This flexible foundation degree combines classroom learning with practical experience, helping you build the skills and confidence needed in health and social care sector.
of students were positive about the teaching on the course
of students agree the course developed the knowledge and skills needed for their future
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Overview
The Assistant Practitioner FdSc is designed for people who want to make a real difference in health and social care while continuing to work and earn. Whether you’re already in a care role or looking to step into the sector, this course gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress.
You’ll develop a strong foundation in person-centred, ethical and evidence-based practice, learning how to support people of all ages across a wide range of health and social care settings. Teaching blends academic study with practical, work-based learning, helping you connect theory to real-world practice from the very start.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn alongside experienced academics, clinicians and visiting speakers who bring current practice and lived experience into the classroom. You’ll also benefit from our state-of-the-art skills and simulation facilities, where you can safely develop clinical and professional skills before applying them in practice.
The course is structured to fit around your life. You’ll normally spend one day a week on campus, alongside online learning and a minimum of one day in placement or work-based practice. Many students use their current role as their placement, making this an ideal route if you’re balancing work, study and family life.
You can choose to study this course either at Worcester or our Dudley campus.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to work confidently as an Assistant Practitioner and in other social care roles. Or you can choose to progress onto another health course.
Progression routes
This course is designed to support progression into professional health careers. With the relevant module choice during your studies, you may be able to join Year 2 of the following degrees (subject to application and selection):
- Nursing (Adult) BSc
- Nursing (Mental Health) BSc
- Occupational Therapy BSc
- Physiotherapy BSc
- Nutrition and Dietetics BSc
You can also progress onto our one-year BA (Hons) Applied Health and Social Care top-up degree, which supports career development in areas such as leadership, management and wider health and social care practice.
We’ll support you to explore your options during the course, helping you make informed choices and plan your next steps with confidence.
Apprenticeship
If you are already working in a health or social care setting, for a minimum of 30 hours per week, our apprenticeship route may be an option. This would enable you to continue working full time.
Employers or applicants interested in the apprenticeship route please contact Kay Bennett.
Course content
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant.
Year 2 module options support progression onto allied health professions courses. For Apprentices, the module you take will be dependent on the pathway you are completing.
Careers
This foundation degree prepares you for a wide range of roles across health and social care, giving you the confidence, skills and experience to step into practice or progress your career. You’ll be equipped to work as part of multidisciplinary teams, supporting people with complex needs while delivering high-quality, person-centred care in a variety of settings.
This foundation degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Assistant Practitioner (NHS)
- Healthcare Support Worker
- Care Manager
- Community Support Worker
- Service Manager (Adult Social Care)
- Mental Health Support Worker
Many also use the course as a stepping stone into leadership roles, building a long-term career that makes a real difference. Others progress onto a health profession course to become a:
- Registered Nurse
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Nutritionist
- Dietitian
Course highlights
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and assessment contents
Students will be taught the knowledge content of the programme through a combination of interactive workshops, lectures and seminars. Interactive workshops take a variety of formats and are intended to enable the application of learning through discussion and small group activities. Seminars enable the discussion and development of understanding of topics covered in lectures and are focused on developing subject specific skills and applied individual and group work.
Seminars, case studies, scenarios and problem-based learning will facilitate development of inquiry into real world situations, developing your skills, knowledge and practice. Online resources will provide you with the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the material presented in class and practical workshops. In addition, meetings with personal academic tutors are available and encouraged, in order to support you throughout the course.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points required: 32
From a minimum of 1 A level and a maximum of 3 A Levels
OR
Equivalent Level 3 qualifications e.g. BTEC National Diploma or Access to Higher Education Diploma.
Plus
GCSE grade C/4 or level 2 equivalent in Maths and English (Language or Literature). Please see below for acceptable alternatives.
It is desirable that applicants have evidence of study undertaken within the last 5 years. Students are required to demonstrate health and character sufficient to ensure safe and effective practice. This includes a satisfactory enhanced DBS and occupational health assessment.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Fees
Fees contents
UK and EU students
In 2026/27 the standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £9,790 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
International students
In 2026/27 the standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £17,200 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
How to apply
How to apply contents
Applying through UCAS
UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK.
Read our how to apply pages for more information on the application process, or if you’d like to apply for part-time study.
Assistant Practitioner FdSc - B750
Contact
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Admissions Office
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