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Health & Social Care

Course details
  • FdSc
  • 2 Years
  • Full-time
  • 15/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Millfield Campus
Awarded by:
Ulster University

Course summary

The Foundation Degree in Science (FdSc) in Health and Social Care is an innovative and contemporary two-year full-time course validated by Ulster University which will be attractive to both students and employers in the Health and Social Care sector.

The aim of this Foundation Degree is to address the needs of the local market by preparing graduates to gain the range of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to meet the current and future evolving needs of Health and Social Care services in Northern Ireland.

About this course:

In Year 1 you will gain an exciting introduction into Health and Social Care by studying a range of modules including:
• Effective Communication in Health and Social Care;
• Safeguarding and Managing Risk;
• Psychology
• Introduction to Social Theories and Concepts
• Professional conduct and ethical practice
• The Effective Learner

In Year 2 you will undertake a variety of modules including:
• Evidence Based Practice
• Introduction to Public Health
• Innovative Practices
• Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
• Work Based Learning

An integral part of this Foundation Degree is the Work Based Learning modules which requires the students to undergo and complete 240 hours of work placement.

This work placement has direct impact on the student’s ability to meet the course outcomes.

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each university’s admission and progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

Modules

In Year 1 you will gain an exciting introduction into Health and Social Care by studying a range of modules including:

Effective Communication in Health and Social Care;
Safeguarding and Managing Risk;
Psychology
Introduction to Social Theories and Concepts
Professional conduct and ethical practice
The Effective Learner

In Year 2 you will undertake a variety of modules including:
Evidence Based Practice
Introduction to Public Health
Innovative Practices
Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
Work Based Learning
An integral part of this Foundation Degree is the Work Based Learning modules which requires the students to undergo and complete 240 hours of work placement.

This work placement has direct impact on the student’s ability to meet the course outcomes.

Assessment method

All modules undertaken will have a number of assessment activities, including written assignments, reports, oral presentations, reflective journals and examinations, role plays, literature reviews and service improvement proposals.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
U200
Institution code:
B07
Campus name:
Millfield Campus
Campus Code:
M

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Belfast Met will not be sponsoring new applications for a student visa for the academic year 2025-26. More information on Right to Study and applying with overseas qualifications is available on our Frequently Asked Questions page on our website https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/how-to-apply/application-faqs/

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 48 points

Applicants must achieve: (a) the Ulster University’s general entry requirements and (b) have attained grade A, B or C at GCSE level in five subjects or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification and (c) provide evidence of competence in numeracy and literacy (GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent– this requirement may be met within (b))

A level

Applicants must achieve: (a) the Ulster University’s general entry requirements and (b) have attained grade A, B or C at GCSE level in five subjects or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification and (c) provide evidence of competence in numeracy and literacy (GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent– this requirement may be met within (b) AND A levels equivalent to 48 UCAS points.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP - D*D*D*

Hold a PPP or above in BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or a related Level 3 subject area (with a minimum of *48 UCAS points) AND (a) the Ulster University’s general entry requirements and (b) have attained grade A, B or C at GCSE level in five subjects or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification and (c) provide evidence of competence in numeracy and literacy (GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent– this requirement may be met within (b))

Access to HE Diploma

Applicants must achieve: (a) the Ulster University’s general entry requirements and (b) have attained grade A, B or C at GCSE level in five subjects or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification and (c) provide evidence of competence in numeracy and literacy (GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent– this requirement may be met within (b) and (d) hold a BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or a related Level 3 subject area, or one GCE A Level pass or equivalent (with a minimum of *48 UCAS points). OR as an alternative to (a), (b), (c) and (d): (e) provide evidence of their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Non-standard admission will be agreed with the university faculties.

Scottish Higher

Applicants must achieve: (a) the Ulster University’s general entry requirements and (b) have attained grade A, B or C at GCSE level in five subjects or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification and (c) provide evidence of competence in numeracy and literacy (GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent– this requirement may be met within (b) and (d) hold a BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or a related Level 3 subject area, or one GCE A Level pass or equivalent (with a minimum of *48 UCAS points). OR as an alternative to (a), (b), (c) and (d): (e) provide evidence of their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Non-standard admission will be agreed with the university faculties.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

Applicants must achieve: (a) the Ulster University’s general entry requirements and (b) have attained grade A, B or C at GCSE level in five subjects or an equivalent standard in an approved alternative qualification and (c) provide evidence of competence in numeracy and literacy (GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent– this requirement may be met within (b) and (d) hold a BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or a related Level 3 subject area, or one GCE A Level pass or equivalent (with a minimum of *48 UCAS points). OR as an alternative to (a), (b), (c) and (d): (e) provide evidence of their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Non-standard admission will be agreed with the university faculties.

Belfast Met actively promotes equality of opportunity and welcomes enrolments from a wide range of applicants and students, including those with criminal convictions. However, in order for the College to manage any risk that you may pose, you must tell us about any unspent criminal convictions you may have. For certain courses, you must disclose all criminal convictions.

To tell us about your convictions, please complete either a Criminal Offence(s) Disclosure Form or an Enhanced Criminal Offence(s) Disclosure Form

Both forms are available on the Student Criminal Disclosures page of our website Student Criminal Disclosures (belfastmet.ac.uk)

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Other
Following receipt of application, applicants will enter a Pre-Entry Advice process. Applicants must complete this stage before moving to the next stage of the process.

English language requirements

There are minimum English Language requirements for full-time Higher Education programmes. Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification. Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4. You are advised to check the individual course entry requirements. You can find these within the Entry Requirements section under each individual course. Where a GCSE grade in English is specified as the only qualification accepted, other English competency qualifications may not apply. If you have not achieved GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or an equivalent level, you will be asked to provide evidence of English Language competency. Other qualifications may be accepted as evidence of level of competency on a case-by-case basis. To provide evidence of English Language competency, please contact us on 028 90 265 265 or email studentportal@belfastmet.ac.uk You will be referred to the appropriate curriculum area who will guide you on your next steps. Where an ESOL qualification is used, the appropriate level must be achieved across all skills - Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening. Applicants should also check the English language criteria for progression to other further and higher education institutions as these may vary.

Please click on the link below for more information about course entry requirements. https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/course/p00200-aa/health-social-care-foundation-degree-validated-by-ulster-university-ft-millfield/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.

Please click on the link for more information on Belfast Met's Higher Education entry requirements and our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process.

Learn more on the Belfast Metropolitan College website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£3110Year 1
England£3110Year 1
Northern Ireland£3110Year 1
Scotland£3110Year 1
Wales£3110Year 1
Channel Islands£3110Year 1
Republic of Ireland£3110Year 1
International£7735Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The College reserves the right to introduce bursaries, offer concessions and vary fees within this schedule during the financial year to ensure optimal participation.

The College reserves the right to vary fees within this schedule during the financial year in line with amendments to Government policy.

Applicants and students will be informed, at the earliest opportunity of any rate change.

All course fees must be paid, or payment terms agreed with the College in advance of course commencement.

Please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy 2025-26 available from the Public Documents section of our website at www.belfastmet.ac.uk

Sponsorship information

Our Student Funding service provides advice and guidance to students on funding opportunities available in support of their studies. We aim to inform students about the range of financial assistance available, the relevant criteria and how these funds can be accessed. Please visit our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-finance/ to find out more information.

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