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Community Care SFE Funded Flexible Pathway

Certificate in Higher Education
Health & Social Care

Start your rewarding career in the healthcare sector. The CertHE in Health and Social Care with Foundation is an accessible 2-year programme designed to give you essential care skills with the option to top-up to a full degree later.

2 Years Full-time Jan / Jun / Sep intakes Level 4 Qualification
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CompassionateCare
SafeguardingBasics
EffectiveCommunication
Top-upOptions
Why this course?

An Accessible Route into Care

The Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) in Health and Social Care with Foundation is designed for individuals who want to make a difference in their communities but may not have standard academic qualifications. It provides a recognized Level 4 university qualification in just two years.

You will explore the core principles of care, including safeguarding, social policy, and compassionate communication. This programme equips you with the necessary knowledge to start working in healthcare environments immediately or to progress into the second year of a full Bachelor's degree (Top-up).

The integrated Foundation Year provides a supportive environment to build your academic writing and research skills. It ensures you are fully prepared for the demands of higher education, regardless of how long you have been out of school.

"The health and social care sector is always looking for dedicated professionals. This CertHE gives you the academic foundation to start a fulfilling career."
Curriculum

Your Learning Journey

Year 1: Foundation Year (Year 0)

Develop the academic confidence and fundamental concepts of care.

  • Introduction to Health and Social Care
  • Academic Study Skills
  • Compassionate Care in Practice
  • Effective Communication
  • Personal and Professional Development

Year 2: CertHE Level (Level 4)

Explore the policies, biology, and ethics that underpin modern care work.

  • Anatomy and Physiology Basics
  • Introduction to Social Policy
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children
  • Health Promotion and Wellbeing
  • Equality, Diversity, and Rights in Care
After completing this 2-year programme, you can choose to graduate with your CertHE or top-up by completing two more years to earn a full BSc/BA Honours degree.
Entry Requirements

Accessible Higher Education

We value life experience and empathy over past exam results.

Standard Entry

  • Minimum 32-48 UCAS points from A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
  • GCSE English at Grade 4/C or equivalent.

Mature Students (21+) & Non-Standard Entry

If you have no formal qualifications but possess work or volunteering experience in care, you are highly encouraged to apply. You will be evaluated through:

  • Personal Interview: To assess your empathy, motivation, and care experience.
  • Basic Literacy Test: To ensure you are ready for the Foundation Year writing tasks.
AEC Consultant provides free internal English tests and will help you build a strong application based on your work experience.
Fees & Funding

Fully Funded Studies

The CertHE with Foundation is fully recognized for Student Finance England funding.

Tuition Fee Loan

Covers 100% of your course fees for both years. Paid directly to the university.

Maintenance Loan

Up to £13,762 per year (London, living away from home), £10,544 (outside London), or £7,110 (living at home), depending on household income and where you study.

Our dedicated finance team will guide you through the SFE application to ensure you get the maximum support available.
Career Outcomes

Enter the Care Sector

A CertHE demonstrates to employers that you have a solid academic grounding in safe and effective care practices.

  • Care Assistant / Support Worker: Provide direct support to individuals in residential or community settings.
  • Healthcare Assistant (HCA): Support nursing staff in hospitals and clinics.
  • Community Outreach Worker: Help vulnerable populations access necessary services.
  • Care Coordinator: Assist in managing schedules and care plans for clients.
  • Degree Progression: Use your CertHE credits to transfer directly into the second year of a full Bachelor's degree in Health and Social Care.
Next Steps

Start Your Application

1. Quick Enquire: Fill out our online form or send us a WhatsApp message.

2. Free Assessment: An advisor will review your background and confirm your eligibility within 24 hours.

3. University Placement: We will handle the entire university application process for you.

4. Funding Guidance: We guide you step-by-step through your Student Finance application.

Award

CertHEHealth & Social Care

Duration

2 YearsIncl. Foundation

Study Mode

FlexibleDay / Evening / Weekend

SFE

EligibleTuition & Living
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Certificate in Higher Education Health and Social Care with Foundation at AEC.

The CertHE in Health and Social Care with Foundation is a two-year programme that provides accessible entry into higher education for students from care backgrounds. The Foundation Year builds academic and professional skills, and the CertHE year covers health promotion, safeguarding, person-centred practice, equality and diversity, and mental health awareness at Level 4. It is equivalent to the first year of a full health and social care honours degree.

Yes. This programme is specifically designed for students already working in care. If you are employed as a care worker, healthcare assistant, or support worker and want to develop your academic qualifications without leaving work, the flexible two-days-per-week delivery makes this programme highly practical. Your care experience also strengthens your application and enriches your academic study.

Yes. After completing the CertHE, you can progress through further top-up study to achieve a full BSc (Hons) in Health, Wellbeing and Social Care. AEC Consultant will guide you through the complete progression pathway and support your application at every stage, completely free of charge.

The HND in Health and Social Care Practice is a two-year Level 5 qualification that builds directly on your professional care experience with a more intensive academic programme. The CertHE with Foundation begins at a gentler pace with a preparatory Foundation Year first, making it the better starting point if you have been out of formal education for a while or have no previous higher education experience.

Yes. Both the Foundation Year and the CertHE year are eligible for Student Finance England. AEC Consultant processes your tuition fee loan and maintenance loan application with you at no cost.

The Foundation Year covers academic study skills, professional development, and an introduction to health and social care principles. The CertHE year covers safeguarding and protection, equality, diversity and rights in care, communication in health and social care, anatomy and physiology, and mental health and wellbeing at Level 4. The content is directly applicable to your care practice and builds a strong academic base for further study.

Take the First Step

A Flexible Route to Higher Education

You don't need to commit to a 4-year degree right away. Start with our 2-year CertHE and keep your options open. Apply today.

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