Empowering Minds for a Better Future

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Intakes
October, January, June

Awarding Institution
Pearson Education

Duration
2 years

Awarded Degree
HND in Health and Social Care Practice

Location
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds

Delivery
Weekdays and/or evenings Classes are subject to availability

The healthcare sector in England employs around 1.3 million people across a wide variety of roles and settings. This course offers a strong entry point into the industry and can also lead to further specialist study, depending on your career goals.

Our HND in Health and Social Care Practice provides a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment in England, combining practical learning with valuable work-based experience. You’ll complete a placement within a health and social care setting, helping you develop the hands-on skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career in the sector.

The course equips you with transferable skills that are applicable across many healthcare roles, while also preparing you for progression to undergraduate study in specialist areas such as health and social care or public health.

For those already working in healthcare, this qualification offers an opportunity to advance your career by strengthening your existing skills, knowledge, and professional understanding. It also supports you in planning a clear pathway towards future roles within the sector.

Whether you’re starting your career, looking to specialise, or committed to continuing professional development (CPD), this qualification provides the essential foundation for long-term success in healthcare.

450 Hours of Work Placement
As part of the course, you will complete 450 hours of work placement over two years. This hands-on experience allows you to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, enhancing both your confidence and professional competence.

Students have gained valuable experience with a range of organisations, including:

  • Birmingham Children’s Trust
  • Manchester Prime Care
  • Omega Health Care Solutions
  • Quality Care Resourcing
  • Sanctuary Care
  • St Catherine’s Care Home
  • Sweaty Betty Foundation
  • Vestacare
  • Wigan Stars

Year 1:

  • Changing Perspectives in Public Health (15 credits)
  • Compassionate Care and Values-Based Practice (15 credits)
  • Developing Leadership Skills (15 credits)
  • Developing Professional Practice (30 credits)*
  • Evidence-Based Practice (Pearson-set) (15 credits)
  • Planning Care in Practice (15 credits)
  • Teamwork and Communication (15 credits)

Year 2:

  • Establishing Professional Practice (30 credits)
  • Facilitating Change for Quality Care (15 credits)
  • Growing Careers in Health and Care (15 credits)
  • Innovation and Improvement through Participatory Action Research (Pearson-set) (30 credits)*
  • Leadership, Mentoring and Coaching Others (15 credits)
  • Leading Quality Care (15 credits)

*Please note: Each of these modules includes 225 hours of work placement.

Important Information:
Module offerings are reviewed regularly and may be subject to change. However, the overall learning outcomes and key themes of the course will remain consistent.

This course does not include formal examinations. Instead, you will be assessed through a range of practical and coursework-based methods, including:

  • Delivering presentations
  • Completing written assignments
  • Analysing case studies
  • Taking part in personal discussions
  • Building an e-portfolio of evidence
  • Writing structured reports

You will also be expected to complete independent study outside of scheduled sessions, including research, homework, and group work. Self-directed learning plays an important role in your success, and your lecturers will provide guidance to help you manage your studies effectively throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be aged 18 or over and:

  • Hold a Level 3 qualification or an Access to Higher Education certificate
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency (GCSE grade 4/C or CEFR level B2). If you do not have this qualification, you can take an English test at a Beesmarter campus
  • Successfully pass an academic interview

Applicants Aged 21+
We welcome applications from individuals aged 21 and over who may not meet the standard entry requirements but can demonstrate motivation and commitment to the subject, along with relevant academic, professional, or vocational experience.

  • English proficiency (GCSE 4/C or CEFR B2) is still required, or you may complete an English test at a Beesmarter campus

Important Information

  • An Enhanced DBS check is usually required before starting the course, as it is essential for work placements involving children, vulnerable adults, or individuals in need of care and support
  • You must submit your CV prior to the start of the course

Next Steps

  • Complete the application form by selecting the “Apply Now” option on this page
  • Submit supporting documents when requested by Beesmarter
  • Attend a panel interview as part of the application process
  • Receive a final decision from Beesmarter regarding your application

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Our Students​ says

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John

Bee Smarter made the whole process simple and stress-free. From choosing the right course to completing my application, their support was clear, professional, and very helpful.

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Lyla

Bee Smarter made everything feel easy and well organised. From exploring the right course to completing the application, their guidance was professional, supportive, and reassuring.

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Ron

Bee Smarter provided excellent support throughout my journey. They made course selection easier and guided me through the application process in a clear, friendly, and professional way.

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Rob

From the first enquiry to the final application stage, Bee Smarter was helpful and supportive throughout. Their advice was clear, professional, and made the whole process much less stressful.

FAQs

1. Is this course right for me?

The HND in Health and Social Care Practice at Beesmarter is ideal if you want to develop a strong understanding of the English healthcare system and build the skills needed to work across different areas of health and social care. It’s well suited to those starting out in the sector, as well as individuals already working in healthcare who want to expand their knowledge and plan their next career steps.

Over the two-year programme, you’ll gain a solid understanding of healthcare management and the wider healthcare environment in England. Alongside academic learning, you’ll develop practical skills through work-based experience in real healthcare settings, helping you build confidence and capability for your future career.

This qualification supports progression into a range of roles across private, public, and social healthcare sectors. Potential career paths include healthcare management, care home management, clinic or practice administration, and patient services.

The course is offered at campuses in Birmingham, London, Leeds, and Manchester, each providing supportive learning environments and access to a range of facilities and local amenities.

Yes. The course is delivered on weekdays (9:45am – 3:15pm), offering a structured timetable that allows you to maintain a balanced routine both inside and outside of your studies.

Applicants must be aged 18+ and:

  • Hold a Level 3 qualification or an Access to Higher Education certificate
  • Demonstrate English proficiency (GCSE grade 4/C or CEFR B2), or complete an English test at a Beesmarter campus
  • Pass an academic interview

Applicants aged 21+ who do not meet standard requirements are still encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate motivation and relevant experience. English proficiency requirements still apply.

Important information:

  • An Enhanced DBS check is usually required before starting the course
  • A CV must be submitted prior to enrolment

Next steps:

  • Complete the application form using the “Apply Now” option
  • Submit supporting documents when requested
  • Attend a panel interview
  • Receive a final decision on your application

The course is designed to build your understanding progressively. In the first year, you’ll develop a strong foundation in the key principles and practices of the English healthcare system.

In the second year, you’ll explore topics in greater depth, such as global health and wellbeing, quality management in care settings, and project management in healthcare.

There are no formal exams. Instead, assessments are designed to reflect real-world practice and include:

  • Individual and group presentations
  • Written assignments
  • Case study analysis
  • Portfolio development
  • Report writing
  • Role plays and professional discussions

You’ll also be expected to complete independent study, including research, coursework, and group activities. Self-directed learning is essential, and lecturers will support you throughout to help you succeed.