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Adult Health and Social Care - Certificate of Higher Education

Summary

This programme is designed for those working or wishing to work within the adult health and social care sector. This may include those working in a variety of settings such as dementia care, domiciliary care, drug and alcohol services and support services for those with mental health concerns. Roles would include dementia care specialist, domiciliary, drug and alcohol practitioners and mental health support practitioners. In line with the need for more integrated and collaborative working this will also include those working in NHS and the voluntary sector.

The Certificate of Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care allows you to formulate robust links from theory to practice supporting you to become a compassionate and effective practitioner.

The unique features of this programme will be developing a range of employability skills sought by the Adult and Social Care Sector, including developing resilience, reflective practice and reviewing legal and ethical issues that are pertinent to the sector.

The unique features of this programme is that it works in conjunction with a range of sector specialist that inform and contribute to the Certificate of Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care.

  • Course code SM1HE127
  • UCAS code L518
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Tuesday
  • Time 09:15 - 16:45

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
University Centre
1 Year

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.

  • 86,694 Annual job openings in the North West
  • £25,650 Average annual salary
  • Well-resourced onsite training equipment

What Uni Reviews

Really enjoyed my time at uni, the tutors have unconditional support for all students. *****
- Jessica Halliwell
Amazing course. Learnt so much, tutors are fantastic. *****
- Kelly Broadbent
Tutors and HELMs are fantastic! *****
- Bethany Daniels

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.

What our students say

I was working part-time in a care home for adults with mental illnesses and I wanted to better myself with qualifications. I chose to come here because I knew I would be getting a Lancaster University degree but, with having children, I wouldn’t have been able to travel all the way to Lancaster. It was perfect really, and so accessible because when I first started I couldn’t drive and it was close to my home.
- Jennifer Marsh, BA (Hons) Adult Health and Social Care

Key information

Entry Requirements

For admission onto the Certificate in Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care, you are required to hold a level 3 qualification in a related health and social care discipline.

You will also need English GCSE grade 4/C or above or functional skills at level 2 to secure a place on this programme. This will ensure you have the academic skills and knowledge of the health and social care sector to aid your progression onto degree level study.

Relevant qualifications may include:

  • Level 3 Health and Social Care (BTEC National Diploma)
  • NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health-related diplomas)

There is a mandatory requirement of a minimum of 4 hours a week of paid or voluntary work in an adult health care setting and social care setting, proof of this place will be required before commencing the programme.

Qualification obtained

CertHE Adult Health and Social Care

Fees 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
Discover available Learning Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

Student case study - Heidi

Why did you decide to study this qualification?
I chose this course because I want to work in substance abuse, supporting adults with addiction. I already work in the sector and this will enable me to progress my career and make the difference I really want to see in people's lives.

Why did you choose B&FC?
I chose B&FC as I had heard lots of good things about studying here and positive feedback.

What have been the benefits of studying here?
Socialising and meeting new people, having some much-needed time to myself and achieving my goals.

How will I learn?

During the Certificate in Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care, you will experience many forms of teaching which may include lectures, seminars, tutorials and small scale research tasks. External visits from sector specialists will forge strong links between theory and practice and further provide the opportunity to explore the sector. There is strong emphasis on peer collaboration within classroom work.

Progress tutorials will provide support and guidance as you go through your academic journey with us and a named progress tutor will provide personalised support.

Our partners for success team can offer academic support and careers guidance.

A typical workload for this programme will require attendance at University for 1 day per week where you will participate in 3 taught sessions a day and both group and independent progress tutorials.

Further independent study of approximately 10 hours per module a week is advisable; this includes further reading, planning and writing time.

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.

Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

  • Adult Health and Social Care - Foundation Degree

    View course

  • Children, Young People & Families - Certificate of Higher Education

    View course

  • Teaching and Learning Support - Foundation Degree

    View course

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
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