The Certificate of Higher Education in Health and Social Care with Foundation at the University of Suffolk is a shorter undergraduate award for people starting or progressing in the care sector. You explore political, legal and social influences on modern health and social care, build knowledge of care principles and practices, and develop academic skills such as research, professional writing and teamwork. By the end you should be able to apply key theories to current challenges including changing legislation and social care policy. Study is listed as full-time weekday delivery with an October 2026 intake currently shown. AF Education helps England-resident UK home students with free help with Student Finance England and applications.
Key facts
- Award / level
- CertHE (CertHE)
- Study mode
- Full time
- Schedule options
- Weekday
- Location
-
- the London Bridge campus in London
- the Manchester campus
- Upcoming intake
- October 2026
- Application deadline
- 4 Sep 2026
- Foundation year
- Not included in this course title
- Awarding university
- University of Suffolk
- Partner pathway
- LSC
Who this course is for
This CertHE suits applicants who want a recognised higher-education step into health and social care without committing to a full bachelor’s yet, including those who may later top up. It fits mature starters and sector support workers building academic credentials.
Entry routes for mature students
The foundation element supports students who may not meet traditional entry requirements. AF Education will confirm Suffolk’s current evidence needs for your circumstances.
Funding with Student Finance England
AF Education is a free service for England-resident UK home students — not international applicants. For eligible courses, a Tuition Fee Loan is paid directly to the university and a Maintenance Loan is paid to you for living costs. Eligibility depends on residency and previous study; use our free eligibility checker before you apply.
Check your Student Finance eligibility — free, takes about 2 minutes.
How often you study
Typical full-time study with these providers is usually 1 to 2 campus days a week, around 2 to 4 hours per day, so many students work alongside their course. Timetables vary by course and campus — always confirm your timetable before you enrol. Weekday full-time study is listed for this Suffolk CertHE title; confirm your centre timetable.
Career and progression
The award prepares you either to enter care-sector support roles or to continue to a higher-level qualification. It is not a nursing or social-work registration route by itself. AF Education does not guarantee jobs.
Course overview from University of Suffolk
The Certificate of Higher Education in Health and Social Care provides a solid foundation for those interested in starting a career or progressing in this rewarding sector. The course introduces you to the structure and demands of the modern health and social care environment, helping you explore key influences such as political, legal, and social factors that shape the field. You’ll develop essential knowledge of care principles and practices, alongside academic and employability skills that prepare you for both the workplace and further study.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply key theories and practices that underpin health and social care work. You’ll gain insight into current challenges in the sector, such as changing legislation and social care policies. You’ll also build practical skills—like researching and analysing information, writing clearly and professionally, and working well both independently and in a team. These capabilities are crucial whether you choose to enter the workforce or continue on to a higher-level qualification.
CertHE Health and Social Care with Foundation is available at London, Manchester. Campus details and map links are below.
Available Campuses for CertHE Health and Social Care with Foundation
-
London Bridge
235 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 6NP
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Oct 2026Application deadline 4 Sep 2026 20 days overdue -
Manchester
City Tower, 6th Floor, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BT
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Oct 2026Application deadline 4 Sep 2026 20 days overdue
Campus locations on the map
Entry Requirement for Applicants Below 21 years
For applicants aged under 21 years, the following entry requirements apply:
- Academic Qualification: Minimum of 5 GCSE passes (or equivalent recognised overseas qualification).
- Work Experience: Strong and relevant work experience highlighted on the CV.
- Personal Statement: A well-written personal statement demonstrating motivation, skills, and suitability for the course.
OPT Exemptions
You may be exempt from taking the LSC Online Proficiency Test if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Functional Skills Level 2 in English Language
- GCSE English Language with a minimum grade of 4 (or grade ‘C’ equivalent)
- IELTS (Academic or General) with an overall score of 5.0 or higher
Proof of ID Requirements for University of Suffolk
To apply, you must provide valid proof of identification. The following are accepted:
- A valid passport
OR
- A driving licence together with a birth certificate or travel document
Please note: Expired documents will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Recent Proof of Address Requirements
Please provide one of the following as proof of address. Documents must be full-page, clearly legible, and issued within the last 30 days prior to your interview date:
- A recent utility bill or council tax bill
(Mobile phone bills are not accepted)
- A bank statement showing recent transactions
(All four corners visible, full page required)
- A valid UK driving licence with your current address
Note: Documents must be current and official—screenshots or cropped images will not be accepted.
How AF Education helps
AF Education support is 100% free for students. We help you check eligibility, choose a suitable course and campus, prepare documents, and submit your application — with clear next steps for Student Finance England where relevant.
FAQs about this course
Is a CertHE the same as a full bachelor’s?
No — a Certificate of Higher Education is a shorter undergraduate award. Many students use it to enter work or progress to a higher-level qualification later.
What will I learn?
You study care principles and practices, influences such as political, legal and social factors, and academic skills including research, professional writing and teamwork.
Is Student Finance available?
AF Education helps England-resident UK home students (not international) with Student Finance England on eligible courses.
When is the intake?
An upcoming intake currently listed is October 2026. Confirm open intakes when you apply.
Is this nursing training?
No. It is a health and social care CertHE, not a nursing registration programme.
Register your interest
Register your interest in under 2 minutes. 100% free — we never charge you anything. A dedicated advisor will contact you to check eligibility and guide you through enrolment for CertHE Health and Social Care with Foundation.
Ready to Start Your Funded Degree?
Register your interest in under 2 minutes. A dedicated student advisor will contact you to check eligibility, explain tuition and maintenance funding, and guide you through every step to enrolment.
- 100% Free Guidance
- Tuition & Maintenance Support
- Dedicated Advisor
- 01 Register your interest
- 02 Advisor calls you back
- 03 Apply & enrol with support
Prefer to talk? Call us Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM — 020 7377 8844
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