For the latest information, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to assist.

FAQs

No. All of our services are completely free. From your initial consultatioin through to application support and admission, we’ll guide you every step of the way at no cost.
Yes. We work with a range of recognised and respected higher education institutions, and the qualifications they offer are widely recognised both in the UK and internationally.
Our consultations are free and designed to help you find the right course for your goals. We'll discuss your interests, career ambitions, previous qualifications, and any relevant experience to recommend the most suitable study options for you.
Not necessarily. Many of our partner institutions offer flexible study options to suit different lifestyles. Depending on the course, you may be able to study during weekdays, evenings, weekends, online, or through a blend of in-person and independent learning. If you're working or have other commitments, our team can help you find a course that fits your schedule.

What our Students Say

Resources

Exploring Course Options

For prospective students deciding which university course to enrol in, we recommend starting by evaluating your interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Consider the subjects you're passionate about and where your skills lie—choosing a course aligned with these factors can lead to a more rewarding academic and professional journey.

We can help you review course descriptions and explore unique opportunities such as internships, industry connections, and special projects. Understanding what each program offers will support you in identifying the course that best fits your career goals.

Finally, we encourage you to reflect on personal preferences such as the university’s location, campus facilities, and overall environment, as these can greatly influence your university experience.

Student Stories

Valerian discovered us through personal connections and his own independent research. He appreciated the ease of dropping in for a conversation with one of our student advisors, which helped him clarify his goals.

Valerian was seeking a program that offered a strong balance between practical and theoretical training in drama. Equally important to him were the campus environment, student life, and location. He wanted a university that provided valuable networking opportunities.

With our guidance, Valerian was able to carefully weigh these factors and ultimately choose a course and university that aligned with all of his priorities.

What should I expect during the initial consultation & FAQs

The initial consultation begins with a discussion about your academic background, career goals, and personal interests. This allows the advisor to understand what you're looking for. They’ll then provide information on suitable universities and courses, share insights into campus life and career opportunities, and guide you through the application process—including key deadlines and entry requirements. They also offer tips for writing a strong personal statement. Students should be ready to provide personal details, academic records, an up-to-date CV, and a personal statement explaining their reasons for applying. Our students say we were fully transparent about potential challenges, offered various campus options and teaching styles, and made them feel like a priority. They appreciated having enough time to choose their course and university without pressure.

Student Stories

Our students consistently say they would recommend our services to future applicants. They felt supported and at ease throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final stages of choosing a course and submitting their application. Many appreciated the friendly, approachable nature of our team and the clear, honest advice they received at every step. We ensure each student feels listened to, valued, and never rushed into making a decision. Our support is tailored to individual needs, providing guidance, reassurance, and encouragement along the way—helping students move forward with clarity and confidence.