FdA Allied Health Sciences
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FdA Allied Health Sciences
Course Overview
The Foundation Degree (FdA) in Allied Health Sciences is a career-focused qualification designed to provide practical healthcare knowledge, clinical understanding, and professional skills required within modern health and social care environments.
This two-year programme prepares students for employment in healthcare support roles or progression to a full BSc (Hons) degree in specialised healthcare disciplines such as Adult Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, or other allied health professions.
It is ideal for school leavers, mature learners, career changers, and healthcare professionals seeking formal qualifications to advance within the healthcare sector.
Available Pathways
Students may choose to focus their studies in one of the following pathways:
- Adult Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Health & Social Care Practice
- Rehabilitation Sciences
- Community Healthcare Practice
- Public Health & Health Promotion
Each pathway combines core healthcare knowledge with specialised modules aligned to professional progression routes.
What You Will Learn
Students develop theoretical understanding and practical competencies in:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Foundations of Clinical Practice
- Adult Nursing Principles
- Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation Models
- Mental Health & Psychological Wellbeing
- Patient Assessment & Care Planning
- Pharmacology Awareness
- Safeguarding & Professional Ethics
- Communication in Clinical Settings
- Evidence-Based Practice & Research Skills
The course emphasises applied learning, clinical case studies, simulated practice, and industry-relevant assessments.
Clinical & Practical Experience
Students gain practical skills relevant to healthcare settings, including:
- Supporting patient care and rehabilitation
- Promoting independence in daily living
- Assisting with clinical observations
- Care documentation and reporting
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Understanding professional standards and regulatory frameworks
Where applicable, work-based learning or simulated clinical environments enhance practical competence.
Study Flexibility
We understand many learners balance study with employment and family responsibilities.
Available options include:
- On-Campus Learning
- Online / Blended Study
- Evening Classes
- Timetables structured around healthcare shift patterns
This flexibility allows students to continue working in healthcare roles while gaining a recognised higher education qualification.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be aged 18–60
- Hold GCSE / BTEC Level 3 or equivalent qualification
- Provide evidence of at least 2 years of working history (preferred)
- Demonstrate readiness for higher education study
- Meet health, DBS, and suitability requirements (where applicable)
- Enhanced Work Route (Mature & Experienced Applicants)
We recognise that many successful healthcare professionals do not follow traditional academic pathways.
Applicants aged 21+ who may not meet standard academic requirements can apply through our Enhanced Work Route.
This pathway considers:
- Minimum 2 years verified healthcare or care-related work history
- Professional responsibilities within clinical or care settings
- Supervisory or leadership exposure
- Employer references
- Enhanced CV and competency assessment
This ensures experienced individuals are not excluded from higher education due to lack of formal qualifications.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may progress into roles such as:
- Healthcare Support Worker
- Adult Nursing Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant - Physiotherapy Assistant
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Care Coordinator
- Community Health Practitioner
- Disability Support Worker
Graduates may also progress to the final year (Top-Up) to achieve a BSc (Hons) degree in Adult Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Health & Social Care, or related Allied Health disciplines (subject to meeting progression requirements).
Industries
This qualification supports entry into sectors including:
- NHS & Private Healthcare Providers
- Community & Rehabilitation Services
- Mental Health Services
- Primary Care & GP Practices
- Care Homes & Residential Facilities
- Local Authority Social Services
- Public Health & Community Services
- Charitable & Non-Profit Health Organisations
