Course Description

The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Top-Up degree is designed for students who have already completed a prior health or social care qualification and wish to progress to an honours degree. This one-year programme equips students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals across a wide range of health and social care settings.

The course covers key topics such as safeguarding, elderly care, contemporary mental health, child protection, and leadership in health and social care services. It enables students to develop higher-level research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, while exploring the latest policy developments and best practices within the sector.

Whether your goal is to take on a senior leadership role, manage a healthcare organisation, or run your own care-based business, this degree builds on previous qualifications to enhance your expertise and employability.

What You Will Learn
Students will gain an advanced understanding of health and social care management and practice, alongside critical workplace competencies. Learning outcomes include:

  • Applying evidence-based approaches to health and social care delivery.

  • Developing leadership, management, and organisational skills relevant to care settings.

  • Enhancing knowledge of safeguarding, elderly care, mental health, and child protection.

  • Conducting independent research and producing high-quality reports or dissertations.

  • Applying practical problem-solving strategies to complex health and care scenarios.

  • Advocating for service users and carers while understanding their diverse needs.

Why study this course?

The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Top-Up degree combines rigorous academic study with practical relevance, preparing graduates for senior roles in the sector:

  • Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Designed to reflect current health and social care policies, challenges, and best practices.

  • Practical Learning: Assessments replicate workplace scenarios, developing skills directly transferable to your career.

  • Expert Guidance: Delivered by experienced academics and industry professionals who provide mentorship and career insight.

  • Comprehensive Support: Full support from On Point Study from enrolment to graduation.

  • High Student Satisfaction: 93% of students were satisfied overall, with 90% agreeing staff effectively explained key concepts.

  • Strong Graduate Outcomes: 80% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months.

Entry requirements

Academic Route

Minimum Age: 18 years

Applicants must provide evidence of their highest academic qualification, which may include:

  • Level 3 Qualifications (A Levels, NVQ Level 3, Diploma, Certificate, or Access to Higher Education Diploma) 
  • International Baccalaureate 
  • High School Level Qualifications 
  • Level 2 Qualifications or equivalent (for example, GCSEs, NVQ Level 2, Diploma, or Certificate) 

Work Route

Minimum Age: 21 years

Applicants who do not meet formal academic entry criteria may apply through the Work Route. This route recognises relevant professional experience in the field, or related industries as an alternative pathway into higher education. Some exceptions may apply for applicants with professional experience in other fields. This entry route ensures that motivated and experienced candidates can progress academically and professionally.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the first language, applicants must complete an approved free English language test that assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.

Interview

All applicants are required to attend an interview with a member of the admissions team as part of the selection process.

Assessments

Your evaluations will connect your course curriculum to health care practice, giving you important transferable workplace skills for your future career. These include:

The programme employs a variety of assessment techniques to ensure students develop practical and transferable skills:

  • Essays and personal development plans

  • Presentations and workshops

  • Case studies and project-based assessments

  • Reflections on practice

  • Podcasts and multimedia projects

  • Final research project or dissertation

Modules

Compulsory Modules:

  • Research Proposal/Methods
  • Compassionate Health and Social Care
  • Dissertation/Research Project

Optional Modules:

  • Safeguarding Children
  • Working With Children and Families
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
  • Care of the Older Person
  • Contemporary Mental Health

Study & Career Progression

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Top-Up degree are well-prepared to take on a variety of senior roles in health and social care organisations, including:

  • Practice Manager

  • NHS Operational Manager

  • NHS General Manager

  • Care Manager for Elderly Care Homes, Children’s Homes, Hospices, or Supported Housing

The degree also provides an excellent platform for further postgraduate study, allowing students to specialise in areas such as health leadership, public health, mental health, or social care management, opening doors to even broader career opportunities.

Student Fee's & Finance

This course is available to United Kingdom residents who have access to public funds and are eligible for Student Loans Company funding to help cover tuition and living costs.

Funding options include:

  • Tuition Fee Loan: Covers the full cost of the course and is paid directly to the university.
  • Maintenance Loan: Helps cover day-to-day living expenses and is paid directly into the student’s account.
  • Additional Support: Eligible students may apply for Childcare Grants, Disabled Students’ Allowance, or university bursaries that do not require repayment.

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