Adult Health and Social Care - Certificate of Higher Education
Develop the skills to support adults with complex care needs
The Certificate of Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care is designed for those working in - or aiming to work in - adult care and support services. The course supports learners across a wide range of settings, including health, social care, community and voluntary services.
You’ll develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become a compassionate, effective and reflective practitioner, with a strong focus on linking theory directly to real‑world practice.
Who this course is for
Designed for frontline and aspiring care professionals
This course is ideal if you work — or want to work — in settings such as:
- dementia care and residential care
- domiciliary and community care
- drug and alcohol services
- mental health and wellbeing support
- NHS and voluntary sector organisations
Typical roles include dementia care specialist, domiciliary care worker, substance misuse practitioner and mental health support practitioner.
What you’ll learn
Linking theory to professional practice
The programme helps you apply theory to practice, supporting your development as a safe, ethical and person‑centred practitioner.
You’ll explore:
- approaches to adult health and social care practice
- legal and ethical issues relevant to the sector
- reflective practice and continuous improvement
- resilience and professional wellbeing
- collaborative and integrated working across services
These themes reflect current priorities within adult health and social care and support long‑term career development.
Industry‑informed learning
Shaped by sector specialists
A key strength of this programme is its strong links with sector specialists, who help inform and contribute to course content.
This ensures learning remains:
- current and relevant
- aligned with workforce needs
- informed by real practice and lived experience
You’ll benefit from insight into the realities of working across complex health and social care environments.
Progress your career in health and social care
This Certificate of Higher Education supports:
- progression within adult health and social care roles
- increased confidence and professional capability
- further study at higher levels
- development of valued employability skills across the sector
Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.
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86,694 Annual job openings in the North West
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£25,650 Average annual salary
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Well-resourced onsite training equipment
Entry Requirements
What you’ll need to apply
To join the Certificate of Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care, you’ll need:
- a Level 3 qualification in a related health or social care subject
- GCSE English grade 4/C or above, or Level 2 Functional Skills in English
These requirements ensure you have the academic skills and sector knowledge needed to succeed at degree‑level study.
Accepted Level 3 qualifications include:
- Level 3 Health and Social Care (BTEC National Diploma)
- NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care
- Access to Higher Education Diploma (health‑related routes)
Equivalent or relevant qualifications may also be considered.
Work placement requirement
You must be completing at least 4 hours per week of paid or voluntary work in an adult health or social care setting.
- This placement must be in place before the course starts
- Proof of engagement will be required prior to enrolment
This ensures you can link learning directly to real‑world practice throughout the programme.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
You may also be able to progress to a wide range of careers including drug and alcohol worker. Pastoral team worker, dementia specialist roles, social care worker and a healthcare assistant within the NHS and allied services.
Next steps at B&FC
On completion of the Certificate in Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care you may wish to proceed to the Foundation Degree in Adult Health and Social Care.
On completion of the Certificate in Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care you may wish to proceed to the Foundation Degree in Adult Health and Social Care.
You may also be able to progress to a wide range of careers including drug and alcohol worker. Pastoral team worker, dementia specialist roles, social care worker and a healthcare assistant within the NHS and allied services.
Key information
Qualification obtained
CertHE Adult Health and Social CareFees and funding
Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.
Extra costs and equipment
Specialist equipment required to achieve the learning outcomes of this programme are provided by the College, but stationery and printing will be required at an additional cost.
A DBS is mandatory for the placement element of the programme; however the college is not compelled to pay for this so in some cases you may need to cover the cost of the DBS.
Use of a laptop would be beneficial throughout the course to enable you to research and submit your coursework electronically.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: Lancaster University
Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)
Terms and conditions
Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.
What will I learn?
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
This is covered in the mandatory voluntary or employed hours in the sector as specified in the Entry Requirements.
Learning Support - at a glance
- Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
- One-to-one and group learning support sessions
- Pre-degree preparation workshops
- IT Support
How will I learn?
Supportive, varied teaching methods
During the Certificate of Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care, you’ll learn through a mix of engaging and supportive teaching approaches, including:
- lectures and seminars
- tutorials and small‑scale research tasks
- collaborative classroom activities
There is a strong emphasis on peer learning and discussion, helping you develop confidence, professional insight and reflective skills.
Learning from sector specialists
Connecting theory to real practice
You’ll benefit from guest visits and sessions delivered by health and social care professionals, helping you:
- understand current practice across the sector
- explore different care settings and roles
- link academic learning directly to real‑world experience
Personal academic support
Guidance throughout your journey
You’ll have a named progress tutor who will support you throughout the programme, offering:
- regular progress tutorials
- personalised academic guidance
- support with planning, workload and progression
You’ll also have access to the Partners for Success team, who provide:
- additional academic study support
- careers advice and progression guidance
Time commitment and study expectations
What a typical week looks like
- Attendance: 1 day per week on campus
- Taught sessions: 3 sessions per day
- Tutorials: group and independent progress tutorials included
Alongside taught sessions, you should expect to complete independent study of around 10 hours per module per week, which may include:
- reading and research
- planning and writing assignments
- independent reflection and development
Expert tutors
You will be taught by a range of expert tutors who have a wealth of experience and a wide range of qualifications that relate to the Adult Health and Social Care Sector.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 344 | 0 | 0 |
| Independent | 856 | 0 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 0 | 0 |
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Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.
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How will I be assessed?
You will experience diverse forms of assessment during your Certificate of Higher Education including essay writing, report writing and case study work which will specifically link to the skills and attributes required within the vast area of Adult Health and Social Care.
Communication is seen as a significant focus on the programme with the opportunity to develop small scale presentation skills within a group situation. This is necessary to be an effective practitioner when working with health and allied services.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 80% | 0% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 20% | 0% | 0% |