The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Top-Up Degree is a one-year programme designed to build on your previous qualifications in health or social care, equipping you with advanced knowledge, practical experience, and leadership skills to excel in residential, community-based, and organisational care settings. This course is suitable for those aspiring to senior roles in health and social care management, as well as practitioners seeking to broaden their professional expertise.
Students will explore contemporary health and social care challenges, including safeguarding vulnerable populations, mental health, elderly care, child protection, and the integration of health and social services. The curriculum emphasises practical application, reflective practice, and evidence-based decision-making, enabling students to translate theory into high-quality, person-centred care delivery.
What You Will Learn
Students completing this programme will acquire knowledge, skills, and professional competencies in areas including:
Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care: Understand leadership theories, team dynamics, service management, and organisational strategy to implement effective care delivery and drive organisational improvement.
Advanced Research and Analytical Skills: Develop proficiency in research methodologies, critical appraisal, data analysis, and ethical evaluation to inform policy and practice.
Policy, Legislation, and Professional Standards: Gain insight into current healthcare policies, statutory regulations, and ethical frameworks guiding practice across diverse care environments.
Person-Centred Practice: Learn to assess and meet the complex needs of service users, advocating for vulnerable individuals and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Applied Problem-Solving: Analyse complex scenarios, develop innovative solutions, and adapt strategies to dynamic workplace challenges.
Professional Development and Reflection: Cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and lifelong learning skills essential for career progression in health and social care leadership roles.
High Student Satisfaction: 83% of students report overall satisfaction, and 94% rate staff communication as excellent.
Career-Focused Curriculum: Directly aligns with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required by employers in health, social care, and public services.
Practical Application: Emphasises real-world skills through case studies, projects, and reflective practice.
Supportive Learning Environment: On Point Study offers comprehensive guidance from enrolment to graduation, including academic support, career advice, and networking opportunities.
Flexible Entry Routes: Both academic and professional experience routes ensure accessibility for a wide range of applicants.
Minimum Age: 18 years
Applicants must provide evidence of their highest academic qualification, which may include:
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.
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.
All applicants are required to attend an interview with a member of the admissions team as part of the selection process.
Your evaluations will connect your course curriculum to health care practice, giving you important transferable workplace skills for your future career. These include:
Students will be assessed using a variety of methods that bridge academic theory with professional practice, including:
Essays and reflective personal development plans
Presentations and group projects
Case studies and scenario-based assignments
Podcasts and multimedia-based assessments
Research-informed final dissertation or project
These assessments are designed to enhance transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving.
Graduates of this programme will be equipped to take on senior roles in public, private, and voluntary health and social care sectors. Career pathways include:
Practice Manager: Oversee daily operations in healthcare settings, ensuring compliance with regulations and high-quality care delivery.
NHS Operational Manager: Lead teams within NHS services, coordinating resources, staff, and patient care.
NHS General Manager: Manage larger organisational units or facilities, including budgets, policies, and service improvement strategies.
Care Manager: Specialist roles managing services such as:
Community and Public Health Roles: Project management, policy implementation, and community engagement.
Graduates may also continue onto postgraduate study in areas such as Health Policy, Public Health, Social Care Management, or a related MSc, further enhancing career opportunities and research capabilities.
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:
universities offer a selection of student bursaries. These are cash gifts you usually don't have to repay.
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