People do not experience health and social care through a single aspect of their identity. Factors such as ethnicity, gender, disability, age, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation interact to shape lived experiences, access to services, and health outcomes. Intersectionality provides a framework for understanding how these overlapping identities can create advantage, disadvantage, or exclusion.
This free Intersectionality in Health and Social Care Training Course introduces learners to the concept of intersectionality and explores how it can be applied to reduce health inequalities, improve person-centred care, and promote fairness across services.
Why Take This eLearning Course?
Health inequalities remain a major challenge in the UK. Traditional approaches that focus on single characteristics often fail to address the complex realities faced by individuals with multiple, intersecting identities. Understanding intersectionality helps professionals recognise systemic barriers and respond more effectively.
This free course will help you to:
- Understand what intersectionality means and where it comes from
- Recognise how overlapping identities influence health and care experiences
- Identify structural and systemic causes of health inequalities
- Apply intersectional thinking to everyday practice and decision-making
- Improve inclusivity, fairness, and person-centred care
- Support equality, diversity, and social justice in health and social care
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define intersectionality and understand its origins
- Explain why intersectionality matters in health and social care
- Identify how intersecting social determinants affect health outcomes
- Recognise patterns of inequality linked to race, gender, disability, age, and class
- Apply intersectional approaches in care planning, service delivery, and policy
- Understand challenges and limitations of applying intersectionality in practice
- Support advocacy, empowerment, and inclusive care
Intersectionality in Health and Social Care Course Outline
Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Intersectionality
Learners will be introduced to the concept of intersectionality and its origins, including the work of Kimberlé Crenshaw. This module explains what intersectionality means and why it is important for understanding people’s lived experiences. Learners will explore the key principles of intersectionality, focusing on how social categories such as race, gender, class, disability, age, and sexuality interact to shape experiences of advantage and disadvantage within health and social care.
Module 2: Health Inequalities and Intersectionality
This module examines health inequalities and their systemic nature. Learners will explore how intersecting social determinants, such as age, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and gender, influence health outcomes. Real-world examples of health disparities shaped by intersecting identities are discussed, including inequalities in maternal care and access to services, to help learners understand how disadvantage can be compounded.
Module 3: Applying Intersectionality in Practice
Learners will explore how intersectionality can be applied in health and social care settings to improve practice and outcomes. This module looks at case studies where intersectional approaches have informed policy or service delivery, such as tackling ethnic health inequalities. Learners will also consider the practical and organisational challenges of embedding intersectionality into everyday practice and decision-making.
Module 4: Methodological Approaches to Studying Intersectionality
This module introduces learners to the ways intersectionality is studied and analysed. Learners will explore qualitative and quantitative research methods used to understand complex inequalities, as well as the role of social epidemiology in examining population health. Examples of research frameworks that incorporate intersectionality are discussed to show how evidence can inform policy and practice.
Module 5: Intersectionality in Advocacy and Empowerment
Learners will examine how intersectionality informs equality, inclusion, and social justice advocacy in health and social care. This module explores strategies for addressing multiple and overlapping forms of oppression and discrimination. Learners will also consider the importance of empowering marginalised individuals and groups through holistic, person-centred advocacy that recognises the full complexity of people’s identities and experiences.
Module 6: Challenges and Limitations of Intersectionality
In the final module, learners will critically reflect on the challenges and limitations of using intersectionality as a framework in health and social care. This includes examining systemic and organisational barriers, the need for ongoing education and awareness among professionals, and debates about how intersectionality is applied in practice. Learners will consider ways to address these limitations while still using intersectionality to promote fairness, equity, and inclusive care.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
- Health and social care professionals
- Care workers, support workers, and senior carers
- Managers, leaders, and commissioners
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion leads
- Students and learners in health and social care
It is suitable for introductory learning, refresher training, and CPD.
FAQ
Do I need prior knowledge of intersectionality or equality law?
No. This course is designed for beginners and explains key concepts clearly while remaining relevant for experienced professionals.
Is this course relevant to UK health and social care?
Yes. The content is grounded in the UK context and links directly to health inequalities, policy, and practice.
How long does the course take?
Most learners complete the course in 1 hour, depending on pace and prior experience.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.
Understanding intersectionality helps professionals move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. It supports fairer decision-making, improves access to services, and ensures care is responsive to the full complexity of people’s lives.
Enrol on the Intersectionality in Health and Social Care Training Course today
Build inclusive practice, challenge inequalities, and deliver care that truly reflects the needs of diverse communities.
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Intersectionality in Health and Social Care Training Course CPD Accredited and Government Funding
We’re working on getting this Intersectionality in Health and Social Care Training Course CPD accredited, and any course that’s approved will be clearly labelled as CPD accredited on the site. Not every health and social care course has to be accredited to help you meet CQC expectations – what matters is that staff are competent, confident and properly trained for their roles under Regulation 18. Our courses are built to support those requirements, and because they’re not government funded there are no eligibility checks or ID needed – you can enrol and start learning straight away.
