Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism

If you love working with children and want to play a key role in their learning and development, then this course is for you. Play is a natural part of childhood and enables children to explore the world they live in through recreations. For children that undergo medical procedures, play is vital to them to help them make sense of what will happen to them.

The course is for anyone who wants to work with and support children, in a hospital or community setting, by helping to make the most of their stay by preparing them for the medical interventions they will experience. You will learn techniques of therapeutic play and how to support not only the child but their parents, siblings and wider family during this difficult time.

This course looks at therapeutic play with an aim to help you develop practical skills and knowledge by linking theory to practice. It integrates academic study with workplace experience, whilst working with a qualified mentor. You will be expected to complete 200 hours in a relevant placement (HPSET outlined) per year.

The Professional Body HPSET will visit at least twice during each year to provide support for students during their practical placements. The university APLT will also visit twice a year in order to ensure university requirements are being met and to discuss any academic issues that may arise or any changes to University regulations.

Once you successfully complete this course, you can register as a Healthcare Play Specialist with HPSET, the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust.

This course is validated by The University of West London.

Health and Social Care
Children and Young People Policy and Practice
Play and Recreation
Child Development
Reflective Skills and Practice Assessment
Children and Young People
Leadership and Management
Health in Children and Young People
The Child, Family and Society Enhancing Resilience in Children and Young People
Investigating Resources
Reflective Skills and Practice Assessment

Every assignment has both a formative and summative assessment which include assessments such as multiple-choice questions, reflective essays, essays, reports, presentations and writing an article for publication.

This course is a degree level qualification which consists of:

Specialist Subject Learning
Professional and Industry Experience
Academic Tutorials and Progress Reviews
Independent Study and Research
Assessment Through Assignments, Projects and Presentations
Development of Academic, Professional and Employability Skills

We offer a range of support services to help you succeed during your studies, including:

Financial support and funding advice
Student finance support
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) guidance and support
Support from our dedicated Higher Education team
Personal academic tutoring and study support
Wellbeing, mental health and safeguarding services
Access to the Student Minds mental health and wellbeing resources
Academic skills development, including research, referencing and study skills workshops
Careers education, information, advice and guidance
Employability support and progression to university or employment

The tuition fee for this course is £6,100 per year for full-time study or £3,050 per year for part-time study.

There are three ways to pay for your course:

Student Finance. Eligible students can apply for a Higher Education Tuition Fee Loan through Student Finance England.
Self-Funding. Students can pay their tuition fees in full at enrolment or spread the cost across three instalments throughout the academic year.
Employer Sponsorship. If your employer is funding your studies, payment can be made directly by them.

Some Higher Education courses may be eligible for funding through the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), subject to eligibility criteria and funding availability. Please contact the HE Team for the latest information and to discuss the options available to you.

If you would like further information about course fees, funding options, or payment arrangements, please contact the HE Team at HEenquiries@nwslc.ac.uk

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Higher Education Team and the Course Lead.

In some cases, where applicants have the relevant qualifications and/or professional experience, we may be able to make a decision based on the information provided in the application and issue an offer without the need for an interview.

For other applicants, we may invite you to attend an interview to discuss your previous experience, career aspirations and suitability for the course to ensure you meet the entry requirements. This also provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the course and ensure it is the right choice for your future.

Please ensure you regularly check your emails, as all updates regarding your application and any next steps will be communicated by the Higher Education Team.