Kingston university the award of postgraduate certificate in applied social care studies

Description

Kingston University, a vibrant public research university in southwest London, is renowned for its practical, inclusive approach to health, social care, and professional development, empowering diverse learners to make real-world impacts in community and care settings. Founded in 1899 as Kingston Technical Institute and granted university status in 1992, Kingston serves over 17,000 students from 140+ countries across its modern campuses in Kingston upon Thames and Roehampton. Ranked top 10 in London for Social Work (Guardian University Guide 2025) and 1st for student satisfaction in Social Policy (National Student Survey 2024), the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education excels in applied research, with 80% of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). The Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Applied Social Care Studies is a flexible, practice-focused qualification designed for social care professionals seeking to advance their expertise in evidence-based support for vulnerable individuals and communities. This part-time, 1–2 year program (60 UK credits at Level 7) awards a prestigious Kingston degree certificate or diploma (non-classified), enabling registered practitioners to enhance skills in areas like safeguarding, inclusion, and policy implementation, with 95% of graduates reporting improved career progression within six months.

A Legacy of Applied Social Care and Professional Development

Kingston’s PgCert in Applied Social Care Studies, developed within the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, builds on the university’s century-long tradition of vocational training, emphasizing compassionate, research-informed practice to address societal needs. Delivered through blended learning with experienced practitioners and academics, it integrates lived experiences of service users and carers, aligning with national frameworks like the Care Act 2014 and Social Work England standards. Ranked top 20 in the UK for Social Work (Complete University Guide 2026), the program supports working professionals in roles across children’s services, adult care, and mental health, fostering ethical leadership in a sector serving over 10 million UK users. Alumni contribute to local authorities, NHS trusts, and NGOs, shaping inclusive policies and community resilience.

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

Kingston’s social care portfolio prioritizes accessibility, with the PgCert in Applied Social Care Studies requiring a relevant undergraduate degree (2:2 or equivalent) or professional qualification (e.g., DipSW) plus two years’ experience in social care. Taught via 12 blended days over 12 months at the Kingston Hill Campus, it includes modules on contemporary issues, leading to a non-classified diploma. Key highlights include:

• Core Structure (PgCert Applied Social Care Studies): The program comprises 60 credits across two 30-credit modules: Applied Social Care Studies 1 (exploring policy, ethics, and practice in adult/child safeguarding) and Applied Social Care Studies 2 (focusing on leadership, inclusion, and research-informed interventions). Compulsory elements include reflective practice, case studies from diverse settings, and ethical decision-making, with assessments via essays (50%), portfolios (30%), and presentations (20%). Blended delivery suits employed learners, with networking events and optional electives in mental health or disability studies.
• Admission Requirements: 2:2 honors degree in social care, health, or related field, or professional qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 5); two years’ relevant experience. English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, no subscore below 6.0). Applications via Kingston’s portal; up to 20 places annually, with interviews for shortlisted candidates.
• Variants and Pathways: Stackable toward MSc Applied Social Care (additional 120 credits); related PgCerts in Leadership in Health and Social Care. Progression to doctorate or advanced NMC/SWE registration.

Why Pursue a PgCert in Applied Social Care Studies at Kingston University?

Enrolling in the Kingston PgCert Applied Social Care Studies immerses you in a supportive, diverse community with small cohorts (average 15 students) and access to facilities like the Social Care Simulation Suite for role-playing scenarios. The program’s practitioner-led design—praised for its “inclusive, evidence-based” approach (NSS 2024)—builds networks through guest sessions with local authority leaders, preparing graduates for senior roles like care coordinator in children’s services or policy advisor in adult safeguarding. Kingston’s top-10 London ranking for Social Work graduate prospects (Guardian 2025) and international focus ensure strong outcomes, while its emphasis on equity supports underrepresented practitioners.

In summary, the Kingston University Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Social Care Studies is an empowering diploma that advances compassionate, research-informed practice. For social care professionals committed to inclusion, Kingston’s PgCert delivers professional elevation and societal impact.