Four hundred and fifty placement hours over two years make this HND in Health and Social Care Practice sharply hands-on. Classroom teaching on England’s healthcare environment pairs with host organisations such as children’s trusts, prime care providers and residential care partners. Weekday campuses run in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester. Graduates may later pursue related undergraduate study when each university’s rules allow, including public health or social care bachelor’s routes. Placement hosts include children’s trusts and residential care partners. Speak with an adviser about documents for your preferred intake. AF Education gives UK home students free help with the application and with Student Finance England.
Key facts
- Award / level
- HND
- Study mode
- Full time
- Schedule options
- Weekday
- Location
-
- the Queensway campus in Birmingham
- the Wellington Place campus in Leeds
- the Bow Road campus in London
- the Greenford campus in London
- the Stratford campus in London
- the Universal Square campus in Manchester
- Upcoming intake
- February 2027
- Foundation year
- Not included in this course title
- Awarding university
- Pearson Education
- Partner pathway
- GBS
Who this course is for
This suits school leavers, mature learners and people already working in care who want a vocational Level 4–5 award with placement hours.
Entry routes for mature students
Applicants are normally 18+ with a Level 3 qualification or Access certificate, English proficiency and an academic interview. Applicants aged 21+ may be considered with relevant experience. Confirm current rules before you apply.
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
Full-time weekday study is listed in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester. Most courses AF Education supports need 1 to 2 campus days a week, usually about 2 to 4 hours a day, so many students keep working. Your exact timetable is confirmed before you enrol.
Career and progression
The HND and placement hours can support healthcare career starts or further study. AF Education does not guarantee jobs or named placement hosts.
Course overview from Pearson Education
The healthcare sector in England employs approximately 1.3 million people in a wide range of career paths and settings. This course opens the door to a career in healthcare and can lead to further specialist study, depending on your chosen career path.
Our HND in Health and Social Care Practice provides you with a solid understanding of the healthcare environment in England, through a combination of work-based experience and practical study. You'll complete work experience in a health and social care setting, giving you the practical skills and knowledge to pursue a career in this rewarding sector.
Studying our HND in Health and Social Care Practice will give you transferrable skills that can be applied in many different healthcare careers. It will also prepare you for Undergraduate study in specialist areas such as health and social care or public health.
For those already working in healthcare, it provides the opportunity to further develop your career through enhancing your skills, knowledge and understanding within your role. It will also help you plan a clear path into future healthcare roles.
- Are you looking to begin a career in the healthcare sector?
- Do you want to specialise in a particular healthcare practice?
- Are you committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
This qualification will provide all the foundational building blocks you need for a fulfilling and successful career in the healthcare sector.
450 Hours of Work Placement
On this course, you’ll conduct 450 hours of work placement over the two years of this programme. You’ll will benefit greatly from the placement as you put the theories learned in the classroom into real-world practice.
GBS students have gained work experience at a number of well-known organisations such as:
• Birmingham Children’s Trust
• Manchester Prime Care
• Omega Health Care Solutions
• Quality Care Resourcing
• Sanctuary Care
• St Catherines Care Home
• Sweaty Betty Foundation
• Vestacare
• Wigan Stars
HND in Health and Social Care Practice is available at Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester. Campus details and map links are below.
Available Campuses for HND in Health and Social Care Practice
-
Queensway
84-86 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4EG
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Feb 2027 -
Wellington Place
1 Wellington, Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Feb 2027 -
Bow Road
153-159 Bow Road, London, E3 2SE
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Feb 2027 -
Greenford
891 Greenford Road, Greenford, London, UB6 0HE
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Feb 2027 -
Stratford
260 High Street, Stratford, London, E15 2JA
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Feb 2027 -
Universal Square
Universal Square, Devonshire Street North, Manchester, M12 6JH
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Feb 2027
Campus locations on the map
Entry Requirement in Pearson Education
Applicants Must be Aged 18+ and: Have a Level 3 qualification or an Access to Higher Education certificate. Demonstrate English proficiency: GCSE 4/C or CEFR B2. If you do not have this…
Interview Process in Pearson
GBS welcomes walk-in interviews from Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. No appointment is required — simply visit the campus at a convenient time. Documents Required Please bring: Proof of…
English Language Requirements in Pearson Education
If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of English language proficiency. Accepted Qualifications GCSE English Language (Grade C/4 or above), completed within the last 5 years. Other qualifications…
See the full entry, English language and interview requirements for Pearson Education →
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
How many placement hours are there?
450 hours of work placement over the two years of the programme.
Which cities are listed?
Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester.
Can I progress to a degree afterwards?
Further specialist undergraduate study may be possible depending on your path and each university’s rules.
What English evidence is needed?
GCSE 4/C or CEFR B2, or an English test provided at campus if you lack that qualification.
Can I get Student Finance England for this course?
AF Education gives England-resident UK home students (not international applicants) free help applying for Student Finance England on eligible courses. Check your eligibility free before you apply.
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 HND in Health and Social Care Practice.
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