BA (Hons) Health and Care Management with Foundation Year

Course Overview

Do you want to develop the skills to excel in leadership and management roles across the health and care sector, but aren’t not sure if you’re ready for university study? Then AU health and care management degree with an integrated foundation year is the solution you’ve been looking for.

Designed to equip you with the skills you need to progress to degree-level study, this programme will help you establish a career within the health and social care sector, even if you don’t have the academic qualifications to join a standard undergraduate degree course. The foundation year is perfect if you need a little extra support to start your journey to higher education, offering study-skills and guidance at every stage.

In addition to being a high quality honours degree, the course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). That means that upon successful completion, you’ll receive the CMI level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership, demonstrating your ability to succeed in health and social care management roles. The course is endorsed by the Institute of Health & Social Care Management (IHSCM) and Skills for Care, meaning it’s recognised for its excellence in teaching both management and health and social care skills, and can serve as a fast-track to professional development.

The academic team behind the development and delivery of the course are industry leaders with vast experience within the health and social care sector, including directors at the NHS/IHSCM and digital health tech firms, ensuring the course is directed by the needs of the industry. This also brings a wealth of professional expertise to your learning, providing you with a myriad of opportunities to develop your skills and practice. Finally, guest lecturers and live case studies from Arden’s links with the NHS, IHSCM, and Skills for Care will help you learn from real-world experiences and connect with professionals in the field.

Course details and modules

Arden’s foundation year modules have been designed to give you a tailored and fully supportive introduction to university study. This first year of study will prepare you for success in higher education by introducing you to the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge required to excel in your chosen degree subject.

An innovative approach to health and care management is the only answer to the extensive changes the sector has experienced in the last years. The course has been developed in correspondence with the ever-growing needs of the health and social care sector, highlighting the emerging digital and leadership competencies required of today’s professionals and managers.

So, if you’re looking for a quality health and social care-oriented degree that will help you take on the sector’s most pressing workplace matters with confidence, look no further than Arden’ BSc (Hons) Health and Care Management with Foundation Year.

Modules

You have 4-12 years to complete this course, meaning you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of AU students, however, aim to complete the course within 4-8 years.

Foundation year

Preparing for University Success
Exploring the Business Environment
Advancing your Academic Skills
Becoming an Effective Leader
Planning for Your Future Success
Investigation & Innovation Project

Level 4

Essential Skills for Health & Care Management
Meeting the Needs of Service Users
Planetary Health
Health Promotion
Supporting Dignity and Respect Through Ethical Principles and Theories
Communication & Interprofessional Collaboration

Level 5

Leadership Theory & Concepts for Health & Care Management
Fundamentals of Health & Care Finance
Public Health
Resource Planning in Multidisciplinary Working
Digital Health Leadership
Evidence Based Practice

Level 6

Global Health and Sustainability
Health Analytics and Planning
Total Quality Management in Health & Care
Project Management
Final Project

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research:Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are consider on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – Arden team is more than happy to discuss your application.

What do you need to study with us?

Arden’s aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That’s why Arden keep Arden’s requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (AU recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you’ll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and AU online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.

Course fee

International Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£4000

UK Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no less than 5.5 in any element).
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Arden’s BSc (Hons) Health and Care Management with Foundation Year course, AU need to see that you have:

At least 3 x GCSEs OR 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years Arden would also ask to see a professional CV.
If you don’t meet these requirements, your application may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.

In addition, an apprenticeship route: the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) Health and Care Management (CMI) with NHS Mary Seacole Award is also available.

Apply for the Course

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Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode.

Daytime classes are available in London Ealing, London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.

Evening classes are available in London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham campuses.

Weekend and evening classes are another option. You’ll have one class on a Friday evening and one class on Saturday each week. These are available in London Tower Hill and Leeds.

Full-time blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose AU blended learning study mode, each week you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden campus of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, Arden university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to AU Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Blended learning is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who live within commuting or driving distance of one of AU UK campuses.

If you’re a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of Arden’s UK campuses) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. You can find more information on AU fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your psychology degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources AU have put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

Office 365 subscription
Integrated zoom video conferencing
Careers support available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer.
Perlego online library access giving you access to over half a million books, journals and articles
Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support
BPS resources and support
NVIVO, SPSS and GORILLA industry software

Career prospects

The BSc (Hons) Health and Care Management with Foundation Year provides students with not only just a degree, but the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. This will allow you to gain key qualifications and professional competence in health and care management and leadership to start or enhance your career. This qualification is accepted by the CQC and Skills for Care in application for Registered Manager positions in social care, demonstrating the quality of the course from both a management and health and care perspective.

What can I do after Arden University?

With a health and care bachelor’s degree under your belt, you could work in the National Health Service (NHS), in the vast social care sector, with a private healthcare provider, or for a voluntary or not-for-profit organisation in a range of settings, including:

Health service management
Social care Registered Manager roles
Service implementation, improvement, or transformation
Health and care funding opportunities and applications
Strategy development
Communications and engagement
Partnership or collaboration building
Training needs management
Workforce development
Service user/patient experience liaison or engagement
Quality assessment
Health promotion and education
Public health initiatives
System design and implementation
Digital health enterprises
Data planning

What will the BSc (Hons) Health and Care Management with Foundation Year do for me?

With the introduction of integrated care systems, the demand for highly trained professionals and managers in health and social care will most certainly increase. Arden’s unique offering combines health and care with management principles, providing a foundation for you to both develop and build new skills for your current or future managerial roles. This includes those working or aspiring to work within NHS Trusts, social care, private clinics, charitable sectors, or within local councils or the wider health profession.

So, whether you’re looking for a career change, to develop new skills, or career progression, the course offers a pathway for you to achieve your ambitions. On top of this, gaining CMI status opens new doors for professionals in the field and can act as a fast-track to career development and progression.

Upon graduation, you may find yourself managing a health or social care setting, developing public health campaigns or policy, researching key health and care issues, working in medical technology, developing quality assurance practises, or even working in community health care development.

During your Foundation Year, you’ll get comprehensive support and preparation for your university journey, including:

Introduction and preparation: AU Foundation Year courses introduce you to university-level teaching, learning, and assessment methods. You’ll develop essential study skills, research techniques, and critical thinking abilities, laying a strong foundation for your degree studies.

Personalised support: AU academic staff will guide you throughout your Foundation Year. They’ll ensure a smooth transition into your degree programme, providing the support you need every step of the way.

Direct relevance to your future degree: your programme content is carefully designed to align with Arden’s degree courses. Studying a Foundation Year will equip you with subject-specific knowledge and interdisciplinary exploration, establishing a solid base for your chosen degree.

Improved degree outcomes: AU prioritise not only your academic preparation but also your success. By boosting your confidence, academic skills, and understanding of the subjects, AU empower you to achieve the best possible degree outcomes and expand your career opportunities.

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course awards a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership and offers CMI Full Chartered Manager Status *

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members – the gold standard in management. With 140,000 members, the institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect like-minded professionals.

As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including a mentoring service and invitations to networking events both online and offline.

Upon completion of this CMI-accredited course, you will be awarded CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership and gain CMI Full Chartered Manager Status. This recognises you have the skills needed to be an effective manager, helping you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey – with a CMI qualification and a clear pathway to full Chartered Manager status.

*Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate.

Institute of Health & Social Care Management (IHSCM)

This course is endorsed by the Institute of Health & Social Care Management, whose aim is to create a supportive professional body that is relevant in its activities and modern in its approach and who holds sector leaders in the NHS, social care, third sector and private healthcare amongst its members. The IHSCM works with Arden University to contribute to curriculum development and delivery. As an Arden student, you’ll become a student member of the Institute, giving you access to a diverse range of events, conferences, workshops and networks as well as opportunities for mentoring and coaching. You are also encouraged to apply for full membership of the Institute once you graduate from the course.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives Arden’s faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of Arden’s courses and teaching methods, ensuring that AU is able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Skills for Health

Skills for Health is the UK’s leading authority on skills and workforce development for the health sector. NHS and healthcare employers across the UK collaborate with Skills for Help to develop skills, roles, competencies, and strategies that provide better patient outcomes. They champion the entire workforce.

The Quality Mark is the UK’s benchmark for exceptional healthcare training and development. Being endorsed by the Quality Mark ensures that an organisation’s training is world class, and has passed a rigorous review process of its delivery, strategy, and quality assurance practices.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

The BGA is a membership and quality assurance body. As a member, Arden University have signed up to the BGA Charter, committing their institution to responsible management practices and lifelong learning, positively impacting their students, communities, and the economy. This shows Arden’s students that Arden is demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through AU own courses.

As Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), students will receive complementary BGA student and graduate membership. Through this membership, current students will have access to the BGA Career Development Centre, packed with interactive tools, e-learning content, partner discounts and the latest job opportunities. This is a lifetime access, which means students will continue to have access to these services even after they graduate.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with Arden’s curriculum and your career goals.
Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.