Course details
This certificate has one stage, comprising 60 credits.
This certificate provides an authoritative overview of health and social care.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 17 March 2021.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Certificate in Health and Social Care uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- working in a group with other students
- using and producing diagrams and screenshots
- finding external/third party material online
- using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding.
- Cognitive skills.
- Practical and professional skills.
- Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
On completion
On completion of this undergraduate course, we'll award you the Certificate in Health and Social Care.
Recognition in your country
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Skills for career development
This certificate develops a range of key skills that will be of interest to employers in all sectors. These include the ability to communicate ideas and arguments in a logical and well-structured way; thinking critically; using a computer confidently; reading and interpreting simple tables, charts and graphs; and planning and managing your time effectively.
Career relevance
If you work in the frontline of care or are seeking employment in this area, this certificate will build your confidence and skills, and give your career a boost. It will supply the knowledge base for progression to professionally recognised qualifications in health and social care, and is the ideal starting point for academic qualifications such as a diploma or degree.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes access to online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. (Note that most careers will require further study, training and/or work experience):
- Care assistant
- Health care assistant
- Nursery nurse
- Social worker
- Adult nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Counsellor
- Health promotion specialist
- Advice worker
- Care manager
- Practice manager
- Youth worker
- Probation officer
- Community development worker
- Health visitor.