This course consists of a single 20 credit module, ‘Professional Development in Health and Social Care’ and is the first step to ensuring you have the transferable skills needed to move forward in your role as a health and social care professional.
Our certificate of Credit in Health and Social Care Studies aims to widen the participation of Health and Social Care courses to practitioners who may not have the level of experience of academic study that is required for UK degrees. It is ideal for those who are looking to take the next step in health and social care, return to study or for those who may need to refresh their academic skills to go onto acquire the relevant qualifications within their role.
Health and social care organisations and professionals rely on particular research methods and techniques in order to cope with the changing landscape. Understanding and applying evidence is now an essential skill of health and social care practice and this module aims to develop your skills for research, including identifying a research question, analysing information, reviewing literature, collecting and analysing data and presenting the main findings in professional and concise manner, using appropriate technology.
NMC revalidation and CPD
If you are going through NMC Revalidation this year you’ll also be aware that you need to complete 35 hours of continuous professional development (CPD) which needs to include 20 hours of participatory learning. Our online course counts as participatory learning and will help you to meet the requirements for re-registration. It is an ideal way to top-up your academic skills in theory, digital literacy, critical thinking and reflection, gaining 20 university credits that will count towards your CPD and future studies. It will also enable you to become an effective practitioner in today’s complex health and social care environment through undertaking a range of experiential exercises, self-assessment techniques; organisational analysis and structured discussion.
Enhancing your professional development plan
This course will also allow you to integrate personal development planning (PDP) into your workload. Opportunities throughout the course for PDP are included through the application of learning materials to current practice within health and social care as well as the use of critical reflection within modules. This module will incorporate a variety of skills that will enable you to develop critical evaluation, appraisal and reflection skills in relation to your clinical and evidence based practice. This content will be contextualised and enhanced, allowing you to take the skills forward into clinical and academic practice.
Through studying this course you will be able to:
- analyse knowledge and understanding required for successful reflective and academic practice
- enhance your intellectual skills through personal study skills and academic writing
- engage in reflection on practice, reflective of contemporary professional practice
- develop your transferable skills through using information technology effectively and efficiently to engage with the evidence-based practice
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Pace of study
We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10 week trimester and if you are unable to attend you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.
Student support and guidance
Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
Get a taste of the course content
Our Health and Social Care Certificate of Credit course taster will give you an idea of how online learning works. It includes a selection of content from a course module so you can see what some of our learning material looks like.
You will need to complete a short form to access the course taster.
Try our course tasterTry our course taster
English Language Qualifications
Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not studied in an English-speaking institution, will need:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0
- Qualification evidence awarded in your country
- Transcripts of all relevant education/training
Find out more about our English language requirements
‡2024/25 for new entrants
Starting between September 2024 and August 2025.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£875 |
1 |
£875 |
2025/26 for new entrants
Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£925 |
1 |
£925 |
About your fees
Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
Apply directly to the University.
Apply now
For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.
Documents to support your application
In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
- Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
- Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
- Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
- Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
- The date of the translation
- The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
- The translator’s contact details
A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
Application deadlines
All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.
Whilst undertaking this programme you will already be employed in a variety of health and social care settings. This programme will support you to progress potentially into supervisory or management positions.
It will also help to prepare you for further study on our health and social care online programmes, such as Health and Social Care Diploma of Higher Education, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-up) and BSc (Hons) Integrative Health and Social Care (Top-up).
Utilise our Careers and Employment Service
Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.
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