Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care Practice

Intakes

January, June, October

Duration

2 years

Location

Manchester, London, Birmingham, Leeds

Awarded Degree

(Diploma)

The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Health and Social Care Practice is a two-year program designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to excel in the health and social care sector. Offered by universities and colleges in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, and online, this program is ideal for individuals seeking to build a career in care settings such as hospitals, care homes, and community support services.
This diploma focuses on developing core competencies in areas such as safeguarding, health promotion, care planning, and leadership. With a strong emphasis on real-world applications, students will engage in work placements, case studies, and projects that prepare them for the challenges of the health and social care profession.

The HND in Health and Social Care Practice program is structured to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Year 1: Principles of Health and Social Care, Safeguarding in Health and Social Care, Communication in Care Settings, and Health Promotion.
Year 2: Care Planning and Delivery, Leadership in Health and Social Care, Public Health and Wellbeing, and Research Methods in Health and Social Care.
Work Placement: A mandatory placement in a health or social care setting to gain practical experience and apply learning in real-world scenarios.

Careers and Opportunities:

Graduates of the HND in Health and Social Care Practice program can pursue roles such as:

Care Coordinator
Support Worker
Health Promotion Specialist
Community Care Worker
Social Care Assistant

This qualification also provides a pathway for students to progress to a full degree program in Health and Social Care or a related field, further enhancing their career opportunities.

You may be eligible for financial assistance from the UK Government to help with your tuition fees and living expenses while you study.

Tuition Fee Support– Covers the full cost of your tuition fees, paid directly to your university.
Maintenance Support – Helps with living expenses such as rent, food, and travel while you study.
Non-Repayable Grants – Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for additional financial support.

This funding can make higher education more accessible and affordable, allowing you to focus on your studies without financial stress.

Your Pathway to Education:

We offer flexible entry routes to help you achieve your academic and career goals. Whether you have formal qualifications or relevant work experience, there’s a place for you!

Education Route:

You can qualify if you have:

✅ A Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points) OR

✅ Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) OR

✅ No formal education? No problem! We offer opportunities for you to start your learning journey.

Experience Route:

If you don’t meet the academic criteria, you may still qualify with:

✅ 6 months to 1 year of work experience within the last 12 months.