Integrated Health and Social Care BSc (Hons)

Across three years you’ll build a strong foundation in sociology, psychology and public health, then move into community profiling, health promotion and prevention, mental health and older people’s health. You’ll practise using data and evidence to plan interventions, and develop leadership, innovation and project skills for integrated, place-based services.

Year 1 introduces you to theory and practice in community health and social care. You will explore a range of topics including psychological, sociological, life course and community development principles as you build analytical perspectives of health and social care. Effective communication skills, key academic and employment skills will also be developed.

Study advances in Year 2 as you are introduced to a range of public health and population approaches focused on integrated health and social care. You will learn about the specific health and social care needs of populations with mental health conditions and the needs of older people. You’ll also work on a community profile, undertake a professional practice placement, and develop approaches to health promotion. This can be in a variety of settings depending on your interests, such as local authorities, charities, NHS Trusts, GP surgeries or care homes. You will also advance your research skills to prepare you for a dissertation in Year 3.

The dissertation will be your main focus in Year 3. This will require you to undertake your own research project, significantly enhancing your understanding and analytical skills in supporting population health. You will also also critically explore practical aspects of working in health and social care, and focus on leadership, innovation and enterprise and global issues in health and social care, preparing you for graduate interviews with the most up to date information.

In your final year, you’ll have the chance to personalise your degree by choosing from a range of optional modules. These options vary from year to year and reflect the expertise of the teaching team and current topics within health and social care. They allow you to explore specialist areas that interest you most and develop knowledge relevant to your future career or further study.

How you'll study

This degree will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, group seminars, real-life scenarios and practice placements.

This is a campus-based programme, the timetabled content usually takes place over a minimum of three days, or as required when on placement.

You will also be offered additional 1-1 tutorials and personal tutor support. Your learning will be supported by the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which contains reading lists and lecture content, along with online group forums.

How you'll be assessed

This course includes creative assessments such as portfolios and online discussion boards. You’ll also be assessed through essays, seminar presentations, practice-based assessment, community profiling,  posters and a third-year dissertation on a topic of your choice. Before these assessments take place, you will be given guidance and have the opportunity for your work to be reviewed.

Who will be teaching you

The academic team involved in the delivery of this degree are experienced and talented professionals and researchers across the fields of public health, psychology, sociology, and leadership. All academics are experienced lecturers, with most engaged in active research projects. The programme will also draw on the wider departmental staffing, which includes nurses, social workers, psychologists, accredited therapists, and counsellors, as well as arts and music-based therapists, amongst others. The team will also utilize high quality guest speakers where appropriate to support the delivery of key content. The team also liaise closely with practice partners and employers in ensuring the curriculum remains sector relevant.