Course Overview
Students have the choice of being taught in person or remotely. Nescot is pleased to deliver the FdA in Healthcare Play Specialism, validated and awarded by the University of West London. The course is designed for individuals wishing to study for a career as a registered Health Play Specialist. This degree supports the development of professional competencies in the field of therapeutic play for children and young people in hospital and community healthcare settings. Successful completion of the programme leads to registration with the Society of Health Play Specialists (SoHPS).
Entry Requirements
Entry criteria:
- GCSE English at grade 4 or above, or equivalent Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy
- Minimum of a relevant Level 3 qualification in Childcare or a related field
- Minimum of two years’ post qualification employment, working with children
- Good communication skills
- Evidence of continuous professional development
- Evidence of current, regular and relevant employment in the sector
- Identification of a registered Play Specialist to act as work-based mentor
- Commitment to negotiate and complete a 200-hour placement, if not already employed in a hospital
Applicants will also need to ensure that they have suitable IT equipment (eg. laptop or desktop computer), a quiet study space and internet access sufficient to run video conferencing software (Microsoft Teams and/or Google Classroom). Online learning protocols will be in place, so we urge applicants to consider the suitability of their home environment in advance and commit to setting time aside to actively engage with online taught content.
What the course covers
Please note you can also apply via UCAS for this course: https://www.ucas.com/explore/uni-detail/cb222c5f-5…
This is a two-year full-time course. It runs one day a week at Nescot, in addition students are required to undertake a 200-hour hospital placement. It is an expectation that work placements with a registered Health Play specialist have been arranged prior to enrolment on the programme.
Module titles at Level 4 (Year 1):
- Reflecting on Practice
- Development of Children and Young People
- Play as a Resource
- Policy and Practice
Module titles at Level 5 (Year 2):
- Resilience
- Management and Leadership
- Special Project
- Professionalism : Preparing to be a Registrant
A Practice Assessment Portfolio will be completed throughout the two years in the student’s placement.
Assessment is through a combination of academic essays, literature reviews, written reports, folder of evidence and exercises through the College’s Virtual Learning Environment.
Fees and funding
Fees for Academic Year 2026/27
£7,700 per year (UK Student) (£8,200 International Student)
Concession: NO
Government Subsidised: NO
Student Loan Available: YES (Higher Education Loan Available)
Please note: Fees are for 2026/27 entry and are for UK students of all ages. For more information about financial support for students, please click here.
Additional cost: £100 indexation fee to HPSET.
Duration
2 years.
Students have the choice of being taught in person or remotely.
In-person: 1 day attendance per week in college (6 hours : day to be confirmed).
Remote: learners will need to attend in-person for live group and individual presentations 4 times a year.
End Date: June 2028