Available for January start

Online course details

Study options

Part-time: 10 weeks

UK fee

£875 (2024/25)

International fee

£875 (2024/25)

Start dates

September, January, May

Location

Online

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.

What you will study

Through studying this course you will be able to:

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.

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Discovering Online Learning webinar: October 2024

Thursday, 17 October 2024 12.00 - 13.00

During this hour long webinar, we'll take you through how online learning works and what you can expect as an online student with the University of Derby.

Book your webinarBook your webinar

How you will learn

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

Entry requirements

You will need:

English Language Qualifications

Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not studied in an English-speaking institution, will need:

Find out more about our English language requirements

Fees and funding

2024/25 for new entrants

Starting between September 2024 and August 2025.

 Per 20 creditsModulesCost
UK/EU/International £875 1 £875

About your fees

Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.

Flexible payment plan available

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:

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

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.

Careers

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.

Getting you career ready

Your degree is only part of your story.

We're here to help prepare you for life after university.

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96%
of UK graduates are in employment or further study.

Top 5
for employability.
Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.

87%
of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning:

Contact usContact usFrequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

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