Health and Social Care - Foundation Degree in Science (FdSc)

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 15th September 2025
End date: 4th June 2027
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: To be confirmed

Course Content

There is a growing demand for competent and patient-centred employees in the health and social care sector. The Foundation Degree in Science (FdSc) in Health and Social Care is an innovative and contemporary course validated by Ulster University which aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, experience, attitudes and values needed for employment in this sector.  The programme also aims to provide a platform for those that wish to apply to further programmes of study at undergraduate level in areas such as Health and Wellbeing, Health and Social Care Policy, Nursing and Social Work as well as other allied health professions at Ulster University and other Higher Education Institutions within the UK and beyond.  The programme is designed to address the needs of the local market by preparing graduates to meet the current and future evolving needs of health and social care services in Northern Ireland whilst providing a national and global perspective on health and social care.

In Year 1 you will gain an exciting introduction into Health and Social Care by studying a range of modules including:

• Effective Communication in Health and Social Care;
• Safeguarding and Managing Risk;
• The Effective Learner
• Psychology
• Social Theories and Concepts
• Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice.

In Year 2 you will undertake modules such as:

• Evidence Based Practice
• Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
• Introduction to Public Health
• Innovative Practices

In addition, all students must complete 240 hours of Work Based Learning (placement) in a setting, which will also be assessed.

There are no additional mandatory costs for this course.

Special Features

This course is validated by Ulster University.

Applicants must:

(a) satisfy the University’s general entry requirements and
(b) have attained grade A, B or C at GCSE level in 5 subjects or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification and
(c) provide evidence of competence in numeracy and literacy (GCSE grade C or above in both Maths and English or Essential Skills Level 2 Numeracy & Literacy) – this requirement may be met within (b) and
(d) hold a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or a related Level 3 subject area, or at least 1 GCE A Level pass or equivalent. This must meet a minimum of 48 UCAS points.

OR as an alternative to (a), (b), (c) and (d):

(e) Provide evidence of their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.

Non-standard admission will be agreed with the University Faculties.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

All applicants must be aware that they will also need to satisfy Enhanced Disclosure from Access NI to continue on the programme. 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

In the event of oversubscription, the College reserves the right to increase the entry criteria for this programme to GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above in preference to Essential Skills.  

Upon successful completion of the course students can seek to apply to progress to either Year 3 of (Hons) Health and Wellbeing or year 2 of BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Policy at Ulster University.  In addition, upon successful completion of the FdSc in Health and Social Care and on meeting the specified entry requirements, students can also apply for admission to a range of Health Profession Degree programmes including Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Paramedic Science and Community Youth Work as well as a range of Social and Life Science Degrees including Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy, Criminology and many more.

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission and progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.