Health and Social Care Practice BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The aim of this three-year health and social care practice degree is to move away from traditional Health and Social Care courses, to prepare students to meet the changing demands of a global Health and Social Care sector.

  • Year 1: throughout the course, you will be able to think about innovative ideas, social justice and the value of technology to support sustainable solutions.
  • Year 2: provides a focus on how policy, practice and research have attempted to address the diverse needs in Health and Social Care. The work-related learning module will provide an opportunity for you to develop skills and knowledge that employers will be seeking when you graduate.
  • Year 3: is the final year, you will focus on being a leader, undertaking research or a  project as well as making choices about areas that interest you. You will be able to choose from the areas of children and young people; mental health and addiction; end of life care; and working with older people. In addition, on successful completion of the Leadership module, you can apply for a CMI level 5 Principles of Leadership Practice award.

  You will learn about new ways of working in Health and Social Care including the use of technology. You will also have the opportunity to undertake research into an area of Health and Social Care that is of particular interest to you.

  Work-related experience

  On the degree in health and social care practice, you will have the opportunity to undertake 100 hours work-related experience. This can be anything from a traditional placement with a Health and Social Care provider, to a project to develop good practice in Health and Social Care.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time Health and Social Care Practice degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your health and social care course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks for the degree in health and social care practice, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  * UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a health and social care practice degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for the degree in health and social care practice, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  Will this degree enable me to do nursing?

  No, however this course will allow you to have a wider choice of employment careers within the health and social care sector such as public health, commissioning, project management or humanitarian areas.

  What is the difference between social care and social work?

  While both social care and social work share the goal of supporting individuals and communities, social work is a more specialised and professionalised field with a broader focus on addressing systemic issues. Social care, on the other hand, often involves more direct, day-to-day support and assistance for individuals with specific needs. In practice, these roles may overlap, and professionals in both fields often collaborate to provide comprehensive care and support.

  • Social care is a broad term that encompasses a range of services and activities aimed at supporting individuals, families, and communities to improve their well-being and quality of life. The focus is on providing practical help, assistance, and care to people who may need support due to age, disability, illness, or other challenging circumstances.
  • Social Work  is a profession that involves assessing and addressing the social, emotional, and practical needs of individuals, families, and communities. Social workers conduct assessments, develop care plans, advocate for their clients, and work to improve social conditions. They may also be involved in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and families.

  Can I work abroad for the work related experience?

  We are willing to look at a range of options, however the student may be expected to cover/contribute to the costs of travel and accommodation.

  Will I need to have a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check for the work related experience?

  The need will depend on the service provider requirements and will not generally be needed for university led projects.

  What is the purpose of the work related experience?

  The work related experience will enable you to undertake practical activities to develop your skills and knowledge that are important for future career development and evidence to employers of your capabilities.

  Will I be able to do this course part-time?

  You can undertake this health and social care course part-time and it can be completed in four years or more depending on the number of modules undertaken each year.

  Can I do further postgraduate study after this health and social care course?

  On a successful completion of this undergraduate programme, you can apply for Master’s courses, such as MA Social Work.

  Who can I contact for further information?

  For more information, or to register your interest, please contact the Health and Social Care Practice Programme Leader Christine Collymore.

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