FdA Social Care Studies

The Foundation Degree in Social Care Studies provides a broad and practice‑focused understanding of the social care sector. Across the two years, you will explore the values, legislation, theories, and practical skills needed to work confidently and professionally in a wide range of care settings. Learning is designed to link theory with real‑world practice through volunteering or work‑based experience.

Key Themes You Will Study

• Values, ethics and professional practice — understanding person‑centred care, safeguarding, rights, and responsibilities.
• Social policy and legislation — exploring how current laws, frameworks, and national priorities shape social care in Wales.
• Human development and behaviour — examining psychological and sociological theories that explain how people grow, learn, and respond to life experiences.
• Mental health and wellbeing — understanding mental health conditions, support models, and community‑based approaches.
• Learning disabilities and inclusive practice — exploring support strategies, communication approaches, and empowerment.
• Working with families and communities — developing skills for early intervention, family support, and multi‑agency collaboration.
• Research and reflective practice — building skills in academic writing, enquiry, and reflective learning to support professional growth.
• Work‑based learning — applying theory in real settings through structured volunteering or employment in the sector.

In the first year (Level 4) you will study:

• Employability 1
• Advocacy and Empowerment
• Inclusive Practice
• Key Theories
• Skills for Learning
• Personalisation of Care and Support

In the second year (Level 5), you will study six of the following modules:

• Employability 2
• Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults
• Research in Social Care
• Exploring Mental Health
• Ethical Dilemmas in Social Care
• Supporting Carers
• Introduction to Criminology
• Understanding Substance Misus

Graduates can move into a wide range of professional fields across the social care and community sector. Common progression areas include:

• Probation and Youth Justice — roles within probation services, youth offending teams, resettlement support, and community rehabilitation.
• Advocacy — supporting individuals to understand their rights, express their views, and navigate services.
• Mental Health Services — community mental health teams, crisis support, recovery services, and supported accommodation.
• Learning Disabilities Support — residential, community, and supported living roles focused on independence and wellbeing.
• Children and Families Services — early intervention, family support, safeguarding, and residential childcare.
• Substance Misuse and Recovery Work — supporting individuals affected by addiction through outreach, harm reduction, and recovery programmes.
• Homelessness and Housing Support — working with people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or complex needs.
• Community Development and Wellbeing — roles in community projects, social inclusion initiatives, and wellbeing programmes.
• Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation — supporting individuals transitioning from custody back into the community.
• Health and Social Care Coordination — key worker, care coordinator, or multi‑agency support roles.
• Older Adult and Dementia Care — residential, day service, and community‑based support roles.
• Education and Support Roles — teaching assistant, learning mentor, or pastoral support roles in education settings.

Progression to BA (Hons) Social Care Studies at Coleg Sir Gar is encouraged and is the most popular choice for our students. 

All full time applicants must apply via UCAS using the course code L500 and institution code C22.

Information on fees is available from Student Services in the college and Student Finance Wales.

Assessment on this programme is carried out entirely through coursework, giving students the chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a practical, meaningful way. Instead of exams, you’ll complete a range of written and practice‑based assignments that reflect real expectations within the social care sector. These may include case studies, reflective journals, reports, presentations, research tasks, and work‑based evidence.

This approach supports different learning styles, reduces the pressure of high‑stakes testing, and mirrors the kind of analytical, reflective, and communication skills required in professional practice. It also allows you to apply theory directly to real‑world scenarios, strengthening both your academic development and your readiness for employment.

Formal qualifications may not be necessary as applicants could be accepted if they have experience, professional or personal, of the sector. However, Access qualifications or the or the equivalent of one A Level are considered for those without experience. All decisions are made on an individual basis following an informal interview. 

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David welcomes applications on the basis of prior learning, further details can be found here.

Students are required to show a satisfactory DBS and to register to the Update Service. The DBS is completed at the expense of the student. This is currently £55.50