Course overview
This course looks at health and care from both an individual and a society-wide point of view. You'll learn how the way society is organised affects people's health, how vulnerable people are cared for, and how environmental challenges shape wellbeing.
It suits people starting out in the sector and those already working in care who want to develop professionally. Learning includes collaborative teaching, visits to local care providers where available, and activities outside the classroom.
Course highlights
- HNC after Year 1, HND after Year 2, BA (Hons) after Year 3
- Five start dates a year, so you don't have to wait until September
- Study the links between sociology, social policy and health
- Learn about mental health, vulnerability and global health
- No end-of-year exams: assessed through coursework and phase tests
- Suitable for new entrants and people already working in care
What you'll study
The course is built in three stages. You gain a recognised qualification at the end of each year, so your progress always counts.
- HNCafter Year 1
- HNDafter Year 2
- BA (Hons)after Year 3
Y1Year 1: Health, society and careHNCLevel 4
You'll build a foundation in health and wellbeing, the care sector and the society it serves.
- Contemporary Health and WellbeingWhat shapes health and wellbeing today, and how it can be improved.30 credits · Compulsory
- Working in Health and Social CareRoles, values and professional practice across the sector.30 credits · Compulsory
- Modern SocietyHow society is organised, and what that means for people's lives and health.30 credits · Compulsory
- Healthy EnvironmentsHow the places we live and work affect our health.30 credits · Compulsory
Y2Year 2: Development, vulnerability and policyHNDLevel 5
You'll look closely at how people develop, how vulnerable groups are supported, and how policy shapes services.
- An Introduction to Healthy DevelopmentGrowth and development across the life course.30 credits · Compulsory
- Working with the Vulnerable in SocietyUnderstanding vulnerability and how people are protected and supported.30 credits · Compulsory
- Mental Health and Social PolicyMental health in society and the policies that respond to it.30 credits · Compulsory
- Research MethodsPlanning and carrying out research in health and care.30 credits · Compulsory
Y3Final year: Global health and leadershipLevel 6
You'll take a global view of health, develop leadership skills and complete your own research project.
- Global HealthHealth challenges and inequalities around the world.30 credits · Compulsory
- Leadership and Management in Health and Social CareLeading teams and managing services effectively.30 credits · Compulsory
- Tackling DiseaseHow diseases spread and how they are prevented and controlled.30 credits · Compulsory
- Research ProjectAn independent study on a health or care topic of your choice.30 credits · Compulsory
+1Optional placement year0 credits
Between Year 2 and your final year you can choose to spend a year (usually at least 26 weeks) on a work placement or studying abroad. This makes the course four years long. A placement year fee applies; ask our admissions team for details.
- UK Work PlacementGain paid or unpaid experience with an employer in the UK.Optional
- International Study / Work PlacementSpend time studying or working abroad.Optional
Each year is worth 120 credits. Modules may be updated as the course is reviewed.
How you'll learn
Your study time combines teaching sessions, guided study and independent study. Teaching hours usually reduce as you progress and take more responsibility for your own learning. There are no end-of-year exams.
- Lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops
- Group projects and presentations
- Blended learning, with some sessions and activities online
- Extra one-to-one sessions with tutors and progress coaches
How you'll be assessed
- Written reports and essays
- Practical class and project work
- Tutorial tasks and phase tests
- A final-year research project
- Feedback on every learning outcome, with an overall grade
Entry requirements
| BA (Hons) degree | 104 UCAS points · T Level Merit |
|---|---|
| HND | 80 UCAS points · T Level Pass (C or above on the Core) |
| HNC | 64 UCAS points · T Level Pass (C or above on the Core) |
| All routes | GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C, or Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent, plus at least two A levels or a BTEC equivalent |
| English language | IELTS 6.0 overall, or a pre-sessional English course |
| No formal qualifications? | Speak to our admissions team about foundation routes and your options. |
Fees and funding
| UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man | £9,790 per year |
|---|---|
| International | £15,500 per year |
| EU students | Contact our admissions team for your fee |
Fees are for full-time study, entry in 2026/27 and 2027/28. Part-time study is not available. Eligible UK students can apply to Student Finance England for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan.
Additional costs
- Optional overseas field trips (from around £500 per trip)
- Costs of finding, attending or completing a placement
- Living costs, books, stationery and printing
Careers and opportunities
Graduates can work across the NHS, local authorities, private health providers and charities, in areas such as mental health support, domestic abuse support, public and environmental health, and community healthcare.
Further study
You could progress to postgraduate study or professional training, for example in social work, nursing or teaching.