Health Care Studies, HE Cert

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Course Overview

The Certificate in Health Care Studies has been designed for Health Care Support Workers to complete a recognised formal level four qualification in keeping with the current Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) strategy ‘Developing Excellence in Healthcare and NHS Wales Skills and Career Framework for Healthcare Support Workers supporting Nursing and the Allied Health Professions.’

The programme has a strong focus on self-development, self-awareness and developing your nursing skills and you will gain detailed knowledge and insight of key aspects within nursing including holistic care, physiology across the ages, family and society and health and wellbeing. You will also explore your own role within your clinical setting.

The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Health Care Studies is a two year part-time programme, situated in the School of Health and Social Care in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science (FMHLS). This is a composite programme which comprises theoretical, practice-based learning and work based learning (WBL). The programme is delivered at St. David’s park campus.

Why Health Care Studies at Swansea?

You will be studying within the Department of Nursing which is proud to have:

  • An outstanding reputation for Nursing at Swansea and are ranked in the Top 200 in the World for Nursing (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • 3rd in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026)

Our academic staff are qualified nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, many of whom are also practising clinicians, providing an exceptional combination of theory, professional insight, and practical expertise.

The programme also embeds a strong sense of belonging and it’s essential for student access and well-being. This programme actively cultivates a supportive learning environment, recognising that a positive student experience is linked to both academic success and well-being.

Your Health Care Studies Experience

Our blended learning approach combines on campus teaching with online and self directed study, giving you the flexibility to fit your studies around work, family or other commitments.

You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, discussions, digital resources, simulations and independent study, creating a varied and engaging experience.

The programme is designed around you and your professional development. You’ll take an active role in your learning through case studies, group work, scenarios, presentations and supervised consultations in practice settings. These activities will help you link theory to real world situations and build confidence in practice.

You’ll explore a range of perspectives such as biomedicine, integrative care, peer support and nursing  fundamentals to understand how different ideas shape patient care. Throughout the course, you’ll develop essential skills in evaluating evidence and using research to inform safe, effective practice.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work as a Healthcare Support Worker or assistant practitioner. You’ll also gain a strong understanding of research, ethics and governance, helping you apply evidence to support best practice in your future career.

Health Care Studies Careers

Our programme aims to develop existing HCSWs and care workers into a compassionate and innovative workforce and it is anticipated that these educational opportunities will support the following opportunities:

  • Develop your existing role to promote safe care and service improvement
  • Be eligible for consideration for promotion to a higher band within the knowledge and skills framework operating in NHS Wales
  • Develop the enhanced role of Assistant Practitioner
  • Offer eligibility to apply to undertake pre-registration nursing after Part 1 of the NMC: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses (2018).

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Health Care Studies, HE Cert