BA (Hons) Health and Social Wellbeing

Prepare to meet the challenges of a changing health and social care agenda on a degree that develops your understanding of key theories, policies and practice and examines the effect of social experiences on wellbeing.

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    Overview

    UCAS Code: L511
    Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time, 5 Years Part-Time
    Start Dates: September 2020, September 2021
    Subjects: Health and Social Care
    Location: Edge Hill University
    Example Offers: BCC-BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC)
    View full entry criteria
    • Gain an interdisciplinary introduction to the study of health and social wellbeing;
    • Examine the effect of social experiences on health and wellbeing;
    • Develop knowledge and transferable skills that will provide opportunities to work for a range of employers.

    This degree is aimed at students who are interested in working in the health and social wellbeing sectors in non-clinical roles. The programme has been designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of how health and social wellbeing is shaped by a wide range of determinants and is not simply the outcome of the health care system. Our multi-disciplinary staff will provide you with the required theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enable you to promote health and wellbeing across a range of communities. Placement opportunities are available throughout the programme to provide practical experience and enhance your employment prospects in a range of health, wellbeing and related sectors.

    Student and Alumni Profiles

    • Emma Canning

      BA (Hons) Health and Social Wellbeing
      I can recommend the course as there’s a wide range of modules, covering everything from housing and social policy to international health and all are really well taught.
       View full profile

    • Joanne Hague

      BA (Hons) Health and Social Wellbeing
      During my placement I worked as a community support worker. I enjoyed my time there so much that I have continued with this role alongside my studies.
       View full profile

    • Lizzie Brighouse

      BA (Hons) Health and Social Wellbeing
      Throughout the course I have had a lot more support than I thought would be available, especially from my tutors, they really are there for you.
       View full profile
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    • Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine

    In Depth

    What will I study?

    Year 1 places you at the forefront of debates relating to the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations. You will examine the effect that a wide range of social, cultural, political and economic factors have on health. Exploring how health changes over the life course and how these changes are affected by different social conditions and life experiences, you will also assess how we perceive the notions of health, illness and disease. Consideration will be given to how different perceptions of health lead to different policies and interventions, as well as how social policies play a key role in shaping health outcomes for different populations. Other modules provide you with a firm grounding in academic, professional and research skills.

    In Year 2 you will develop a deeper understanding of specific issues relating to health. These include exploring the relationship between health and place, learning how to assess community health assets and needs, and examining both how health inequalities develop and how they can be addressed. You will also develop skills in quantitative and qualitative research and choose from a range of optional modules.

    Year 3 focuses on inter-professional working and explores health and wellbeing from a global perspective. You will complete a research dissertation and have the opportunity to gain 140 hours of work-based placement experience.

    How will I study?

    The programme will involve a combination of small group working, classroom debate and discussion, the use of key note lectures, role play, and problem-based learning. You will also have access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) resources that are available.

    Throughout the course you will develop research and management skills that will help you to gain an interdisciplinary perspective of the study of health, illness and disease, exploring the factors which contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations. Through this you will draw on the disciplines of biology, sociology, psychology, social policy and nutrition.

    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.

    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. Before these assessments take place you will be given guidance and have the opportunity for your work to be reviewed.

    Who will be teaching me?

    A variety of members of the Applied Health and Social Care team will be involved in the delivery of this programme. The majority are research active senior lecturers who have worked or are still working in a health and social care environment.

    Tutors have a diverse range of health-related skills. Their areas of expertise and knowledge include clinical communication, sexuality, ageing, health promotion, domestic abuse, nutrition, youth justice, social policy, safeguarding and behaviour support.

    A Great Study Environment

    Six students sat in pairs around three tables in a room overlooking a lake on the western side of the campus.The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine is one of the leading providers of education and training for health and social care professionals in the North West of England.

    Offering some of the best facilities for health, social care and medicine students in the country, the outstanding teaching and learning resources include leading edge clinical skills facilities, an 860-seat lecture theatre, and a variety of teaching rooms and social learning spaces.

    The faculty is home to a thriving research culture which includes a series of staff and student conference programmes, guest lectures and seminars, as well as active research groups.

    Modules

    Expand All

    Level 4 (Year 1 of Full-Time Programme)

    HUG1137Introduction to Professional and Academic Skills (20 credits)

    Introduction to Professional and Academic Skills enables you to acquire key academic and professional skills in your journey to becoming an independent learner. Your academic skills will be enhanced to include note-taking, presentation skills, IT skills, reading of academic articles and the development of a personal portfolio. You will also explore effective and ineffective communication strategies, self-awareness, resilience and transferable life skills such as time management, assertiveness, negotiation, active listening and problem solving.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG1138Introduction to Research Skills (20 credits)

    Introduction to Research Skills provides an overview of research methods. The module equips you with a broad knowledge and understanding of the function and application of research relevant to those working in applied health and social care, including the effectiveness of different models, client issues and groupwork. You will be introduced to both the theoretical and practical aspects of research skills including research terminology, numeric and non-numeric data handling, statistical analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG1144Social Policy for Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)

    Social Policy for Health and Wellbeing enables you to develop an in-depth understanding of how social policies impact upon the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations. This  will include health and social care provision, employment, education, social security and housing. The module addresses the the development of the UK welfare system from its Victorian origins to the present day, making you aware of the challenges facing politicians and policy makers in prioritising the competing needs arising from changing health and social care needs within the UK. You will be introduced to the policy process, gaining an understanding of how political, economic, social, ethical and legal factors influence the development and provision of key aspects of the welfare system. In doing so, you will discover the key political ideologies that influence the policy process.


    Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Written Exam(s): 30%.

    HUG1145Sociological and Psychological Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing (30 credits)

    Sociological and Psychological Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing provides a theoretical underpinnings of the study of health and social wellbeing. The module will introduce you to the major theoretical perspectives in psychology and sociology and help you to develop an understanding of how these theoretical tools can enhance the analysis of health, social care and wellbeing. You will be introduced to social and behavioural theories that will enable you to analyse how health and wellbeing are the produce of a wide range of social, economic, political, cultural and behavioural factors. You will consider what influences the ways that individuals perceive, think about and react to the world around them.


    Assessment: Practical(s): 100%.

    HUG1146Health and Social Wellbeing Across the Life Course (30 credits)

    Health and Social Wellbeing Across the Life Course introduces you to contemporary and critical approaches in considering health and wellbeing across various phases of the life course and transitions for individuals, communities and populations. These include environmental/place factors, social factors, personal factors, health disorders, and activities and participation in everyday life. By the end of the module, you will have considered key morbidity, mortality and disability issues as they relate to life course phases and transitions, equality and diversity. The aim is to enable you to identify the key challenges and issues in health and wellbeing as they emerge across the life course and transitions, for example maternal and new born, child and adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health, adults and older adults, and end of life.


    Assessment: Written Exam(s): 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    Level 5 (Year 2 of Full-Time Programme)

    HUG2122Inequalities in Health (30 credits)

    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.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG2213Understanding Research (30 credits)

    Understanding Research familiarises you with the nature and variety of research methods and data collection techniques, together with the need for an evidence base to guide the decision-making process. You will evaluate qualitative and quantitative methods, examining the positive and negative aspects of both approaches in a comparative analysis. A key aspect of this module is the literature review. You will be shown how to develop a literature search strategy, how to find relevant literature using electronic databases and how to appraise the literature you find to identify key themes. Ethical considerations in relation to the development and undertaking of research will also be considered.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG2344Health, Place and Community (20 credits)

    Health, Place and Community enables you to critically analyse a local community to assess its status as a ‘healthy community’ and to identify how that community can develop to become ‘healthier’. You will be introduced to concepts relating to community development to develop skills in analysing the local community. You will gain expertise in assessing the impact that behaviours, contexts and settings have on the health and wellbeing of a community population, learning more about the micro and macro influences. The module will outline the concept of ‘community profiling’ and develop your understanding of the various methods used when profiling varied community settings. You will develop a deeper understanding of the need for healthier communities and discover how healthy communities can be developed, while also analysing and exploring the more intrinsic and nuanced influences of community contexts on the health and wellbeing of people.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    You will select two additional modules from the wider faculty portfolio. Your optional module choices will be agreed through discussion with your personal tutor.

    Level 6 (Year 3 of Full-Time Programme)

    HUG3101Personal Career Development (20 credits)

    Personal 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.


    Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Practical(s): 30%.

    HUG3170Health and Wellbeing: Global Perspectives (30 credits)

    Health and Wellbeing: Global Perspectives equips you with a critical understanding of contemporary global health and social wellbeing. You will analyse the range of factors that drive global inequalities in health. These include the historical impacts of colonialism, contemporary globalisation, international trade and economic policies, the impacts of of war, conflict and displacement, the continuing burden of poverty, weak health infrastructure and poor governance, and the changing patterns of communicable and non-communicable diseases across the globe.  Alongside this, you will develop a critical evaluation of the role and policy prescriptions of multilateral agencies, such as the World Health Organisation, non-governmental organisations and the wider aid sector.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG3265Working and Collaborating in Multi-Agency Settings (20 credits)

    Working and Collaborating in Multi-Agency Settings enables you to critically examine the way that professions work and collaborate in multi-agency settings in the context of health and welfare provision in the United Kingdom. You will also assess the subsequent impact on the patient, client or service user. You will have the opportunity to consider and critically analyse the meaning and development of concepts such as professionalism, team-working and collaboration, using frameworks for best practice in the context of public health initiatives in health and social care.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    You will select one of the following modules:

    HUG3100Dissertation (30 credits)

    Dissertation focuses on the identification of an area of vocational interest or concern to be identified by yourself and agreed with your supervisor. You will engage in a structured review of the literature related to the specific area of study, apply critical analysis to the literature and make recommendations that could improve service provision.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    HUG3240Primary Research Dissertation (30 credits)

    Primary Research Dissertation focuses on the identification of an area of vocational interest or concern to be identified by yourself and agreed with your supervisor. You will engage in a structured review of existing literature and design and carry out a research project related to your specific area of study. You will apply critical analysis to the established literature as well as the findings from your proposed research and make recommendations that could improve service provision.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    You will select one additional module from the wider faculty portfolio. Your optional module choice will be agreed through discussion with your personal tutor.

    Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.

    Timetables

    Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

    Entry Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points. No specific subjects are required.

    Example Offers

    Some examples of how you can achieve 104-112 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

    • A Level: BCC-BBC;
    • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

    Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

    As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

    For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

    EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

    English Language Requirements

    International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

    If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

    Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

    If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

    Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

    Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

    Career Prospects

    What are my career prospects?

    Your knowledge and skills will be attractive to potential employers in the public sector, including health and social care sectors, community and peer services, social services, public health, criminal justice departments and local government departments and councils, and the growing voluntary, private, social and healthcare sectors.

    The degree provides an alternative to clinical training if you wish to progress in the field of health and social services, in areas such as probation, health promotion, child protection, and the housing sector. Alternatively, you may wish to pursue postgraduate training in nursing or social work.

    Finance

    Tuition Fees

    If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a full-time basis in academic year 2020/21, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21 are £12,250 per annum.

    If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a part-time basis in academic year 2020/21, the tuition fee will be £77 per credit, i.e. £1,540 per 20 credit module. 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree.

    The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

    Financial Support

    Subject to eligibility, UK and EU students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK and EU students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

    For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining this programme in academic year 2020/21, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2020/21 guide for your intended mode of study.

    Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

    Scholarships

    Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students. These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

    Additional scholarships, which you may qualify to receive, reward outstanding grades and are available to eligible full-time UK and EU students.

    To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

    Apply

    How to Apply

    If you wish to study full-time, apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

    If you wish to study part-time, apply directly to Edge Hill University at www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply-part-time.

    Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

    Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

    Visit Us

    If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays. Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about all of our events for prospective students, including monthly campus tours, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

    Request a Prospectus

    If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

    Get in Touch

    If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

    Course Changes

    Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

    25th November 2019 - Change of Modules

    Optional modules for this programme are now chosen from the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine\’s portfolio. Named optional modules have been removed from the course listing.

    31st October 2019 - Change of Modules

    HUG1144 Social Policy for Health and Wellbeing (20 credits), HUG1145 Sociological and Psychological Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing (30 credits) and HUG1146 Health and Social Wellbeing Across the Life Course (30 credits) replace HUG1116 Social Policy, Health and Welfare (30 credits), HUG1117 Social Constructs, Health and Disease (20 credits) and HUG1124 Introduction to Equality and Diversity (30 credits) as compulsory modules in Year 1.

    HUG2344 Health, Place and Community (20 credits) added as a compulsory module in Year 2. HUG2123 Housing, Health and Welfare (20 credits) changes from compulsory to optional in Year 2. HUG2120 Older Women in Society (20 credits), HUG2124 Community Profiling (20 credits), HUG2125 Long Term Care and Support for the Older Adult (20 credits), HUG2230 The Working Environment in Children and Young People’s Services (20 credits), HUG2300 An Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Therapies (20 credits) and HUG2312 Introduction to Play and Playwork (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 2.

    HUG3170 Health and Wellbeing: Global Perspectives (30 credits) and HUG3265 Working and Collaborating in Multi-Agency Settings (20 credits) added as compulsory modules in Year 3. HUG3106 International Perspectives on Health and Social Wellbeing (30 credits) and HUG3242 Contemporary Approaches to Multi-Agency Working in Health and Social Care (20 credits) removed as compulsory modules in Year 3. HUG3107 Approaches to Care with Older Adults (20 credits), HUG3109 Safeguarding Children and Young People (20 credits), HUG3111 Health Promotion (20 credits), HUG3113 Protecting Children and Young People at Risk (20 credits), HUG3116 Leadership Styles and Management Processes (20 credits), HUG3118 Values in Complementary Therapies (20 credits), HUG3132 Community Development and Praxis (20 credits) and HUG3152 Politics and Social Policy (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 3.

    17th September 2019 - New Modules Added

    HUG2102 Leadership and Management in the Workplace and Society (20 credits) and HUG2103 Vulnerability in Society (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 2.

    HUG3103 Domestic Abuse (20 credits) and HUG3154 Risk, Resilience and Resistance (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 3.

    13th August 2019 - Withdrawal of Modules

    HUG2102 Leadership and Management in the Workplace and Society (20 credits) and HUG2103 Vulnerability in Society (20 credits) removed as optional modules in Year 2.

    HUG3154 Risk, Resilience and Resistance (20 credits) removed as an optional module in Year 3.

    23rd January 2019 - Change to Entry Requirements

    104-112 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.

    11th January 2019 - Withdrawal of Module

    HUG3116 Leadership Styles and Management Process (20 credits) removed as an optional module in Year 3.

    11th January 2019 - Change of Modules

    HUG1137 Introduction to Professional and Academic Skills (20 credits) and HUG1138 Introduction to Research Skills (20 credits) replace FDH1100 Essential Study Skills for Undergraduates (20 credits) and FDH1101 Communication Skills (20 credits) as compulsory modules in Year 1.