Free Healthcare Practice Foundation Degree in Durham

CostFREE
Duration2 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime

About this course

Free FdSc Healthcare Practice course in Durham. Full-time daytime classes run at New College Durham's Framwellgate Moor Campus. Over two years, you'll build the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to work alongside registered healthcare professionals. The programme covers critical thinking, evidence-based practice, communication, and leadership in healthcare settings. Entry requirements are listed on the college website, so check before you apply. A free fdsc healthcare practice course for adults looking to move into or progress within healthcare.

Who this course is for

Course may be subject to change.

This exciting two-year Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice is delivered by industry professionals with extensive experience in the sector.

The North East requires a steady supply of healthcare workers to maintain a strong workforce. This degree programme aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours to work alongside registered healthcare professionals or to progress in your studies.

Upon completion of the FdSc Healthcare Practice, you will have acquired a range of skills relevant to healthcare practices such as critical thinking to be able to confidentially evaluate healthcare practices while applying evidence-based approaches. You will be able to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and communicate effectively, having the opportunities to develop the leadership and management skills necessary to facilitate effective healthcare and health promotion.

The programme also offers practical elements, including developing the ability to assess and manage a patient’s needs while utilising our exciting state-of-the-art simulated learning environment.

Entry requirements

Please refer to College website.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop critical thinking skills to evaluate healthcare practices using evidence-based approaches.
  • You'll learn how to work collaboratively with registered healthcare professionals.
  • You'll build communication skills suited to healthcare environments.
  • You'll develop leadership and management skills relevant to healthcare delivery.
  • You'll explore health promotion and how to support effective care.
  • You'll gain knowledge of professional behaviours expected in healthcare settings.

How you will learn

Classes are delivered on campus at Framwellgate Moor. The programme is taught by professionals with experience in the healthcare sector. Assessment details are available on the college website. Check directly with New College Durham for the full breakdown of assignments, practical assessments, and any placement requirements before you apply.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. New College Durham will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Healthcare support worker: assist registered professionals in clinical or community settings.
  • Healthcare assistant: support patient care in hospitals, GP surgeries, or care homes.
  • Senior care worker: take on supervisory responsibilities in adult social care.
  • Health promotion officer: support public health programmes and community wellbeing.
  • Mental health support worker: work alongside clinical teams in mental health services.
  • Rehabilitation support worker: help patients recover function after illness or injury.

What you could study next

  • BSc (Hons) Healthcare Practice or a related top-up degree: the FdSc is designed to lead into a full honours degree, typically one further year of study.
  • Registered nursing or allied health professional programmes: the FdSc can support applications to nursing, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy degrees, depending on the university's entry requirements.
  • Leadership and management qualifications in health and social care at Level 5 are also a natural next step for those moving into supervisory roles.

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