Search

Starts

8 Sep 2025

Study mode

Full Time

Campus

Framwellgate Moor Campus

Duration

1 Year

Level

Level 6

Awarding body

OPEN UNIVERSITY

Course code

HEALF6001A01

Fee Information

Standard Fees of £9250.00

Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see Fees and funding for more information.

Student Finance

All fees are payable (no fee remission/reduction applies). However, eligible students can apply to Student Finance England for a student loan, which could cover both tuition fees and living costs. Student Finance England can be contacted directly Student Finance England or call 0300 100 0607.

Course may be subject to change.

Our BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care top-up degree will teach you about the main issues around health, social care and wellbeing communities both within the UK and on a global basis. You will gain a detailed understanding of health and social care policies and practices, you will study the key contemporary issues that affect health and social care, as well as the wellbeing of individuals and communities from a theoretical, policy and practical level. You will graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference within the most vulnerable groups in society. This top-up degree is a well-respected qualification that will allow you to progress onto postgraduate study or into employment.

Entry Criteria

  • All applicants must hold a Level 5 qualification in a health or social care related discipline.
  • Level 2 or equivalent in English Language.
  • Level 2 or equivalent in maths.
  • A clear, enhanced DBS.

Non-standard entry criteria:

  • Evidence of appropriate health or social care experience or employment within the industry.

Additional Costs

A range of trips will be embedded into the programme to enhance your experience. A keen international component is being developed, where you will have the opportunity to gain a week’s international health care experience.Stationary and personal supplies are your own responsibility. If uniforms are requested by the placement, then this will come as direct cost to you, but we can support in the purchase using our own suppliers.

What are the next steps?

You will attend a group presentation so you can gain a full understanding of the course. Following this, you will complete a written assessment and formal interview. The duration of the interview process will be approximately 1 hour.

On arrival please report to the NCD University Centre reception. Please bring a copy of your academic qualifications.

Please ensure that you understand the process of securing funding through student finance. Details can be found at Student Finance.

Study Aims

  • Encourage development of health and social care professionals and innovative outcomes in a supportive work-related learning environment.
  • Engage in academic activities and reflective practice to enable personalised learning and individual subject focus.
  • Promote engagement in industry-focussed work, supporting the acquisition of professional skills relevant to employment opportunities within the health and social care industries.

Modules Studied

  • Contemporary Issues in Health and Social Care
  • Managing Change and Innovation in Health and Social Care Practice
  • Reflective Practice in Health or Social Care
  • Implementation of Innovation in Health or Social Care (Dissertation)

Times of Delivery

  • Thursday - 9am - 5pm ~Friday - 9am - 5pm

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

Teaching and Assessment

You will be encouraged to engage with the College outside of timetabled contact with tutors by utilising self-directed learning within HE intranet resources, progressing module activities and independently across the whole working week. To help link theory to practice, you will enjoy talks from guest speakers such as NHS professionals, social workers, probation officers and charities, such as the Samaritans and Mind. You will also experience industry and educational visits to places such as hospitals, prisons, the magistrates and crown courts and museums.The course consists of four mandatory modules. Each module contains at least one summative assessment method, leading into the final Innovation module project which has three unique summative components; creating the backbone on the course. Assessments include:

  • Written Assignments
  • Academic Poster Presentation
  • Placement Portfolio
  • Project Proposal
  • Dissertation Project (minimum 6500 words)
  • Viva Project Evaluation.

Industry Links

As placement is a fundamental component of the programme, you will engage with health and social care professionals throughout your studies. Employment opportunities are often considered after you have gained vital exposure and experience within the sector whilst studying on programme with ourselves.

In addition, guest speakers and visits are fundamental in linking theory to practice, to allow you to gain industry experience but also promote the success of our graduating students.

Placement

You will complete a placement and research and area of interest in health and social care to build and develop your understanding of contemporary issues, Managing the changes and innovation in Health or Social Care practice modules. You will also gain knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices within health or social care practice.Area of research is based within practice or work placement and allows you to apply theory to practice, in which you explore how the organisation operates, evaluate the leadership and management approach in the care of vulnerable individuals and the delivery of person-centred services. You will analyse the importance of teamwork and collaborative learning within the settings by completing a placement portfolio.You will be supported in placement via practice coaches.You will utilise this experience and area of research to identify an area for innovation to complete the Implementation of Innovation in Health or Social Care module.A clear enhanced DBS is an essential condition for successful enrolment onto the course, due to the nature of the programme.

Where can it take me?