Course Description

In today's society, health and social care are vital. By studying the BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care with Foundation Year, you will learn skills that will enable you to make a difference in the daily lives of vulnerable people. You will be able to build and improve your knowledge and understanding in a wide range of professional practice areas within health and social care, such as mental health, physical disabilities and learning disabilities, safeguarding, and end-of-life care.

This unique health and social care degree takes a worldwide view of current and developing health and social care concerns and methods. Wellbeing is a recurring concept across the health and social care practice curriculum, encouraging practitioners, patients, and communities to be resilient. The health and social care degree places a heavy emphasis on innovative technologies and methodologies, as well as a holistic and cross-cultural perspective that is supported by research.

The course emphasises a diversity of voices, recognizing and responding to inequalities, and including a cross-cultural and global perspective of care, so you'll be prepared to practise in a variety of settings and geographies and understand the needs and challenges of different communities and individuals from any background.

If you want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, our Integrated Health and Social Care degree, which promotes a holistic and modern approach to meeting individuals' health, care, and support requirements, could be the one for you. This degree will provide you with a solid foundation for working in a variety of statutory, voluntary, and independent settings, such as local authority teams, health promotion projects, refugee and asylum service hospitals, sheltered housing, hospices and day centres, and residential care units.

Students enrolled in this program will be working in a health or social care setting and will thus have the opportunity to immediately apply skills learned in the course, and the majority of course assessments will require explicit evidence of knowledge and understanding transfer into the workplace. Because this degree is applied, you will graduate with the knowledge, abilities, and experience required for professional practice and that employers in this developing area are looking for.

This BSc course prepares students for a variety of careers in the Health and Social Care industries. It is intended to provide students with the opportunity to seek and apply knowledge and understanding of health and social care through a systematic approach to evidence-based practice. Throughout this course, applied research is incorporated, supported by objective observation and critical analysis.

This program will help you create a career in the health and social care sector even if you lack the academic prerequisites to enroll in a conventional undergraduate degree course. It is designed to provide you with the skills you need to proceed to degree-level studies. The foundation year is ideal if you need a little additional help getting started on your path to higher education, as it provides study skills and coaching at every stage.

 

What You Will Learn

Students on this programme will develop a deep understanding of health and social care practices across multiple domains, including:

  • Foundations of Health and Social Care: Explore core principles, policies, and procedures in health, social care, and wellbeing.

  • Professional Practice and Ethics: Learn ethical frameworks, safeguarding, and accountability in diverse care settings.

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing: Understand contemporary approaches to supporting individuals with mental health challenges.

  • Physical and Learning Disabilities: Develop practical skills to support people with physical or learning disabilities.

  • Safeguarding and Child Protection: Gain knowledge and competence in promoting safety and protecting vulnerable populations.

  • End-of-Life and Palliative Care: Study compassionate and culturally sensitive approaches to end-of-life support.

  • Applied Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Build critical analysis, research, and reflective skills to inform professional practice.

  • Leadership, Management, and Innovation in Care: Prepare for leadership roles by understanding organisational structures, team management, and service development.

Why study this course?

  • Comprehensive Four-Year Programme: Build a solid foundation in year one and progress to advanced undergraduate study.

  • Applied Learning: Most assessments require the direct application of skills in real-world health and social care settings.

  • Global and Inclusive Perspective: Develop cross-cultural awareness and the ability to work with diverse populations.

  • High Student Satisfaction: 84% of students reported overall satisfaction with the course.

  • Career-Ready Skills: Graduates gain practical, analytical, and interpersonal skills highly valued by employers.

  • Full Student Support: On Point Study provides guidance and mentoring from application to graduation.

  • Pathway to Postgraduate Study: Graduates can pursue advanced degrees such as MSc in Public Health, Social Work, or Healthcare Management.

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

Assessment methods are diverse, applied, and inclusive, ensuring students gain a range of transferable skills:

  • Essays and reflective assignments

  • Written reports and case studies

  • Oral presentations and discussions

  • Practical projects and portfolio work

  • Dissertation / research project

Modules

  • Self As Learner
  • Resourcing Learning
  • Critical Engagement
  • Critical Thinking
  • The Digital Learner
  • Effective Communication
  • Reflective Learning
  • Academic Writing

  • Foundations in Health and Social Care
  • Society and Self across the Life Span
  • Contemporary Perspectives and Practice in Health and Social

    Care

  • Introduction to Evidence Informed Practice and Decision Making

  • Values Based Practice in Health and Social Care: The Law, Ethics and the Individual
  • Health, Wellbeing and Society: A Global Perspective Locally
  • Research Skills for Practice
  • Collaborative Practice in Health and Social Care

  • Individuality and Diversity: Meeting Everyone’s Needs
  • Advanced Research Skills
  • Leading Health and Social Care
  • Dissertation
  • Using Research in Practice

Study & Career Progression

Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared to pursue a wide range of careers in health and social care, including:

  • Probation and youth work

  • Substance misuse support

  • Victim support services

  • Social housing and community care

  • Learning support and counselling

  • Mental health services and occupational therapy

  • Community education and training

  • Dietetics and nutritional support

  • Healthcare management and leadership

Graduates may also continue their studies in specialised areas or pursue postgraduate programmes in social work, public health, healthcare management, or related disciplines, further enhancing their career prospects.

Student Fee's & Finance

The Tuition Fee of the course may vary depending on the institution you wish to study at, as well as your status in the UK. The course is available for UK/EU & International Students and eligible for Student Loans Company (SLC) funding to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and other expenses.

If you are an UK/EU citizen or living in the UK on an Indefinite stay, apart from the tuition fees, you could also receive support from the government via Student Loans Company to cover some living costs while studying.

  • Tuition fee loans cover the full cost of your course and are paid directly to the course provider.
  • Maintenance Loan pays for day-to-day living expenses like rent, bills, food and books. Unlike the fees loan, it's paid directly to your student bank account once a term and you can spend it on anything you like.
  • Student Finance has to be paid back, however, you only make Student Loan repayments once you've left your course AND are earning enough. Repayments vary with your salary, and stop altogether if your income drops too low.
  • Students can also apply for other types of special support grants, such as childcare grants or Disabled Students' Allowance if eligible.
  • Moreover, almost all universities offer a selection of student bursaries. These are cash gifts you usually don't have to repay.

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