Health and Social Care

Study options

Award

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
L512
UCAS code:
L516
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
City of Stoke-On-Trent Sixth Form College
Study option:
Full-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time, with a foundation year at City of Stoke-On-Trent Sixth Form College
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Start date:
25 September 2023
School:
School of Health, Science and Wellbeing

95% satisfaction for teaching

National Student Survey 2020

Simulation-based immersive learning

Work in realistic environments and get work-ready

Work placement

Work experience will complement your classroom-based studies

This course has been designed to produce the professionals of the future, who can positively address the challenges that health and social care presents.

Meeting the health and social care needs of the population is one of the greatest challenges facing any society. It extends to almost every facet of social life, from the person who is unwell and seeking support for themselves, to political decisions about how to structure national systems of healthcare delivery.

Throughout your studies you will be taught by friendly, knowledgeable lecturers,who have been employed in either health or social care and are well equipped to help you relate your study topics to current policy and practice.

We also offer Health and Social Care BSc (Hons) with a foundation year, delivered at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College.

The first year of your study is undertaken at your chosen college and, once successfully completed, you’re then able to progress onto the three-year BSc (Hons) course delivered at the University.

This offers you the opportunity to develop core transferable skills and knowledge relevant to health care, social care and public health.

Meeting the health and social care needs of the population is one of the greatest challenges facing any society. It extends to almost every facet of social life, from the person who is unwell and seeking support for themselves, to political decisions about how to structure national systems of healthcare delivery.

Throughout your studies you will be taught by friendly, knowledgeable lecturers,who have been employed in either health or social care and are well equipped to help you relate your study topics to current policy and practice.

We also offer Health and Social Care BSc (Hons) with a foundation year, delivered at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College.

The first year of your study is undertaken at your chosen college and, once successfully completed, you’re then able to progress onto the three-year BSc (Hons) course delivered at the University.

This offers you the opportunity to develop core transferable skills and knowledge relevant to health care, social care and public health.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care

Our students undertake work experience of 70 hours at a minimum. They can undertake their work experience ideally in a health and social care setting which they will ideally find themselves if they can, or we will support them if they need.

If the student is already working in a health and social care setting (e.g. Healthcare Assistant etc), then this can count as their work experience and they do not need to look for an additional placement.

Some of the places our students complete their work experience are:

  • Probation Service Manchester
  • Stoke YOT (Youth Offending Team)
  • Health Watch
  • Various Care and Nursing Homes
  • Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust (MPFT)
  • North Staffs University Hospital
  • Various Food banks
  • Local Charity organisations such as Dougie Mac, Barnardos etc.

Our students undertake work experience of 70 hours at a minimum. They can undertake their work experience ideally in a health and social care setting which they will ideally find themselves if they can, or we will support them if they need.

If the student is already working in a health and social care setting (e.g. Healthcare Assistant etc), then this can count as their work experience and they do not need to look for an additional placement.

Some of the places our students complete their work experience are:

  • Probation Service Manchester
  • Stoke YOT (Youth Offending Team)
  • Health Watch
  • Various Care and Nursing Homes
  • Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust (MPFT)
  • North Staffs University Hospital
  • Various Food banks
  • Local Charity organisations such as Dougie Mac, Barnardos etc.

Course content

Your learning will help you to develop the knowledge relevant to a productive future in the health and social care sectors. Employability skills are embedded throughout the course, with a clear focus on how studies can be applied within the workplace.

These skills, which include professionalism, effective communication and the evaluation of evidence, can be applied in a range of areas, such as management, education and public health.

Work experience will complement your classroom-based studies and an option module in Year 2 will allow you to select a topic in line with your goals. In short, we will help you to develop a clear direction, so that you will be ready to progress into employment or further study at the conclusion of your degree.

The scope of the programme will provide a breadth of opportunities in health and social care.

Your learning will help you to develop the knowledge relevant to a productive future in the health and social care sectors. Employability skills are embedded throughout the course, with a clear focus on how studies can be applied within the workplace.

These skills, which include professionalism, effective communication and the evaluation of evidence, can be applied in a range of areas, such as management, education and public health.

Work experience will complement your classroom-based studies and an option module in Year 2 will allow you to select a topic in line with your goals. In short, we will help you to develop a clear direction, so that you will be ready to progress into employment or further study at the conclusion of your degree.

The scope of the programme will provide a breadth of opportunities in health and social care.

Academic year

Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September. The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice.

Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September. 

Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September. The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice.

Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September. 

Why we chose Health and Social Care

Why we chose Health and Social Care

Video

Level 4 students Firdaus, David and Abidemi take a moment after lectures to share their reasons for choosing Health and Social Care.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Entry requirements

Typical UCAS Offer: 96 points / 112 points

  • A levels: CCC, this equates to 96 points
  • BTEC Extended: MMM, this equates to 96 points BTEC 90 credit: D*D*, this equates to 112 points Access awards (60 credits, with 45 at Level 3)

Succesful completion of the Foundation Year in Health and Social Care at a partner college, or the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care at a partner college, enables students to progress directly onto the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care course.

  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Giving back to families - Jennifer Barstow

Giving back to families - Jennifer Barstow

Video

Health and Social Care graduate, Jennifer talks about how the help she received during a family trauma inspired her to make a life change from retail to the health sector.

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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Community House (Stoke)

A fully furnished house used for simulated, scenario-based training. It includes audio and video facilities to record simulated exercises and allow detailed tutor and peer feedback.

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Careers

Our graduates get excellent careers working both in public and private sector, some examples are:

  • Public Health Analyst (starting salary £32,585)
  • Residential Home Manager (starting salary £32,500)
  • Children’s Home Deputy Manager (£28,000).

Our students also have excellent postgraduate opportunities such as following a route to social work, adult or mental health nursing, public health, or opt to follow an academic route completing a teaching qualification (PGCE) and become lecturers in further education.

One of our graduates has successfully completed this qualification after graduating and she is now a lecturer at Cheshire College (starting salary range: £24,000 - £34,500).

Our graduates also have opportunities to work as research assistants (we have one working with us currently) and even undertake research postgraduate qualification.

Successful completion of this course will place you in a position to take full advantage of a diverse range of graduate-level health and social care positions, not only within the public sector, such as the Local Authority, National Health Service( NHS), Public Health England but also the not-for-profit (voluntary) and private/independent health and social care sectors.

Some examples of these roles include:

  • The provision of health and social care, such as working with vulnerable adults, children and the elderly
  • Management and administration positions within health and social care organisations
  • Public health and community development-related roles, such as health promotion, public information and health training
  • Personnel and resource management posts in the private sector, local authorities and voluntary organisations
  • Policy-oriented work (including lobbying and advocacy) in the NHS, local government or voluntary sector
  • Research and evaluation of health and social care services

This degree programme is also excellent preparation for research or postgraduate study.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Why is Health and Social Care important?

Why is Health and Social Care important?

Video

Level 4 students Firdaus, David and Abidemi take time after their lecture to discuss why health and social care is important to communities and individuals.

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Simulation

We use immersive and simulated learning environments to help our learners develop their practice, knowledge and skills. Simulation and immersive learning  provide artificial, digitally created content and environments that accurately replicate real-life scenarios so that new skills and techniques can be learned and accomplished.

Learners actively engage on these scenarios to solve problems within a realistic and controlled environment, in a risk-free and safe space where learning can be repeated and success can be accurately measured.

You will also have the opportunity to learn safely through simulated and immersive environments in our fully equipped skills labs and develop new knowledge and skills such as Basic Life Support, A to E assessments, etc.

We have a fantastic immersive suite, designed to provide a visually engaging experience for our learners, using equipment such as video walls to fully immerse you into different virtual/simulated environments such as in the hospital ward, road traffic accident or a home visit etc. We also have a fully equipped Community house, which we can use for role plays, case study scenarios.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 8-10 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Simulation

We use immersive and simulated learning environments to help our learners develop their practice, knowledge and skills. Simulation and immersive learning  provide artificial, digitally created content and environments that accurately replicate real-life scenarios so that new skills and techniques can be learned and accomplished.

Learners actively engage on these scenarios to solve problems within a realistic and controlled environment, in a risk-free and safe space where learning can be repeated and success can be accurately measured.

You will also have the opportunity to learn safely through simulated and immersive environments in our fully equipped skills labs and develop new knowledge and skills such as Basic Life Support, A to E assessments, etc.

We have a fantastic immersive suite, designed to provide a visually engaging experience for our learners, using equipment such as video walls to fully immerse you into different virtual/simulated environments such as in the hospital ward, road traffic accident or a home visit etc. We also have a fully equipped Community house, which we can use for role plays, case study scenarios.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 8-10 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Jamelia Harris - Health and Social Care

Jamelia Harris - Health and Social Care

Video

Health and Social Care student, Jamelia talks about adjusting to university life, her course and her hopes of securing volunteer work ahead of he Masters degree in Adult Nursing.

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Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Staff

You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Anna Tsaroucha

Course Director

I graduated from the University of Ioannina (Greece) in 1996 with a BA in Philosophy, Paedagogy and Psychology (First Class).

Anna's profile

Matthew Rutter

Associate Dean - Recruitment

Matt was a Youth Justice Practitioner and is researching current Youth Justice Board strategic priority; trauma informed practice with children and young people who offend. Matt also holds national and international positions with awarding bodie…

Matthew's profile

Professor Elizabeth Boath

Professor Of Health And Wellbeing

Liz is a Coach and Mentor, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner and teaches Counselling, Public Health and Communication Skills. Liz's research is focused on perinatal mental health and health and social care.

Elizabeth's profile

Dr Peter Kevern

Professor

Peter's expertise includes dementia studies, ageing and religion and religious communities and their role in health promotion. Peter is a member of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality and is a Trustee of Age Concern (Birmingham…

Peter's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 25 September 2023 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 25 September 2023 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands
Full-time £5,950 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Tamara Booth - Health and Social Care

Tamara Booth - Health and Social Care

Video

Health and Social Care student Tamara talks about her reasons for a career change and her placement working with the Probation Service.

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Included in the fees:
  • The School will fund occupational health screening and DBS services where relevant.
  • The School will fund occupational health screening and DBS services where relevant.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by visiting: www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

I learned about communication, leadership and management. We got the chance to do presentation work. In any health sector, you are going to be working with people, so having that basic understanding of communicating effectively is really helpful and beneficial. I feel like the modules that we covered will be very beneficial for my nursing career. 

Zoe Keeshan-Walsh

Health and Social Care student

[The course] gives you more insight into what’s going on, how policies are made. It's a very broad degree. I've learned about Leadership and Management, which was my favourite because I'm going on to an MBA.

Awais Mohammed

Health and Social Care student

I have been able to learn and explore many different skills which I will be able to apply to my future career. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as well as having the opportunity to gain work experience which has prepared me for the world of work.

Motibal Khan

Graduate

I loved studying Health and Social Care at Staffs. Great facilities and amazing supportive lecturers. Just a few months from completing the course I gained full-time employment as a Young Carers Project Worker. I'm #proudtobestaffs

Laura Tierney

Graduate

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Staffordshire University. The course team was friendly, enthusiastic and supportive. I always felt able to approach them and was welcomed with a professional and helpful response.

Sarah Bird

Graduate

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time, Stoke-on-Trent campus 25 September 2023 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

UK University

StudentCrowd University Awards 2022

for Job Prospects

StudentCrowd University Awards 2022

for Student Satisfaction

Complete University Guide 2022

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

for Course Content

StudentCrowd University Awards 2022

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021