Prepare Yourself for a Diploma in Higher Education in Health and Social Care (DipHE) with Foundation Year

The Dip HE in Health and Social Care with Foundation Year is a higher education qualification offered by The Woolwich College. This program combines a Foundation Year to develop academic skills with a Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE) in Health and Social Care. It’s ideal for students who need additional academic support to progress into higher education, particularly those who might not meet traditional entry requirements but are passionate about pursuing a career in health and social care.

The program lasts 3 years in total. The first year is a Foundation Year focused on building academic skills. After completing the Foundation Year, students continue on to the Dip HE stage for the next two years, focusing on specialized knowledge and practical experience.

For home students, typical entry requirements include:

• GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade C (or 4) or above.
• A-levels, vocational qualifications (e.g., BTEC), or equivalent qualifications.
• Students with relevant work experience in health and social care may also be considered, even without meeting traditional academic qualifications.

If you have overseas qualifications, these will be evaluated to ensure they meet UK standards. You may need to provide certified translations of your documents if they are not in English.

"Home student status" refers to eligibility for UK tuition fees and student loans. To be eligible for home student status, you generally need to meet these criteria:

• You must have lived in the UK, EU, EEA, Switzerland, or Overseas Territories for at least 3 years before the start of the course.
• You must have settled status or the right to reside in the UK (e.g., Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status).
• You must not be subject to immigration control (e.g., on a student or temporary visa).

If you’ve migrated to the UK after studying overseas, your home student status will be assessed based on your residency and immigration status, as well as how long you’ve lived in the UK.

Yes, you may qualify for home student status if:

• You’ve lived in the UK for at least 3 years before the course begins.
• You have settled status, Indefinite Leave to Remain, or another form of permanent residency.
• You are not on a temporary visa or subject to immigration control.

To confirm eligibility, check with the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) or The Woolwich College’s admissions office, as eligibility can vary depending on your immigration status.

For home students, tuition fees for the Dip HE in Health and Social Care with Foundation Year at The Woolwich College are typically £9,535 per year. This includes both the Foundation Year and the Diploma stage. Please verify the exact fees for the current academic year with the college.

Yes, home students are eligible for financial support through the Student Loan Company (SLC), including:

• Tuition Fee Loan to cover tuition fees (up to £9,535 per year).
• Maintenance Loan for living costs (amounts depend on household income and where you live).

If you’ve migrated to the UK and meet eligibility criteria, you should also be able to access these loans. Students with EU Settled or Pre-Settled Status may also be eligible for loans, depending on their circumstances.

The Foundation Year is designed to develop academic skills that will help you succeed in higher education. You will focus on:

• Study skills (e.g., time management, academic writing, and research methods).
• Introduction to health and social care.
• Personal development and career planning.

This year is particularly helpful for students who have completed overseas education or non-traditional qualifications and need additional support before progressing to the Dip HE stage.

Yes, many students work part-time while studying. The course is designed to be flexible, but it’s essential to manage your work commitments so they don’t affect your studies. Part-time work in the health and social care sector may provide valuable experience that complements your studies.

After completing the Foundation Year, you’ll continue to the Dip HE in Health and Social Care, where you’ll gain specialized knowledge in health and social care, including practical experience through placements. This qualification can lead to further studies (e.g., a full Bachelor’s degree) or a career in health and social care, with opportunities in social work, healthcare administration, community services, and more.

Yes, if you have overseas qualifications, you can still apply. Your qualifications will be evaluated to determine whether they meet UK entry requirements. You may need to provide certified translations of your documents if they are not in English. The Woolwich College may also consider relevant work experience in health and social care if your qualifications don’t directly match UK standards.

You can apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). The application process requires you to submit your academic qualifications, personal statement, and any relevant documents. Ensure you check the UCAS deadlines and submit your application on time.

If you're unsure about the application process, you can make an appointment with our admissions team at The Woolwich College, and they will guide you through the application process and review your documents.

Yes, the program includes practical work placements or fieldwork opportunities in health and social care settings. These placements are designed to give you hands-on experience and allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.

Yes, The Woolwich College offers a range of support services, including:

• Academic support to help with coursework or study skills.
• Counselling and mental health services.
• Career services to assist with placements and future employment opportunities.
• Student advice services, including guidance on financial aid and immigration issues.

The course follows a blended delivery pattern. You will attend one day of in-person classes at the college, which could be on a weekday or a Saturday, depending on the timetable. Additionally, you will have two evening online sessions each week to support your studies. This flexible approach helps you balance your academic commitments with personal and professional responsibilities.