FdSc Health Care Play Specialism at Solent University

Programme overview

Develop the specialist skills and confidence to support children’s emotional wellbeing through therapeutic play, guided by experienced practitioners and excellent professional learning opportunities. The Health Care Play Specialism foundation degree provides a supportive and practice‑focused route into a specialist profession that makes a real difference to children, young people and their families. This course introduces you to the principles of therapeutic play, child development, emotional wellbeing, and professional care environments, helping you build the confidence and competence required for safe and effective practice.

Faculty: Health and medical sciences | Duration: 2 years full-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: 2027 entry | Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules include Professional Practice of the Health Play Specialist, Health Promotion in Practice: Supporting Equity for Children and Families, Play in Healthcare Practice, Health and Development Across Childhood and Adolescence, Emotional Wellbeing, Health and Resilience, Health Play in Practice: Work-Based Project, Development Through Play: Childhood and Beyond, Becoming a Health Play Professional.

Career pathways

Graduates are well prepared for a rewarding career supporting children and young people in healthcare settings. Most students progress into the health play specialist role, working within hospitals, community health services, and paediatric units to deliver therapeutic play that reduces anxiety, supports understanding, and enhances emotional wellbeing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants will need to provide evidence of their ability to study at foundation degree level. A GCSE at grade C or above in English (or equivalent) are essential. Applicants must have a level 3 qualification in health, childcare, or education. Minimum of two years’ employment working with children, after gaining the Level 3 qualification. Good communication skills. Evidence of continuous professional development. Evidence of current or recent, regular, relevant employment in the sector. Identification of a registered play specialist who agrees to act as a work-based mentor. Commitment to negotiate and complete a 200-hour placement each year, if not already employed in a hospital. English language: IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with no component score below 5.5.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,550 a year. UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fee. Fees for the following year not yet published; previous year rates shown for guidance. Source

International applicants: GBP 17,750 a year. International full-time fee. Fees for the following year not yet published; previous year rates shown for guidance. Source

Intake: 2027 entry

Duration: 2 years full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.solent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/health-care-play-specialism-apprenticeship-fdsc

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