Certificate in Higher Education in Health and Social Care

Note: The Higher Education Certificate is awarded on completion of a minimum of 120 credits.

At DGHE, we review applications individually, considering each applicant’s unique circumstances. Whether you hold a UK qualification, possess work experience or have obtained qualifications from overseas, we are open to discussing your application and exploring potential pathways for admission. We’ll look at the complete picture when it comes to your application; just get in touch with our admissions team at admissions@dghe.ac.uk, who will be able to advise you.

Applicants will typically hold a Level 2 qualification. Suitability for entry to the foundation programme may vary, and we encourage you to contact our Admissions team to discuss this further.

Non-standard qualifications & Mature applicants

We encourage mature students who are 21 years of age or older to apply. At DGHE, we value mature students’ diverse experiences and perspectives. While some entry requirements may still apply for this programme, we welcome applicants with relevant work experiences and carefully consider each one individually.

For more information on accepted international qualifications, visit our designated page.

English Language Requirements:

IELTS 5.5 / 4/C in English GCSE / Functional Skills Level 2

Students who have studied in a country where English is not the primary language will be required to meet our English Language Requirements. Usually, students must take an English Test offered by DGHE or provide one of the above.

*If you do not meet the required standard of English requirement in the assessment, you will be offered our Pre-sessional English language course to help you improve your English to the necessary level to gain admission to this course.

Restrictions on learner entry:

The CertHE in Health and Social Care course requires learners to be 18 years and over at the start of their course.

The College will ensure those entry requirements are applied per institutional policy and that the admissions process will follow the following format.

Step 1: Apply

All applicants must first create an online portal account with David Game Higher Education and complete the application form

Step 2: Upload Documents

All applicants must upload the following documents on the portal:

• Examination transcripts (English translation where necessary), or notarised copies and English Language examination transcripts (where applicable)
• Your CV
• A copy of your passport
• Proof of Address (e.g. Bank Statement, household utility bill, current UK driving licence)
• A 300-500 word personal statement outlining the reasons for applying to your chosen programme, how you feel you will benefit from the programme of study, what contributions you will make to the College and how this will help your future career aspirations
• Photo (Passport style picture)
• Employment reference letter (if applicable)

Note: If you are not able to submit the documents online, you can bring them to the college, and a staff member can do it on your behalf. If requested, applicants must provide two references in support of their suitability for the programme.

Step 3: Arrange an Interview

• Applicants will be subject to a personal interview where possible, either by a member of the admissions team or an approved agency (where this is not possible, acceptance will be based on the information contained in the application form and any supporting documents)
• Arrange an appointment to visit DGHE to present certain original documents and attend an interview. You can do this via email at admissions@dghe.ac.uk or via telephone at 02032200347
• Applications can also be submitted in person at our DGHE campus. Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.

Note: All applicants must present original examination transcripts on the interview day.

Step 4: Internal English Test

Applicants whose first language is not English, with no formal or recognised qualification, will be required to take the DGHE English Entry test to determine whether their level of English is appropriate for the course applied. The level required for entry onto the HND is typically an IELTS 5.5 or above.

If you do not meet the required standard of English requirement in the assessment, you will be offered our Pre-sessional English language course to help you improve your English to the necessary level to gain admission to the course.

Step 5: Accepting your Offer
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application after completing steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the assessment day.

If the application is successful, the applicant will be sent a formal ‘Unconditional Offer’ letter via email. Once the applicant accepts the offer, they are entering into a legal, contractual agreement with the College.

A ‘conditional offer’ can be issued to an applicant with one or more outstanding conditions to be met. These can include passing an English language test or providing an original copy of evidence referred to in their application form. After such conditions are met, the College will issue the Unconditional Offer letter.

Note: Closer to the start of the course, the Admissions Team will send information regarding the induction day and timetable.

Campus Name: David Game College

Course Duration: 9 months

Course Delivery: 2 days per week*

*In addition to the 2 days of timetabled classes, learners are required to attend a personal tutor meeting twice per semester

Course Fees: £9250 (Loans available from Student Loan Company)

Awarding Body: University of Gloucestershire

Note: UK/EU students may be eligible for study loans/grants from the Student Loans Company. This support can help finance your studies and day-to-day living expenses (depending on the course level). You can find more information related to Student Finance and the necessary qualifications by visiting the corresponding links. For more information, please get in touch with the admissions team at admissions@dghe.ac.uk or T: 0203 220 0347

The assessments are specifically designed to develop students’ understanding of the sector. Students will be encouraged to reflect on real-life challenges and dilemmas in order to consolidate their learning and understanding. The following assessment activities are used in this programme: essays, individual and group presentations, a reflective assignment, the development of plans and case studies, dissertation. In addition, students will be expected to undertake formative assessments, including presentations, guided learning tasks, and seminar participation.

• We use various assessments, simulations, and role plays as part of the assessment process to address challenging areas of practice. We share with critical friends how students can be supported throughout the course of the programme in their attempts to gain voluntary hours within the sector and how experts from the field will be involved in the delivery of the programme to provide students with real-life scenarios.
• Small class sizes and individual attention enable us to help students from all backgrounds gain the qualifications needed to maximise their higher education and career prospects.
• DGHE provides workshops centring on the idea that a learner can build upon their learning through engaging in learning activities relevant to their subject areas.
• Students are supported throughout their learning to develop their knowledge, skills and values required for future employment. Teaching is frequently based upon an experiential model of learning, enabling students to develop the ‘what,’ ‘how,’ and ‘why’ of practice.

The Certificate in Higher Education in Health and Social Care is an excellent starting point that will provide you with the necessary foundation to pursue a career in this sector. You will have gained an understanding of the health and social care industry and essential employability skills.

We strongly recommend that you continue your education by pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Upon completing the CertHE, you can progress to a Level 4 or Bachelor’s Degree Level course.  At DGHE, you will have access to the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Management and Leadership* delivered at David Game Higher Education, London Campus and awarded by the University of Gloucestershire. This will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the industry and provide you with a competitive advantage when it comes to job opportunities.

 * Please note that although you do not need to have English and Maths GCSEs (or equivalent) to join the Cert HE, you will need to have those qualifications (or equivalent) in place before progressing onto the BSc  (Hons) Health and Social Care Management and Leadership.

Additional support is provided to all students through our Academic Skills’ module during the CertHE to improve your English and Maths level and prepare you should you choose to progress to a Bachelor’s level course.