Anchor for Skip to main content accessible link

FdA Social and Community Practice

Course Details

Faculty:Health and Care

Level:Level 5

Awarded By:South Devon College

Duration:2 Years

Location:Paignton Campus

Academic Year:2026

Fees: £8825.00 (Subject to change)

UCAS Code:SACI

Qualification Type:Foundation Degree

Code: FG4SAC1F

Make an enquiry

FdA Social and Community Practice

This Foundation Degree in Social and Community Practice has been developed in response to local and regional needs for a skilled and professionally grounded workforce in social care and community support. The programme is both academically robust and vocationally relevant, designed to enhance progression into a wide range of roles within the local community, as well as offering a clear and supported pathway to further study, including progression onto related degrees such as the BSc (Hons) Social and Therapeutic Interventions or BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies.

The programme has been shaped in close alignment with the Professional Capabilities Framework regulated by the British Association of Social Work, ensuring it meets national expectations for ethical and effective social care practice. Its curriculum reflects contemporary issues facing communities and provides learners with the professional skills, theoretical foundations, and ethical understanding required for impactful, person-centred work.

At its core, the programme aims to promote effective social practice and increase the number of qualified practitioners capable of delivering early intervention, high-quality assessment, and multi-agency collaboration to support children, families, and other vulnerable groups. Emphasising a holistic, person-centred approach, the degree reinforces the critical role of social care professionals in addressing complex social issues through informed, compassionate, and collaborative practice.

The first year of study introduces students to the essential principles of social work and care, including legislation, ethics, and professional values, alongside key developmental theories and skill-building opportunities. This foundation equips students with the confidence and competence to work within varied community settings or to transition smoothly into further academic study.

In the second year, the curriculum focuses on current social challenges that significantly impact local populations — such as addiction, homelessness, poverty, mental health, disability, and experiences of the criminal justice system.

Through this innovative and flexible programme, University Centre South Devon seeks to enhance the region’s capacity for high-quality, responsive social care, ensuring that graduates are both employment-ready and academically equipped to pursue advanced qualifications within the sector.

Upon successful completion of this foundation degree you may progress to the final year of the BA Childhood and Youth studies degree at University Centre South Devon, or BSc Social and Therapeutic Interventions degree at University Centre South Devon. Please note that there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability.

Entry Requirements

Module Information

What to Expect When You Study With Us

At University Centre South Devon, we’re committed to helping you succeed – academically, professionally and personally. Whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, you’ll benefit from supportive teaching, flexible study options, dedicated academic and wellbeing support, and access to funding to help with the cost of living. Below you’ll find essential information about how our university-level courses are delivered, assessed and supported, so you can feel confident in your next steps.

Financial support and bursaries

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

When studied part-time, the duration of the course depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. For example, studying half-time would be equivalent to 50 per cent intensity of study and would typically extend the length of the course from two to three years. As part-time study will mean attendance of some modules that are on the full-time timetable, it may mean that you will be required to attend modules timetabled over three days of the week. You may be able to change the intensity of study during your course. Not all intensities of study are available for all programmes.

Teaching

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

Assessment

We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

Academic support

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

International students with UK settled status

Qualification and Language Requirements:

International Qualifications: If you hold qualifications from outside the UK, these must be officially translated and verified through ECCTIS.
English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of proficiency by achieving an IELTS score of 6.8 or above.

Course Related Fees