Prepare to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals by pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care with a foundation year. With outstanding facilities and opportunities for valuable workplace experience, we’re committed to equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary for a fulfilling career in this vital field.
Course Overview
The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care with a foundation year equips you with the essential values, skills, and knowledge to support vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities or mental health issues. This course balances policy, practice, and academic training, closely aligning with the UK government’s health and social care agendas.
You will explore key principles such as person-centred care, ethics, health promotion, and safeguarding. Our experienced team will guide you in collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and understanding critical issues in health and social care. Practical experience, including a work placement, is vital to your development, preparing you to become a compassionate and knowledgeable care professional.
Intakes
To be confirmed
Awarded Qualification
BSc (Hons)
Mode
Full-time
Fees
Duration
4 years
UCAS Points
48
UCAS Code
L515
Highlights
– Top Satisfaction: Our Health Studies courses are among the highest in the UK for student satisfaction (The Complete University Guide 2022).
– Foundation Year: Develop essential academic and research skills by studying key social issues affecting health and wellbeing.
– Guest Lectures: Engage with health and social care providers and users for diverse perspectives.
– State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access purpose-built health and research facilities at the £31 million Bolton One centre, including Clinical Simulation Suites that provide realistic clinical experiences.
– Professional Experience: Gain hands-on experience through extensive placement opportunities in various health and social care settings.
– Skill Development: Enhance skills in research, critical reasoning, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-reflection.
Key Features
– Individual Support: Receive personalized assistance to help you succeed.
– Experienced Team: Learn from a qualified team with extensive professional experience and connections in health and social care.
– Industry Links: Benefit from connections with local and national employers through our Industrial Advisory Board, ensuring excellent placement opportunities and up-to-date course content.
– Real-World Learning: Complete a placement in a health and social care setting at level HE5 of the course.
– Volunteering Opportunities: Engage in volunteer work to enhance your portfolio and impress future employers.
– Peer Learning: Study alongside professionals already in the field, sharing valuable insights and experiences.
By choosing this course, you’ll also enjoy Bolton’s vibrant shops, bars, and restaurants, with Manchester just 20 minutes away by train. The North West of England offers beautiful countryside and rich heritage, making Bolton an ideal base for cultural and outdoor activities.
Entry Requirements
– UCAS Points: 48 UCAS points are required. We accept various qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs, and T-levels. Please refer to our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. Non-tariffable qualifications may also be considered.
– Level 3 Subjects: Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3.
– GCSEs: You should have five GCSEs at grade C or above, or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
– Alternative Qualifications: If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements but have non-traditional qualifications or relevant experience, we may still consider your application if it demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills at Level 3.
– Interview and Portfolio: You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work. Each application will be evaluated on its individual merits.
– DBS Requirement: This course involves working unsupervised with children and/or vulnerable individuals. You must obtain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting your studies. Charges apply for the DBS application and annual registration with the online Update Service.
– Fitness to Practise: Please note that this course is subject to the Fitness to Practise procedure.
Career Opportunities:
The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care with foundation year explores health in a broad context and addresses contemporary health issues. With a growing demand for versatile health and social care professionals, this degree prepares you to meet the complex needs of individuals, families, and communities.
You will develop key transferable skills, including:
– Effective written and verbal communication
– IT proficiency
– Independent and team-based working
– Research and data analysis
– Providing support and guidance
– Navigating complex and demanding situations
Career Paths:
As a graduate, you’ll be equipped to work in various settings, including:
– Local authority or multi-agency teams
– Health promotion projects
– Refugee and asylum services
– Hospitals
– Sheltered accommodation
– Hospices and day centres
– Residential care units
With your health and social care background, you’ll also be well-positioned for careers in:
– Health education and promotion
– Welfare services
– Health research
– Community mental health
– Commissioning and care management
– Service management and coordination
– Advocacy, education, and training
You may also consider roles as a technician or support worker, assisting children and families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those facing mental health or substance abuse challenges.
Further Study:
Many health and social care graduates choose to pursue additional studies, especially for careers in social work, nursing, research, or teaching, which require professional recognition.
Alternative Career Options:
This degree can also serve as a pathway to various other careers, which may require relevant experience or postgraduate study. These include:
– Probation work
– Substance misuse counseling
– Victim support
– Youth work
– Social housing
– Learning support
– Counseling
– Mental health services
– Occupational therapy
– Community education
– Teaching and training
– Journalism
– Dietetics
Teaching & Assessment
We employ a diverse range of learning, teaching, and assessment methods to help you develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies for this course, as well as the values and attitudes essential for success in health and social care.
Teaching Methods:
– Lectures: Introduce core content.
– Seminars and Group Activities: Allow for deeper exploration of topics and discussions on relevant policies and practices.
– Tutorials: Provide opportunities to ask questions and clarify understanding.
– Case Studies and Role-Play: Help apply academic theory to real-life scenarios, gaining insights into health and social care practice.
– Clinical Skills Laboratory: Offers practical skills training with simulated patients.
– Online Learning Resources: Encourage additional study and engagement.
We also host masterclasses with practitioners, sessions with guest speakers who utilize health and social care services, and applied work experience opportunities to enhance employability and connect theory to professional practice.
Assessment Methods:
Assessments mimic workplace activities and include:
– Writing reports and essays
– Giving presentations
– Creating leaflets and portfolios
– Analyzing care plans and literature
– Reflective accounts and discussions
– Practical and written tests
– Group discussions
Some assessments will contribute to your final module mark, while others are designed to identify areas needing further attention or support.
The program uses a blended learning approach, integrating online delivery where appropriate.
Modules:
Modules may include a mix of compulsory and optional subjects, and not all modules may be available to every student.
– Academic Language and Skills 1
– Academic Language and Skills 2
– Self-reflection and Academic Skill Development
– Reading Modern Society
– The Individual and Society
– Research Methods in Social Science
– The World of Work
– Reading Contemporary Society
– Enhancing Communication and Academic Skills
– Principles of Care
– Anatomy & Physiology for Health and Social Care
– Introduction to Social Policy
– Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Practice
– Legal and Ethical Issues
– Group Dynamics and Working in Teams
– Work-based Experience
– Person Centred Health and Social Care
– Health Promotion – Challenges and Opportunities
– Employability Skills
– Social Inclusion, Empowerment and Health
– Research Proposal/Methods
– Compassionate Health and Social Care
– Dissertation/Research Project
– Safeguarding Children
– Working With Children and Families
– Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
– Care of the Older Person
– Contemporary Mental Health
Assessment Methods:
| Level | Assessment Method |
|——–|———————–|
| Level 0| Coursework 100% |
| Level 1| Coursework 95% |
| | Practical exams 5% |
| Level 2| Coursework 100% |
| Level 3| Coursework 100% |
Learning Activities:
| Level | Activity |
|——–|—————————————|
| Level 0| Guided independent study 64% |
| | Scheduled learning and teaching 36% |
| Level 1| Guided independent study 70% |
| | Scheduled learning and teaching 30% |
| Level 2| Guided independent study 70% |
| | Scheduled learning and teaching 30% |
| Level 3| Guided independent study 78% |
| | Scheduled learning and teaching 22% |
Our Global Business with Foundation Year is ideally for those who already have professional business or management experience.
This course is available in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham & London
Please get in touch with us and one of our team member will guide you through the process.