Course summary

This flexible course, validated by Sheffield Hallam University, is a work-based learning award that combines health and social care education with either existing employment or work placements to develop your skills and competencies for a wide range of roles across the health/social/community care sectors. The course offers two routes; entrants already employed in assistant or support worker roles in health, social or community care can complete both the Higher Apprenticeship in Health (Assistant Practitioner) and the Foundation Degree. The course provides you with your continuing personal and professional development and, depending on your employer, would allow you to undertake a Band 4 Associate/Assistant role.  Delivered over two years (full time) you will spend 2 days a week in college, as well as working at your placement. You will be expected to spend an equal amount of time split between college, placement and self-directed study. Feedback will account for approximately 5% of the course.  Students must attain a work placement in a health and social care setting prior to enrolment on the course. Guidance can be given to students about how to do so. Prospective students should be aware that 400 hours of work experience is a mandatory requirement of this course. Students must be able to demonstrate potential to be caring and compassionate, and the ability to develop meaningful relationships with service users and carers.  You will also need to obtain a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check prior to starting your placement. This course is a work based learning award which combines health and social care education with either existing employment or work placements to develop your skills and competencies for a variety of roles across the health/social/community care sectors. The course offers entrants already employed in assistant or support worker roles the opportunity to complete both the Higher Apprenticeship in Health and the Foundation Degree. On successful completion of the Foundation Degree you may be able to apply for a number of professional courses, providing you have appropriate work experience practice in a suitable setting relating to one of the following areas: BSc (Hons) Nursing [Adult] BA (Hons) Social Work BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography  BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy  Many of these degrees may allow entry with advanced standing, meaning that you would join the second year of the degree course. This would be decided by assessment on an individual basis. In addition to the above awards, a bespoke top-up degree is also being developed which will provide a route to achieving a full degree within one year after completion of the foundation degree.