Overview
The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Health and Social Care is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the health and social care sector. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, policies, and practices that underpin health and social care services. Students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality care and support to individuals across various settings, including hospitals, care homes, and community centers. The course also emphasizes the importance of ethical practice, cultural competence, and lifelong learning in health and social care.
Modules
- Foundations of Health and Social Care
- Human Lifespan Development
- Health Promotion and Public Health
- Social Policy and Welfare Systems
- Safeguarding and Protecting Individuals
- Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Research Methods in Health and Social Care
Entry Criteria
- Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have successfully completed their GCE Advanced Level (A/L) with a minimum of 2 passes, ideally in subjects related to biology, health science, or social studies.
- English Proficiency: A minimum of a C pass in English at GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) or an equivalent qualification is required. Alternatively, an IELTS score of 5.5 or above can be accepted.
- Foundation Program: Candidates without the required A/L passes but who have completed a recognized foundation program in health, social care, or a related field may be eligible for entry.
- Mature Student Entry: Applicants over the age of 21 with at least 2 years of relevant work experience in healthcare, social work, or community services can apply through the mature student entry route.
- Personal Statement: Submission of a personal statement detailing the applicant’s commitment to the health and social care sector, career ambitions, and reasons for pursuing this HND program.
Duration
The HND in Health and Social Care is designed to be completed over a minimum period of 6 months, with the typical study duration extending to two years for a more thorough understanding and practical application of the material.
Course Structure
The HND in Health and Social Care is structured into 8 essential units, covering key areas over two years:
Unit 1: Foundations of Health and Social Care
- Introduction to the key concepts, principles, and values in health and social care.
- Explore the historical development and current trends in the sector.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of health and social care professionals.
Unit 2: Human Lifespan Development
- Study the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development across the human lifespan.
- Understand the factors that influence human development, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
- Examine the impact of aging and end-of-life care.
Unit 3: Health Promotion and Public Health
- Explore the principles and practices of health promotion and disease prevention.
- Understand public health strategies and policies.
- Learn to design and implement health promotion campaigns for diverse populations.
Unit 4: Social Policy and Welfare Systems
- Examine the structure and function of social policy and welfare systems in different countries.
- Understand the impact of social policies on individuals and communities.
- Analyze the challenges and opportunities in delivering social welfare services.
Unit 5: Safeguarding and Protecting Individuals
- Learn about the principles of safeguarding in health and social care.
- Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities in protecting vulnerable individuals.
- Study strategies for identifying and responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Unit 6: Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care
- Develop skills in leadership, management, and team-building within health and social care settings.
- Explore effective communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making strategies.
- Understand the importance of leadership in improving care quality and service delivery.
Unit 7: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Study the importance of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in health and social care.
- Understand the barriers to accessing care and the role of cultural competence.
- Learn strategies for creating inclusive environments that respect and value diversity.
Unit 8: Research Methods in Health and Social Care
- Introduction to research methodologies relevant to health and social care.
- Learn how to design, conduct, and evaluate research projects.
- Understand the ethical considerations and challenges in health and social care research.