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Foundation Degree in Science in Health & Social Care validated by Ulster University

Level 5
Full-Time
25/26
EXC50001
Ulster University logo

Overview

The Foundation Degree in Science (FdSc) in Health and Social Care is an innovative and contemporary course from Ulster University which aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, experience, attitudes and values needed for employment in the Health and Social Care sector, within which there is a growing demand for resilient, competent and patient-centred employees. The programme also aims to provide a platform to those that wish to apply to progress to the final year at Level 6 in the BSc (Hons) in Health and Wellbeing at UU, or other further programmes of study e.g. BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Policy, BSc Nursing and BSc Social Work as well as other allied health professions at Ulster University and other Higher Education Institutions within the UK and beyond. The programme links with national and global partners to support and prepare learners to meet current and future evolving needs of health and social care services in Northern Ireland whilst providing a 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 a variety of modules including:

- 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), which will also be assessed.

  • The Effective Learner
  • Safeguarding and Managing Risk
  • Psychology
  • Effective Communication in Health and Social Care
  • Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
  • Social Theories and Concepts
  • Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice
  • Evidence Based Practice
  • Innovative Practices
  • Introduction to Public Health
  • Worked Based Learning

N/A

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 or equivalent e.g. Essential Skills Numeracy – this requirement may be met within (b) and

(d) Hold a BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or a related Level 3 subject area, or 2 GCE A Level passes or equivalent (with a minimum of 48 UCAS points)

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

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme, but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. In such cases, contact the Course Director for the programme who will advise further.

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

All applicants must also satisfy Enhanced Disclosure from Access NI to continue on the programme.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

All modules undertaken will have no more than 2 assessment activities and these can include written assignments, reports, oral presentations, reflective journals, class tests and one examination.

Upon successful completion of the course students may be able to apply to progress to :

Year 3 part-time or full-time of the BSc (Hons) Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University or

Year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Policy programme at Ulster University or

Year 1 of a range of Allied Health Profession Degree programmes including Nursing, Social Work 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.

All applicants must satisfy Enhanced Disclosure from Access NI to continue on the programme.

Access NI disclosure is required and costs £35. During your course you may be required to purchase course textbooks and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. This figure may be in the region of £100 or more per year.

2025/26 fees:

£2,800 (payable for each year)

For fees, please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy on the College website

International students (for whom English is not their first language), must demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English at IELTS – Academic 6.0, with minimum 5.5 in all four elements of the test. Trinity ISE - Pass at Level 3 also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

3 Available Sessions

*The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration.

Dungannon

Full-Time

P5001DF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

18

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

09:00-17:00

Time

Monday|Tuesday|Wednesday|Thursday|Friday

Day/s

Bronagh.McGahan@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £2,800.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Enniskillen

Full-Time

P5001EF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

18

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

09:00-17:00

Time

Wednesday|Thursday|Friday

Day/s

Michelle.McCauley@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £2,800.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Omagh

Full-Time

P5001OF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

18

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

09:00-17:00

Time

Wednesday|Friday

Day/s

Deirdre.Fox@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee £2,800.00

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

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