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Health and Social Care Practice BA (Hons)

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Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    L515

  • Level

    UndergraduateUG BA (Hons)

  • Duration

    Full Time: 3 Years
    Foundation: 4 Years
    Part Time: 4 - 6 Years

  • Starting

    September

Updated 13/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 13/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

This distinctive health and social degree programme adopts a global perspective of current and emerging health and social care issues and approaches. You will explore challenges around inequalities, exploitation and oppression, evaluating current approaches and developing alternative, sustainable responses to identified needs.

Wellbeing is a recurring theme throughout the health and social care practice programme, promoting resilience of practitioners, individuals and communities. The health and social care degree has a strong emphasis on new technologies and approaches, taking a holistic and cross-cultural view underpinned by research.

We are accredited by, and work closely with, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which is the Charted Body for Management and Leadership. CMI work with business and education providers like ourselves to inspire people to become skilled, confident and successful managers and leaders.

During your studies, you can enjoy free CMI membership which extends to one year after graduation. As a member, you have access to a wide range of CMI resources and events which can help you with your studies to connect with potential employers and business professionals.

CMI (Chartered Management Institute) HE Partner logo

Highlights

  • CMI Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership. Please note that CMI certification is subject to successful CMI moderation of the learner’s work. Successful completion of the Level 6 University module Leading the Way in Health and Social Care module will lead to the CMI Level 5 qualification
  • Opportunity to gain a Mental Health First Aid certificate as part of the programme
  • Specialist option modules to choose from in the final year
  • Successful completion of the Level 6 Leading the Way in Health and Social Care module will lead to CMI level 5 award in Principles of Leadership Practice
  • Opportunity to be part of a Health and Social Care Community of Practice
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise
  • HP laptop and software included with this course* (*Terms and conditions apply).

Entry Requirements

You will need one of the following qualifications (or equivalents):

  • A Levels at CCC or above
  • BTEC/Cambridge Technical graded DMM in a related subject
  • T Level at Pass (C and above)
  • Alternative level 3 qualifications, such as Access to Higher Education, International Baccalaureate will also be considered

We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

  • Minimum academic requirements are:

    • Applicants will normally need to have GCSEs including English at Grade C/4 or above.

    For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  • Admission to this Foundation Framework is normally:

    • DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or Pass (D or E) at T Level
    • For students who do meet GCSE English or equivalent requirements, can study a Level 2 equivalency 20 credit module as a part of their Foundation Year.
    • We would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

    We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

  • English Language Requirements

    We welcome international applications and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

    • International students whose first language is not English, must hold IELTS at a minimum of 6.0, or equivalent, as per University policy

    If you are an International student and would like information on making an application for the health and social care practice course, please see our How to Apply page.

Course Content

  • 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.

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • 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 specialized and professionalized 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.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted for the health and social care degree relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,535*
  • UK – Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £9,535* as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA/BSc rate)
  • International – Full Time: £15,700
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £15,700

* The 2025/26 annual tuition fee for undergraduate courses has not yet been confirmed by the Department for Education but is expected to be £9,535 for year one. UON will adjust fees annually in line with government policy.

  • Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted for the health and social care degree relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • UK – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £9,250 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA/BSc rate)
    • International – Full Time: £15,200
    • International – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £15,200

Staff

Christine Collymore, Senior Lecturer in Social Care

Senior Lecturer in Social Care
Health and Social Care Practice BA (Hons)

Christine Collymore
Karen Brasher, Senior Lecturer in Health & Social Care

Senior Lecturer in Health & Social Care
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Karen Brasher
Chris Jackson, Senior Lecturer in Health & Social Care

Senior Lecturer in Health & Social Care
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Chris Jackson
Victoria Boulton, Senior Lecturer in Health & Social Care

Senior Lecturer in Health & Social Care
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Victoria Boulton

Careers and Employability

The Health and Social Care Practice degree will prepare you for employment in the field of health and social care and working with diverse communities. These opportunities are in a wide range of voluntary, statutory and private sector organisations.

There are opportunities to work in these types of roles: Conflict and Humanitarian advocacy adviser, Educator, Project manager, Digital interaction adviser, Communications officer, Policy and advocacy officer, Homeless prevention officer, Fundraising lead, Partnership manager, Engagement adviser, public engagement adviser, Team/Executive assistant.

If you are passionate about working in any of these areas, then this is the health and social care degree for you – human rights, social justice, partnership working, technology, mental and physical health services, Human Resources, learning and development, project management, administration.

Master’s Opportunities

Successful completion of this health and social care practice course could lead on to one of our postgraduate programmes. Our Master’s courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees.

Facilities

The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.

Learning Hub

The main reception for the University and additional teaching spaces.

Senate Building

Is this course for you?

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