Course Overview
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 at Pearson Education is eligible for Student Finance England funding: a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 per year paid directly to the university, plus a maintenance loan of up to £13,762 per year for your living costs. There is no upper age limit — mature students apply through exactly the same process. Repayments only start once you earn over £25,000 a year.
Explore more funded Health and Social Care courses or other universities in Birmingham, universities in Leeds, universities in London, universities in Manchester .
HND in Health and Social Care Practice is offered by Pearson Education in partnership with GBS . Students can choose flexible class schedules such as Weekday, allowing them to balance education with other commitments. The programme is offered in Full time study mode. It supports academic pathways at HND level, and is available across key study locations including Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester. Direct Google Maps links are provided for each location.
Available Campuses for HND in Health and Social Care Practice
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Queensway
84-86 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4EG
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Sep 2026Application deadline 19 Sep 2026 6 days overdue -
Wellington Place
1 Wellington, Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Sep 2026Application deadline 19 Sep 2026 6 days overdue -
Bow Road
153-159 Bow Road, London, E3 2SE
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Sep 2026Application deadline 19 Sep 2026 6 days overdue -
Universal Square
Universal Square, Devonshire Street North, Manchester, M12 6JH
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Sep 2026Application deadline 19 Sep 2026 6 days overdue
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 qualification, you can carry out an English test provided at a GBS campus.
- Pass an Academic interview.
Applicants Aged 21+:
- We welcome applications from students 21+ who do not match the standard entry requirements but who can demonstrate willingness and commitment to studying this subject, and who can evidence academic, professional or vocational experience in a related field.
- Demonstrate English proficiency: GCSE 4/C or CEFR B2. If you do not have this qualification, you can carry out an English test provided at a GBS campus.
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 ID (e.g., Passport or Driving Licence)
- All relevant academic certificates and supporting documents
Interview Preparation
The interview consists of two parts:
1. Speaking Interview
During the speaking interview, you may be asked about:
- Why you want to study your chosen course.
- Your educational background or work experience.
- Your future career plans.
- Why you have chosen to study at GBS.
Tips:
- Speak clearly and confidently.
- Answer honestly using your own words.
- If you do not understand a question, politely ask the interviewer to repeat or explain it.
2. Written Task
You will complete a 350-word written task during your interview.
Tips:
- Read the question carefully before starting.
- Plan your answer before writing.
- Use clear and simple English.
- Stay focused on the topic.
- Allow time to check your spelling and grammar.
Don't worry — our team will guide you and help you prepare for your interview.
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 taught in English, subject to GBS approval.
Accepted English Tests (Valid for 2 years)
- CEFR Level B2 or equivalent.
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
- TOEFL, Pearson PTE, or the GBS Internal English Assessment.
Who it's for
HND in Health and Social Care Practice at Pearson Education is a practical option for mature students, career changers, and anyone returning to education who wants a clear, funded route into university study.
There is no upper age limit for Student Finance England-supported study in England. If you are exploring a return to learning, our advisors can help you check fit before you apply.
Study location & mode
This course is listed with Pearson Education and can be studied in Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester .
- Study mode: Full time
- Class schedule: Weekday
Exact campus availability can vary by intake — use the campus list above and speak to an advisor if you need a specific location or timetable.
How this course is funded
Eligible students in England may be able to fund tuition and living costs through Student Finance England. As general guidance, that can include a tuition fee loan paid to the university and a maintenance loan for living costs. Repayments normally start only once you earn over the published repayment threshold.
This is general information, not a personal funding decision. Final eligibility, amounts, and repayment terms are confirmed when you apply for student finance — AF Education does not guarantee funding approval.
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.
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.
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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