BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care

About this course

This Health and Social Care degree examines how health and care services are organised, regulated and delivered, and how professionals can support people across different stages of life. You will consider the relationship between physical health, mental wellbeing, social circumstances and access to care.

The course covers human anatomy and physiology, lifespan development, mental health, health promotion, safeguarding and health inequalities. You will also explore vulnerability, empowerment, professional boundaries, care planning and health and safety in practice.

As the course progresses, you will compare healthcare systems and examine leadership, change management and research in health and social care. It is suited to students who want to develop an understanding of care services and the issues affecting individuals, families and communities.

A four-year full-time route includes a foundation year for students who need to build academic, research, communication and data skills before starting degree-level study. A three-year full-time degree route is also available.

What you will study

Modules include:

- Data Skills - Research Skills - Communication Skills - Professional Development for Practitioners - Academic and Professional Skills - Health and Social Care Professionals - Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology - Health and Safety in Practice - Lifespan Development - Safeguarding in Practice - Mental Health and Wellbeing - Health Promotion - Inequalities and Social Justice - Comparative Healthcare Systems - Leadership and Change Management - Undergraduate Project (Health and Social Contexts)

Topics also include health and social care systems; the management, regulation and integration of care providers; care planning; prioritisation and negotiation; and the biological, psychological and sociological factors that shape human development.

Modules

Assessment

Assessment methods include coursework, group and activity-based assignments, exams, problem-solving activities, projects and presentations.

Entry requirements

Standard entry requires 96 UCAS Tariff points from three A levels or an equivalent qualification, such as CCC at A level. Other accepted routes include the Irish Leaving Certificate at BBCCC, Scottish Highers at BBCCC, a related BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at DMM, or 24 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Applicants also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English and Maths.

For the foundation year route, a minimum of 40 UCAS Tariff points is required.

Applicants who meet either the foundation or standard entry criteria but have been out of study for five years must pass an academic interview.

Level 3 entry may be considered for applicants who do not meet the usual requirements but can demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills and potential to benefit from the course, for example through work experience and professional development.

For non-standard mature entry (age 21+), applicants need either an Ofqual-recognised academic Level 3 qualification, or a Level 2 qualification in the intended field plus relevant work experience in that field within the previous five years. Candidates must pass an academic interview.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic 6.0, or an equivalent English language qualification.

Careers

The course may support progression into roles such as assistant practitioner, occupational therapy assistant, psychological wellbeing practitioner, primary care graduate mental health worker, health promotion specialist, community development worker or education welfare officer. Opportunities may be available across health, public services, charities, community organisations and education settings, including the NHS, local authorities, social services, schools, colleges and early years provision.

It may also provide a foundation for further professional training in areas such as social work, nursing, occupational therapy, counselling or speech and language therapy, subject to the entry requirements of the relevant programme or profession.