Undergraduate Course

Certificate of HE Health and Social Care

How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Health and Social Care

UCAS code: L518

Start date: October 2026

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Health and Social Care (School of)

What is the Cert HE Health and Social Care?

The Cert HE Health and Social Care is a one year programme designed to prepare you for a rewarding career supporting adults across a wide range of settings from community organisations and residential homes to creative and therapeutic environments.

It gives you the essential skills, confidence and adaptability needed to work within the UK’s evolving health and social care workforce. The course is built in line with The Care Certificate standards, ensuring you develop the professional behaviours and practical abilities expected of support workers in today’s sector.

If you’re compassionate, conscientious and keen to build hands on experience, this programme is an ideal place to begin. Our teaching team believes that excellent care starts with empathy and human connection, and you’ll be supported from day one to become confident, capable and ready for the next stage of your career or further study.

Who should apply?

This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start a career in health and social care and is ready to develop practical, hands-on skills in a supportive environment. It’s perfect if you are:

compassionate, patient and motivated to support adults in need
new to the sector and looking for a structured introduction to care
already working in a care role and want to strengthen your skills
aiming to progress into further study or future professional training

If you care about making a difference and want to learn how to deliver safe, kind and effective support, this course is a great place to begin.

Why this course?

This course gives you the practical confidence and professional behaviours needed to begin a career in health and social care. You’ll learn through realistic simulations, guided by experienced staff from across nursing, social care and allied health professions.

Our supportive teaching environment and specialist facilities, including skills labs and mock wards, help you develop safe, compassionate and effective care practices.

What you’ll learn

Throughout this course, you’ll build the practical skills, confidence and theoretical understanding needed to support adults safely, compassionately and professionally.

Your learning gradually introduces you to the realities of care work through a blend of simulations, workshops, lectures and interactive seminars. These experiences help you understand how to use essential equipment, recognise potential risks, and make informed decisions that can have a real impact on a person’s wellbeing.

By practising in a supportive, simulated environment, you’ll be able to test your abilities, learn from mistakes without consequences, and develop the communication, resilience and kindness needed for effective care.

As you progress, you’ll gain a stronger sense of how health and social care professionals work as a team and how you can contribute confidently within a range of settings across the UK and beyond.

Professional accreditation

Approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ). IfATE work with employers to develop and approve apprenticeships and technical qualifications. IfATE approves CertHE Health & Social Care as a HTQ aligned to the Lead Practitioner in Adult Care standard (ST0007). This means that the course has been developed in collaboration with employers so that students can develop the skills that are needed in the workplace.

Why we're great.

You will be provided realistic practice for developing your proficiency in patient care, through consistent simulation scenarios throughout the programme.
Lectures will be taught by staff from varied health and social care backgrounds from within the School of Health and Social Care, including Nursing, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Social Work.
We have state-of-the-art teaching facilities including mock wards at both campuses.

Our expert staff

Lectures will be taught by staff from varied health and social care backgrounds from within the School of Health and Social Care, including Nursing, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Social Work. Staff will introduce theoretical and conceptual material associated with their professional backgrounds but will also deliver material that is interprofessional and advocates the concept of health and social care as a multidisciplinary effort.

Specialist facilities

We have purpose-built nursing skills labs on campus to meet the needs of a growing and lively School. We offer excellent physical and online resources in terms of libraries, computer labs, data-sets, archives and other research materials.

Our dedicated support tutor will help to develop your academic literacy and clinical numeracy skills. This helps you apply these critically important areas of study to real life situations.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

GCSE: Mathematics and English C/4. Acceptable alternatives to our GCSE Maths and English requirements are listed further down this page
Plus a level 3 qualification: For example: A Levels, BTECs, T-level, NVQ Level 3, QAA- approved Access course or Senior Healthcare Support Worker.
Vocational qualifications: We also consider a range of vocational level 3 qualifications for entry. If you are taking or have achieved any qualifications that are not listed here, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
GCSE Maths requirements: We can accept a number of OFQUAL regulated level 2 maths qualifications in place of GCSE Maths C/4, including Functional Skills level 2, Key Skills level 2 or numeracy units taken as part of an Access to HE Diploma.
GCSE English requirements: If you are a first language English speaker or have a lived in the UK for over three years, we can accept a number of OFQUAL regulated level 2 English qualifications in place of GCSE English C/4, including Functional Skills level 2, Key Skills level 2 or literacy units taken as part of an Access to HE Diploma.
English language requirements for applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK
UKVI IELTS (Academic only) with 5.0 overall with a minimum of 4.0 in each component.
UKVI IELTS must be taken at an approved test centre on the UKVI’s list. The test must have been taken within 2 years of the start of the course (October 2024 for October 2026 entry).

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Undergraduate Admissions team at ugquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK

If your first language is not English and you are an international student that requires a student visa to study in the UK then you will need IELTS 5.0 overall, with a minimum of 4.0 in each component. IELTS tests must be a UKVI IELTS taken at an approved IELTS test centre on the UKVI’s list, available here, in order to be accepted for entry to below degree-level courses. Tests must be taken within two years of the start of your course.

If you are an international student requiring a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Do I need to have achieved an acceptable English language qualification before I apply?

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

Structure

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Biopsychosocial Science

(30 CREDITS)

Understanding the biopsychosocial dynamic is paramount to health care delivery as it determines the appropriateness of intervention and care. The module develops the students' understanding of the interplay between the physiological functioning and the social and emotional well-being of the individual.

View Biopsychosocial Science on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Person Centred Care

(30 CREDITS)

This module will enable students to investigate and explore the structures, processes and outcomes associated with the provision of person-centred care. Emphasis on values; engaging patients and carers; principles of social justice, advocacy, health beliefs, including consideration of culture and religion; shared decision making; establishing therapeutic partnerships and concordance; healthcare systems and complexity; patient safety; human factors and their importance; understanding and learning from errors; managing risk and law and ethics.

View Person Centred Care on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Simulated Practice Skills Book

(30 CREDITS)

This module will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work effectively as a practitioner within various health and social care settings. Through extensive simulated learning, facilitated by a range of healthcare professionals, you will have the opportunity to gain experience of key care practices and develop these in a safe and controlled environment.

View Simulated Practice Skills Book on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Study and Lifelong Learning

(15 CREDITS)

This module introduces students to personal study skills and techniques to build personal impact, influence and effectiveness in dealing with others. The module highlights the notion that to succeed students need to make decisions about priorities, time and resources in order to develop lifelong study skills.

View Study and Lifelong Learning on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

Introduction to Interprofessional Working

(15 CREDITS)

The module will provide the opportunity to explore and develop an individual's understanding of professional and interprofessional working in health and social care environments.

View Introduction to Interprofessional Working on our Module Directory

Teaching

CertHE students will be given extensive simulated learning opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills required for these roles, giving students an understanding of complex nature of working in health and social care settings in a safe and controlled environment. This will be facilitated by a range of health and social care professionals, giving students insight into a broad range of practices, approaches and further study opportunities.

On this programme you will usually spend 2 days per week on campus, including one day per week spent in our mock wards where you will develop your clinical skills.

Assessment

Learning outcomes are not seen by teaching staff as the threshold for obtaining a pass but are seen as baseline standards that students require to develop on their journey to becoming lifelong learners.

The assessment methods will ensure that different students' learning needs and preferences are met, regardless of their backgrounds, learning styles or abilities. This will include considering feedback timing and ensuring that assessment briefs are easily accessible to all students.

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,790

International fee

£21,500

If your course has the option to include a placement year or study abroad, and you choose to do so, you will pay the following:

Placement year

20% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Study abroad

Full year abroad

15% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Single term abroad

Standard tuition fee

Scholarships and financial support

There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Fees and funding guide

Home/UK fees and funding information

International fees and funding information

What's next

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Saturday 11 April 2026 - April Open Day

Saturday 20 June 2026 - June Open Day

Find out more

Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full details on how to apply can be found on the filling in your UCAS undergraduate application web page.

Our UK students, who are still at school or college, can apply through their school. Your school will be able to check and then submit your completed application to UCAS.

The UCAS code for our University of Essex is ESSEX E70. The individual campus codes for our Loughton and Southend Campuses are ‘L' and ‘S' respectively.

You can find further information on how to apply, including information on transferring from another university, applying if you are not currently at a school or college, and applying for readmission on our How to apply and entry requirements page.

If you receive an undergraduate offer to study with us in October 2026 and live in the UK, you will receive an email invitation to book onto one of our Open Days. These events provide the opportunity to meet your department, join interesting taster sessions, tour our campus and accommodation, and chat to current students. You can visit our Open Days event page for more information, including terms and conditions.

A sunny day with banners flying on Colchester Campus Square 4.

Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Find out more

View from Square 2 outside the Rab Butler Building looking towards Square 3

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.