Our Certificate of Higher Education in Health and Social Care could be your first step to a successful and rewarding career helping others. This course is the foundation year for access to Health and Social Care courses at University of Gloucestershire, and is designed to prepare you for degree-level study in subjects like nursing, social work, paramedic science and physiotherapy.The programme is taught over two semesters and designed to fit alongside your existing commitments – ideal if you’re already in employment. If you don’t have the qualifications to go straight onto a health and social care degree, this course is the perfect entry point. You’ll build the experience, confidence and academic abilities needed to apply, and you’ll be guaranteed an interview on successful completion of the course.You’ll learn from our experienced academic team in state-of-the-art facilities, including simulated care settings equipped with the latest technologies, while placements offer you the chance to be inspired and mentored by a variety of health and social care professionals and gain real-world care experience. This ensures you’ll be well prepared for further study and a future professional role, in an area such as adult nursing, mental health nursing, paramedic science, physiotherapy, social work or social care. If your ambition for your career is to make positive, life-changing impacts on peoples’ lives, this course will give you the foundations, support and direction to launch it.

At University of Gloucestershire, we’ve been encouraging students to meet every ambition since 1847. Join us and you’ll benefit from our three UoG promises:

– if you are not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching* (*eligibility conditions apply).

– we guarantee all first-year students accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at.

– whilst at UoG, you’ll find the connections to reach your goals. With over 4,000 placements and more than 60 clubs and societies to join, you’ll make connections for life. Our ambition is boundless. Experienced lecturers promote a real-world ethos and treat our students as more than just a number. Alongside our strong support system, guest speakers, networking events and influential partnerships will help you prepare for life after graduation, whether that be in a successful career in your field or onto further study. Students never tire of finding inspiration here in the unique county of Gloucestershire – innovation and bravery thrive here. Cheltenham and Gloucester offer the best of city and country living, with the rolling hills of the Cotswolds paired with vibrant nightclubs and stunning parks in the bustling town and city centres.

Your story doesn’t end with us at graduation. We support our graduates to balance purpose with ambition, and 95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their course*. *Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers.