BA (Hons) Health and Social Wellbeing

Summary 2012/13

• Gain an interdisciplinary introduction to the study of health and social wellbeing;
• Examine the effect of social experiences on health and social wellbeing;
• Gain knowledge and skills that will provide opportunities working for a range of employers.

Government modernisation agendas such as "Our Health Our Care Our Say" and "Independence, Wellbeing and Choice: Our Vision for the Future of Social Care for Adults in England" have set out a vision to provide people with good quality health and social care in the community in which they live.

This programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to meet local community health and social care needs. You will gain a thorough understanding of health and social care systems. On completion, you will be able to provide and promote good health practice and community support within or outside the NHS workforce.

2012 Entry Requirements

Typical offer 260 UCAS tariff points overall, including 160 points from two A levels at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications.

Details

Who is this course for?

If you are working, or seeking employment, in the Health and Social fields, with the knowledge and skills required to meet local community needs, this degree will enable you to explore and study current health and social care systems.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will develop knowledge and skills attractive to potential employers in the Health and Social care sectors (including the NHS, Social Services, and local government departments) and the growing voluntary, private, social and healthcare sector. By enabling you to gain research and management skills, the programme will help you to develop an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of health, illness and disease, exploring the factors which contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations, drawing on the disciplines of biology, sociology, psychology, social policy and nutrition.

The degree will also provide an alternative to clinical training if you wish to progress in the field of Health and Social services. The emphasis is on social experiences of health, the promotion of people's independence, inclusion, health and wellbeing, policy issues, the delivery and management of services and the evaluation of evidence.

What will I study?

Year 1 provides a thorough overview of the key issues and debates relating to an individual's Health and Social Wellbeing, examining the effects that social and economic factors have on health. In order to achieve the breadth of understanding required, social policy will form a key component of the first year, crucial for understanding modules in years two and three. Social welfare provision and communication skills are seen as essential to anyone working in the fields of health and social care and are additional core subject modules.

In Year 2 you have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of specific issues related to this subject area.

In Year 3 there is an opportunity for work-based experience and the programme structure enables you to undertake standalone modules with exit awards through to graduate level.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment includes essays, seminar presentations, exams, work-based assessment, interactive workbook, online activities and a third-year dissertation on a topic of your choice.

What are my career prospects?

You will graduate well placed for a career in health, community and peer services, the voluntary sector, social services, public health, criminal justice departments and local councils.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS for the full-time programme. For part-time study apply directly to Edge Hill.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

Full-Time Study

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible full-time students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time students in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Part-Time Study

Tuition fees for part-time study on this degree are £75 per credit for academic year 2012/13; i.e. £750 per 10 credit module, £1,125 per 15 credit module, £1,500 per 20 credit module and £2,250 per 30 credit module. A total of 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree.

Eligible part-time students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000 a year.

For more information on the financial support available for part-time undergraduate degree students in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012pt.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Not got the entry requirements?

If you do not have the GCSEs required for this programme, Edge Hill offers equivalency tests in English, mathematics and science.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you would like more information about the BA (Hons) in Health and Social Wellbeing, please contact:

• Janice Summers, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657009
• Email: summersj@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

Year 1

Essential Study Skills for Undergraduates teaches you how to learn effectively and gain knowledge related to information retrieval, essay writing and study skills. Being able to address your weaknesses, and build on your strengths is also essential in preparation for future employment, so personal and professional development is introduced, together with self-directed learning.

Social Construction of Health and Disease helps you to increase your knowledge of current public health and health promotion priorities. You will be asked to explore health and well-being related to individual’s beliefs and values, taking into account how someone’s social class, gender or ethnicity can affect the way in which they understand health. You will also have the opportunity to explore the wider determinants of health affecting the individual and population groups, such as how does the area you live in, or the culture you belong to, impact on health and wellbeing.

Social Policy, Health and Welfare enables you to develop a deeper and more meaningful understanding of policy, theory and practice in health and social welfare provision. The module introduces the political, economic and social contexts which have developed in the UK. In addressing the history of the state provision of welfare from its Victorian origins to the present day, you will be made aware of the dilemmas facing politicians and policy makers in prioritising the competing needs arising from changing social and health needs within the UK. The module illustrates the complexities of the policy process by exploring how ethical, legal, social, economic and political factors influence the provision and development of services, and in doing so introduces you to the competition amongst key political ideas.

Introduction to Inequality and Diversity. The idea of individual differences in modern societies is introduced in this module by taking a ‘social divisions’ approach (Payne 2000), the main social divisions in society being social class, gender differences and ethnic background. A range of specific social groups, and how their circumstances might contribute to social and economic inequality, will be explored. Finally, health and social care policy and practice are discussed in relation to individuals and social groups who are more vulnerable to social exclusion

Communication Skills develops your self-awareness and ability to communicate, key transferable skills for your future chosen career. Studying communication will enhance your ability to reflect upon how you interact with other people, and develop your self awareness in relation to contact with people from all walks of life: race, culture, religion and sexual orientation. You will explore how to listen, understand, show compassion and positive regard for others, also examining those qualities which are required for you to act as an advocate for others.

Year 2

Research Methods (Qualitative and Quantitative) seeks to introduce you to the nature and variety of social science research methods. Its characteristic features are to encourage you to see qualitative and quantitative methods as equally valuable and often complimentary, and to involve you, wherever possible, in using and applying the methods rather than merely talking about them.

Inequalities in Health enables you to enhance your understanding of issues and aspects related to health inequalities. The causes of health inequalities will be considered, together with an overview of theoretical and social policy issues relevant to health inequalities and anti-discriminatory practice. The emphasis will be on an exploration of self awareness focusing on the skills used in promoting anti-discriminatory practice.

Housing, Health and Social Welfare examines the developing social policy agenda from the Victorian era to the present day in relation to housing, health and social well being in the UK. The major themes which lead to housing becoming and remaining a social policy issue will be explored, including health, social justice, crime and economic imperatives.

You will also study two optional modules from the following list or the wider undergraduate portfolio, chosen with personal tutor guidance:

Nutrition through the Lifespan provides you with a balanced point of view on lifespan perspectives related to nutrition, addressing nutritional requirements fundamental to human growth through the lifespan, drawing on the different health-related and science-based disciplines to produce a rounded approach to this subject. You will explore nutrition linked to human development from preconception, through pregnancy, infancy, childhood, the teenage years and adulthood, concluding with an exploration of nutrition in the over fifty age group.

Health and Public Services Management introduces you to the basic approaches to organisational management within the health and public sectors in the UK and to the planning and implementation of human resource strategies. Much of the material will be generic to all organisations but the module will stress the particular features and challenges of managing in the public sector.

Community Profiling is about describing a particular community or neighbourhood in order to prepare for community action. Likely to be focused on a particular problem which the individuals are all concerned about, community profiles target the health needs of the community, allocating resources in order to improve health and wellbeing. This module aims to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable you to become confident and competent in the art of community profiling. You will be introduced to the concept and the theory behind the initiative, as well as developing your understanding of the various methods used to profile community settings. Communication, partnership, and multi-agency integrated working practices are important aspects addressed in this module

Long Term Care and Support for the Older Adult provides you with the opportunity to focus upon service provision within the eight National Service Standards for older people, with consideration of long term care and support for the older adult in society. Introducing you to the caring for older people, who have the potential for developing multiple medical problems, which results in their increasing dependence on health and social care services.

The Safeguarding Agenda. This module will introduce you to the safeguarding agenda in the wider context, analysis how it is related to child protection development and screening. A questioning approach in appraising the literature and working through scenarios and case discussions will enhance your knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children and young people.

Year 3

Dissertation. The dissertation will focus on the identification of an area of vocational interest or concern to be identified by you and agreed with your supervisor. You will engage in a structured review of the literature related to your specific area of study before applying critical analysis to the existing literature and making recommendations to improve service provision.

Personal and Career Development considers and critically reviews your workplace experience by evaluating the links between theory and practice, allowing you to identify and reflect on your own achievement and potential. You will shape your personal profile and career strategy, including CV writing, preparation for interview and the assembly of a personal portfolio of work, preparing you for the transition from study to the work environment.

International Perspectives on Health and Social Wellbeing explores global and international health inequalities, diversity, public health issues, and social policy in relation to health and social wellbeing. You will examine those factors which contribute to global differences in health and social policy, such as the effects of war, poverty and displacement, recognising the important contribution of International Aid Agencies in the support and protection of the vulnerable in society.

Inter-professional Team-working will involve you in a critical examination of professions, professional identity and professional practice in the context of welfare, health and educational services for children, families and adults.

You will also study one optional module from the following list or the wider undergraduate portfolio (chosen with personal tutor guidance):

Substance Use and Misuse develops in you a comprehensive understanding of the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addictive behaviours. Intervention and treatment for clients who partake in harmful behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse will also be examined.

Exploring Sexual Health considers the concepts of sexuality and sexual health in relation to sexual health service provision and sexual health promotion. The challenges and possibilities of this development for the population as a whole will be explored throughout the module. You will be encouraged to analyse the impact of societies’ perceptions of sexuality on the choices and decisions that people make in relation to their sexual health.

Approaches to Care with Older Adults. Given a choice, the majority of frail older people would prefer to live in their own homes despite disabilities, loneliness, problems of care and being ‘at risk’. This module gives you the opportunity to focus upon various service provisions within the eight National Service Standards and how care is managed for the older adult.

Safeguarding Children and Young People is directed toward those who work with children and young people in educational, social or health care settings. The module focuses on Every Child Matters and the current safeguarding agenda to enable children to reach their potential.

Current Issues in Biology. Recent scientific developments involving biology have included the development of DNA fingerprinting, the Human Genome Project, GMOs and Stem Cell research. This module considers the inter-relationship between biology and society focusing on recent themes and developments and the underlying science behind these topics. It will consider the contribution biology makes to society and the influence society has on both the speed and direction of research in the biological sciences.

The Wider Determinants of Overweight and Obesity will enable you to gain an insight into the issues relating to overweight and obesity, closely associated with today’s society and the wider determinants of health and well-being.