The Role of the Healthcare Assistant in the Community
University of StaffordshireCentre for Health Innovation Stafford, United Kingdom
Course overview
The Health Care Assistant’s role and the needs of community settings are constantly evolving, and this award has been developed to provide underpinning knowledge and skills to support and meet the needs of the developing workforce. This course is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills gained whilst working within a community setting in a health or social care supportive role. It is aimed at students who are currently employed in a health or social care related role and can study part-time.
Applicants have the opportunity to achieve 20 credits for each module completed or to achieve a Certificate in Continuous Professional Development after 40 credits have been completed. This includes The Long-Term condition module. The course will empower HCAs to undertake their role more effectively, having developed their self-confidence and self-awareness, and to attain a level of academic achievement that will provide a springboard for further study and development.
It will also foster ownership of the role, developing an increased awareness of their accountability, vulnerability and limitations with the need for clear lines of delegation from a registered professional. This course runs over 8 days spread over two terms (between September 2026-April 2027). This can be done as a standalone module, or part of the Award for Health Care Assistants.
Key highlights
- Earns 20 credits, counting towards a Certificate in Continuous Professional Development
- Builds on knowledge and skills gained working in community settings
- Studied as a standalone module or within the Award for Health Care Assistants
- Develops understanding of accountability, limitations and delegation from registered professionals
- Builds self-confidence and self-awareness to perform the HCA role more effectively
- Provides an academic springboard for further study and development
Entry requirements
- IELTS: 6 — 6.0 Most courses require IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent approved English language qualification. Some courses have higher entry criteria, so check the course-specific entry requirements.
Scholarships
Alumni Discount
25% on tuition fees compared to other universities, making your postgraduate degree a smart investment.
Care Leavers and Estranged Students
Applicants who have been in local authority or foster care can recevie a one-off higher education bursary of £2,000 from your local authority, which is paid in instalments.
Up to £2,000Disabled Students Allowance
DSA provides extra support for those students who incur extra course costs as a direct result of their disability.
Horizon Fund Bursary
£2,000 1st year undergraduate (Level 4).
Up to £2,000PGCE Bursary
The PGCE Bursary comprises six awards of £500 each.
Up to £500SMART Scholarship
The SMART scholarship represents a £3,000 discount that will be applied to every year of your tuition fees (this excludes placement years).
Up to £3,000
Careers this course leads to
- Community Healthcare Assistant
- Senior Healthcare Assistant
- Community Support Worker
- Assistant Practitioner
- Nursing Associate
Cost of study
UK/Home: £1,045
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Staffordshire, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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