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HND (Higher National Diploma) in Healthcare

Course Overview

HND in Health and Social Care Practice (Level 5)

Build a Rewarding Career in HND in Healthcare with Real-World Experience

The Pearson-awarded HND (Level 5) in Health and Social Care Practice is a two-year, 240-credit qualification—equivalent to the second year of a UK bachelor’s degree—designed for both new entrants and current healthcare professionals seeking career growth.

In England’s healthcare sector, over 1.3 million people work across diverse roles. This HND from Just Educated equips you with the practical skills, academic knowledge, and professional confidence to thrive in hospitals, community care, or specialist health services.

Gain 450 Hours of Work Placement Experience

Across two years, you’ll complete 450 hours of supervised work placement in respected organisations such as Birmingham Children’s Trust, Sanctuary Care, and Vestacare. This hands-on training bridges classroom learning with real-world application—making you job-ready from day one.

What You’ll Study

  • Core Competencies: Person-centred care, professional ethics, health promotion, safeguarding, evidence-based practice.

  • Specialist Units: Action research, quality improvement in care, public health strategies, care planning.

  • Transferable Skills: Communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.

Your Career and Study Pathways

  • Progression to University: Move into top-up degrees in Health & Social Care, Public Health, or Adult Nursing.

  • Career Opportunities: Senior care assistant, care coordinator, community health worker, support worker.

  • CPD & Career Growth: Enhance your current role with advanced skills and clear career mapping through Just Educated’s tailored learning approach.

Who Is This Course For?

  • New entrants ready to start a career in healthcare.

  • Current care professionals aiming for structured advancement.

  • Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Quick Facts

Feature Details
Qualification Pearson Level 5 Higher National Diploma
Credits 240 (120 Level 4 + 120 Level 5)
Duration 2 years (full-time)
Placement 450 hours in real healthcare settings
Progression University top-up degrees; healthcare careers
Recognition Industry-respected qualification

At Just Educated, we combine academic excellence with practical experience to prepare you for a meaningful, stable, and rewarding career in healthcare.

Year 1 Modules:

  • Changing Perspectives in Public Health (15 credits)
    Explore how attitudes toward public health have evolved and the impact these changes have on policy and practice.

  • Compassionate Care and Values-based Practice (15 credits)
    Learn the principles of person-centred care and how to deliver services rooted in empathy and ethical values.

  • Developing Leadership Skills (15 credits)
    Gain essential leadership skills for managing teams and driving improvements in healthcare settings.

  • Developing Professional Practice (30 credits)
    Engage in work-based learning to develop core professional competencies through real-world experience.

  • Evidence-Based Practice (Pearson-set) (15 credits)
    Understand how to critically apply research and evidence in day-to-day healthcare decisions.

  • Planning Care in Practice (15 credits)
    Learn to assess patient needs and plan holistic care tailored to individual health outcomes.

  • Teamwork and Communication (15 credits)
    Develop effective communication and collaboration skills vital for multidisciplinary care environments.

Year 2 Modules:

  • Establishing Professional Practice (30 credits)
    Build on your first-year experience with more responsibility and reflection in a work-based setting.

  • Facilitating Change for Quality Care (15 credits)
    Learn strategies for managing and leading change to improve service quality in health and social care.

  • Growing Careers in Health and Care (15 credits)
    Explore professional development opportunities and map out your career path in the healthcare sector.

  • Innovation and Improvement through Participatory Action Research (Pearson-set) (30 credits)
    Conduct a research project focused on innovation and service improvement, with active participation in the workplace.

  • Leadership, Mentoring and Coaching Others (15 credits)
    Discover how to support others in their development and take on mentoring roles within a care setting.

  • Leading Quality Care (15 credits)
    Focus on high-level leadership skills needed to ensure quality, safety, and compliance in healthcare delivery.

This structured and supportive learning journey at Justeducated will prepare you for a meaningful and impactful career in health and social care.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over and meet the following criteria:

  • 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 hold this qualification, you can take an English test provided at a Justeducated campus.

  • Successfully pass an academic interview

Applicants Aged 21 and Over

We welcome applications from mature students (21+) who may not meet the standard entry requirements but can demonstrate:

  • A strong commitment to studying this subject

  • Relevant academic, professional, or vocational experience in a related field

  • 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 Justeducated campus.

Important Information

  • An Enhanced DBS check is typically required before starting the course. This is essential for work placements, as it ensures suitability to work with children, vulnerable adults, or those requiring care and support.

  • You will also be required to submit your CV prior to the start of the course.

Next Steps

  1. Complete your application by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page.

  2. Send your supporting documents when requested by Justeducated.

  3. Attend a panel interview to assess your application.

  4. Justeducated will make a final decision regarding your admission.

Fees

Course Name Fees for June 2025 Intake Fees from August 2025 (New and Existing Students)
HND in Health and Social Care Practice (Pearson) £6,000 per year £6,355 per year

Following the UK Government’s announcement regarding tuition fee changes for Undergraduate students enrolling or re-enrolling after 1 August 2025, Justeducated has updated the fee information accordingly.

Please note:
Tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students, in line with inflation as determined by the government.

Funding Your Studies

You may be eligible to borrow money from the UK Government to support your studies through:

  • A Tuition Fee Loan – to cover the full cost of your tuition fees

  • A Maintenance Loan – to help with your living costs while you study

These financial support options are designed to make higher education more accessible.

For full details, please visit our Fees & Funding page.

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