Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism

L5 Level 5
Full Time
10 September 2025 — 11 July 2027
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

Developed in collaboration with the Hospital Play Staff Education Trust (HPSET), this programme has been designed to enable you, as a Level 3 practitioner, to undertake the additional academic study and practice skills required to work towards gaining graduate status as a Healthcare Play Specialist (HPS). From the beginning you will be actively developing study skills and extending both the academic and practical knowledge and understanding necessary to develop your skills when working with sick children, young people and their families. This intensive course requires a significant amount of independent work to enhance the knowledge and skills developed during lectures, away from college.

What you will study

You will study the following modules:

Year 1 Modules – Level 4

Reflecting on Practice (20 credits)
Development of Children and Young People (30 credits)
Play as a Resource in Healthcare Interventions (30 credits)
The Impact of Policy on Practice in Healthcare Settings (30 credits)
Year 1 Professional Practice: Practice Assessment Portfolio (10 credits)

Year 2 Modules - Level 5

Professionalism – Preparing to be a Registrant (20 credits)
Resilience – Understanding the Concept for the Child and Practitioner (30 credits)
Management and Leadership in a Healthcare Setting (30 credits)
Student Led Practice Investigation (30 credits)
Year 2 Professional Practice: Practice Assessment Portfolio (10 credits)

Terms and Conditions

Click here to find out more

Course fee per year

Tuition Fees: £5,950.00

Entry requirements

A full and relevant level 3 qualification in Early Years, or a related subject, with 2 years work experience in the related field. GCSEs grades C or 4 and above in Maths and English. Equivalent level 2 qualifications in English and Maths would be considered. The course is open to volunteer and employed staff in the sector. Volunteer staff will be expected to have arranged their own work placement of a minimum of 200 hours, prior to enrolment on the course. All candidates will have to provide a letter from their supervisor confirming they will be supported with a qualified and HPSET registered mentor throughout the programme Applicants need to ensure that the Trust completes an Honorary contract, including all documentation relating to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). An interview with a member of the course team may be required.

Teaching and assessment

A variety of teaching methods will be used in support of the module outcomes. Assessment methods used include: academic essays and presentations, literature reviews, written reports, a folder of evidence and assessment of practical skills within the workplace.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

10 September 2025

End date

11 July 2027

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

8 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

TLCC5F02
L5

Qualification

Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism

Career prospects & further study

After completing this course, successful candidates may: 

 Pursue various employment opportunities within the industry. 
Register with HPSET as a Health Play Specialist 
Progress to the BA (Hons) Top up Working in Integrated Services for Children and Young People. 
Furthermore, graduate status on completion of Level 6 could lead to many post graduate opportunities.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE