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Health and Social Care courses

If you’re interested in health and social care, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to move up the career ladder or simply have a personal interest in caring for others, our health and social care courses can help you make a difference. Explore the degree, diploma and certificate courses we have to offer.

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Health and Social CareDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years


Health and Social CareDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years


Health and Social CareCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Why study Health and Social Care with The Open University?

You’ll be studying with one of the largest and most innovative providers of educational opportunities and learning solutions in the health and social care sector. For over 30 years, we have been delivering supported and open distance learning in this field, creating highly-respected materials for use across this fast-changing industry.

The benefits of studying health and social care with us are:

  • Earn while you learn – our flexible study is designed to fit around your work and home life.
  • We work with employers, including the NHS, social services and the voluntary sector, providing qualifications that meet their changing needs.
  • You’ll gain a broad understanding of the diverse practices, settings and influential factors that make up and effect this sector.
  • We offer a wide-range of courses, whatever your level of experience or interest. Just choose what is right for you.

Careers in Health and Social care

Health and social care services are changing – care is increasingly complex with new challenges including management of continuity of care, long term conditions, rehabilitation, dementia and end-of-life care. Studying for a qualification with The Open University can open up career opportunities for you in this growing sector.

Our range of courses in health and social care can help you start or progress your career as a:

  • Healthcare practitioner
  • Youth worker
  • Registered Care Manager
  • Charity Officer

If you'd like to become a Registered Nurse or Social Worker, you'll need to study our Nursing or Social Work degrees. These courses provide you with an accredited route to qualify to work in these fields.

Take advantage of part-time study while you gain on-the-job experience in the sector. Studying health and social care with the OU has a flexible, step-on/step-off model that allows progression and development when it’s most convenient for you.

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Health and Social Care modules

All Health and Social Care courses

Browse all the Health and Social Care courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Health and Social Care courses