Course summary

Shaping tomorrow's social care innovators. The FdA Social Care programme is designed for individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children, families and adults. It is suitable for those already working in the sector who wish to gain a formal qualification, as well as those seeking to begin a rewarding and impactful career. As society continues to evolve and the needs of communities become more complex, the demand for skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate social care practitioners has never been greater. The programme provides a strong foundation in the legislation, theory and policy that shape contemporary social care practice. Students explore key subjects including Sociology, Psychology, Social Policy, person-centred practice, safeguarding, equality and diversity, and the wider social issues that influence people’s lives. All learning is applied to real-world contexts, ensuring students understand how theory informs effective, ethical and high-quality care. A central aim of the programme is to develop reflective, confident practitioners who can promote the rights, strengths and well-being of individuals and communities. Graduates will be able to build trust with those they support, act safely and professionally within legal and policy frameworks, uphold anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice, and work within ethical standards and codes of conduct. Students are encouraged to recognise the importance of ongoing professional development and to take accountability for the quality of their practice. A distinctive feature of the programme is its 200 hours of work-based practice placement in an appropriate social care setting, including opportunities within the private and voluntary sectors. This hands-on experience enables students to apply academic learning directly to practice, develop critical reflective skills and gain valuable insight into the realities of working in the sector. It also strengthens employability and supports progression into a wide range of roles. Teaching is delivered by specialist staff with extensive professional experience across social care settings, ensuring students benefit from current sector knowledge, real-world insight and high-quality academic support. Guest speakers from relevant services further enrich the learning experience, offering diverse perspectives and strengthening links with practice. Small cohort sizes create a supportive and encouraging environment where students can build confidence, develop their professional identity and receive personalised guidance. Strong relationships with employers help ensure the programme remains relevant and responsive to workforce needs, while providing valuable opportunities for students to develop and showcase their skills. Graduates of the FdA Social Care programme are well prepared for diverse career pathways, including family support, youth and community work, residential care, supported living, schools, family centres, youth justice and wider social care roles. Students may also progress to further study, including Top Up degrees in Health & Social Care or Childhood and Youth Studies, or apply to other higher education providers to pursue postgraduate qualifications in Social Work or related social science disciplines. This programme offers a powerful combination of academic knowledge, practical experience and professional development. It equips students with the confidence, competence and values needed to make a genuine difference in people’s lives and to thrive within the evolving landscape of social care.