Health and Social Care BSc (Hons)

Understand the key issues that affect health, social care and wellbeing. Make a difference to some of society's most vulnerable groups. Gain a well-respected qualification to open doors in the field.

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Overview

BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care will provide you with a detailed understanding of health and social care policy and practice. You will study the key contemporary issues that influence health, social care and the wellbeing of individuals and communities, from a theoretical, policy and practical level.

This degree combines academic rigour with practical experience; you will have the opportunity to test your new knowledge and skills in a 60-hour work placement in your final year.

Why us?

93.4% of our graduates are in employment, further study or training within six months of graduating, according to DLHE 2016/17 (based on full-time, first degree, home leavers)
Our Social Work courses (which include BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care) are in the top 25% in the UK for Organisation and management, according to the National Student Survey 2018
The University of Sunderland was ranked 12th in the Courses and Lecturers category of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019

90% of students agreed with the statement "Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of the course', according to the National Student Survey 2017
Our Social Work courses were ranked 1st overall in the UK in the 2018 UK Engagement Survey
Our Social Work courses were ranked 2nd in the UK for Assessment and Feedback, and 2nd in the UK for Retention and Progression in the 2018 UK Engagement Survey

Course structure

This course is taught via workshops, small group work, lectures, computer-based learning, presentations and independent learning.

Your progress will be assessed with group projects/presentations, multiple choice questionnaires, and time-constrained tests. Throughout the degree you'll have one-to-one support from academic staff.

Year 1 (national level 4):

Social Problems (20 credits)
Understanding Health and Social Care (20 credits)
Independent Learning and Professionalism in the Social Sciences (20 credits)
Exploring Psycho-Social Theory (20 credits)
Applied Qualitative Research in the Social Sciences (20 credits)
Dimensions of Health and Social Care (20 credits)

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Core modules:

Early Life Course Approaches in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (20 credits)
Working Together to Safeguard Vulnerable Children, Young People and Adults (20 credits)

Optional modules:

Medicalisation, Normality and the Body (20 credits)
Sex, Families and the Construction of Personal Lives (20 credits)
Globalisation, Health and Social Care (20 credits)
Counselling Approaches in Practice Settings (20 credits)
Healthy Lifestyles and Health Behaviour Change (20 credits)
Gender, Diversity and Human Rights (20 credits)

Final year (national level 6):

Core modules:

Practical Applications (20 credits)
Health and Social Care Dissertation (40 credits)
Life Course Approaches in Health, Social Care and Ageing (20 credits)

Optional modules:

Violence, Gender and Society (20 credits)
The Clinical Gaze: Medicine, Disability and Confinement (20 credits)
Social entrepreneurship and Project Management (20 credits)
Contemporary Issues in Social Welfare (20 credits)
Substance Use and Society (20 credits)
Global Health (20 credits)

Facilities

You'll be based at The Reg Vardy Centre, situated on the award-winning St Peter's riverside campus. The location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is

GPA 3.0 or above from High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade - SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at admissions@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or an equivalent qualification, for example; a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you have studied for a new GCSE for which you will be awarded a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

If English is not your first language we will require an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall score of 6.0 and at least 5.5 or higher in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking. An alternative approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) can also be considered if the applicant's element scores are equivalent to those required for IELTS.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is:

£9,250 if you are from the UK or EU
£11,500 if you are from outside the EU

If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

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This information was correct at the time of publication.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's by night

Employment

Health and Social Care is a diverse field, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as young people, mental health, or drug and alcohol abuse support.

Many BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care graduates now work in the NHS, charities such as Age UK and MIND, social care organisations such as Turning Point, and other public, private and voluntary sector health agencies.

Further study is also a popular option, with some graduates choosing to pursue taught Masters courses or research degrees.

Guest speakers

We have a regular schedule of guest speakers who discuss their experiences in Health and Social Care. Past speakers have included representatives from Children North East, Lifeline, Healthworks and Headlight.

Attending our programme of guest speakers is an excellent way to hear from practitioners in the field, and also develop a network of professional contacts, which may become useful when applying for placements and jobs.

Work placement

As part of your degree you will undertake a 60-hour work placement during your final year. This will be your opportunity to apply your learning in a real-life context. You will be able to choose the placement which most closely matches your interests.

Previous students' placements have been with organisations such as local hospices, residential care homes, disability support, schools, mental health services, drug and alcohol services, the North of England Refugee Service, and Age UK.

Meet the students

I walked straight into a job after graduating in the Health and Social Care sector. I love it.

Karen McKinney
I have been given a lot of opportunities to develop my knowledge and evolve my personality.

Victoria Murphy
The University of Sunderland has given me the best opportunity for a better future.

Zeta Bikova

Meet the team

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Education and Society.

Page last updated: 20 August 2019

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