Two nurses diligently attending to patients in a hospital room, showcasing teamwork and professionalism in healthcare.

Adult Health and Social Care - Foundation Degree

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 supervisory/team leader posts in dementia care specialist, domiciliary, drug and alcohol practitioners and mental health support. In line with the need for more integrated and collaborative working this will also include those working in NHS and the voluntary sector.

The Foundation Degree 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 within the sector.

You will learn knowledge and expertise sought by sector employers, such as employability skills, research skills, problem solving skills and critical thinking. There will be opportunity to explore the key contemporary topics within the sector such as health inequalities, analysing how they are being addressed. Through the links forged with sector employers you will broaden your knowledge of pertinent topics within the field required of a resilient, effective and compassionate practitioner.

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

  • Course code SM1HE128
  • UCAS code L519
  • Duration 2 Years
  • Day/s of week Tuesday
  • Time 09:15 - 16:45

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
University Centre
2 Years
  • 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
Logo of Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), denoting high standards in technical training and professional development.

Higher Technical Qualification

This is an approved Higher Technical Qualification and is aligned with the occupation Leader in Adult Care.
More on HTQ

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

You may also be able to progress to a wide range of careers at supervisory/team leader or managerial roles including drug and alcohol services, pastoral, dementia specialist roles, social care and NHS and allied services.

Next steps at B&FC

The Foundation Degree in Adult Health and Social Care may support progression the BA (Hons) in Adult Health and Social Care.

Key information

Entry Requirements

For admission onto the Foundation Degree 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 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 programmes may include:

  • Level 3 Health and Social Care (BTEC National Diploma)
  • Level 3 Health and Social Care NVQ equivalent
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma in health related subjects
  • Certificate of Higher Education in Adult Health and Social Care.

You will also require a minimum of 4 hours a week of paid or voluntary work in a adult health and social care setting, proof of this place will be required before commencing the programme.

Qualification obtained

FdA 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

There are no additional costs associated with the programme although a laptop is recommended to support your studies.  You may be required to pay for a DBS where you secure a voluntary or paid employment.

All core texts are available in the LRC along with IT support.

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?

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Reflective Practice and Professional Development SM4MD174 20 No
    Legal and Ethical Practice SM4MD175 20 No
    Quality Improvement SM4MD176 20 No
    Policy and Legislation in Health and Social Care SM4MD177 20 No
    Safeguarding SM4MD178 20 No
    Academic Skills Health and Education SM4MD202 20 No

Study Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group study support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Study 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 Foundation Degree, 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 Centre 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.

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
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 - Certificate of Higher Education

    View course

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

    View course

  • Leader in Adult Care - Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

    View course

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

You will experience diverse forms of assessment during your Foundation Degree in Adult Health and Social Care including essay writing, report writing, analysis of case studies, seminars and work based research projects which will specifically link to the skills and attributes required within the vast area of Adult Health and Social Care.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 80% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 20% 17% 0%