BSc (Hons) - Health and Social Care (with integrated foundation year)

Year one

During the integrated foundation year, you will be taught alongside students from a range of programmes within the Institute of Health. During this time, you will be equipped with the essential skills needed to study at university level while undertaking challenging and authentic tasks that aim to test your decision-making skills in a health care environment.

• Essential University Skills 1
  Equip yourself with practical strategies for identifying appropriate sources, effective notetaking, efficient reading, and other strong study habits, setting you up with a solid foundation for your university journey.
• Essential University Skills 2
  Advance your academic writing, refine your critical thinking skills, and polish your presentation abilities. You will build on your existing skills, empowering you to tackle a wider range of assessments with confidence and excel in your future studies.
• Contemporary Issues and the Media
  Evaluate the dynamic relationship between society, media, and current events. Engage in thought-provoking discussions on pressing topics such as social inequality, mental health stigma and the ageing population, while critically analysing the media's influence on public opinion and its impact on shaping our world.
• Professional Practice in the Community
  Immerse yourself in real-world professional practice. Through interactive learning, this module prepares you to make a positive impact in diverse community settings. Develop practical knowledge, communication skills and the ethical mindset essential for success in health and social care.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
  Gain a comprehensive understanding of mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan. Encounter psychological theories, examine the factors that influence mental health, and learn evidence-based strategies to promote well-being. Empower yourself to support individuals and contribute to building healthier communities.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
  Build a foundational understanding of the intricate systems, structures, and functions that make up the body. Prepare for further studies in the health and social care field by establishing a working knowledge of human development, functional anatomy, and physiology.

Year two

• Developing Academic Writing and Reflective Practice
  Enhance your academic writing skills and foster reflective practice for effective communication and professional growth. Learn to craft well-structured arguments, reference accurately, and refine your critical thinking. Engage in reflective exercises to understand your academic strengths and areas for development.
• Introduction to Health and Wellbeing
  Examine the determinants of health, health promotion strategies, and the significance of preventive and person-centered care. Develop a holistic perspective to better address the diverse social and health needs of children, young people, families, and communities.
• Personalisation in Health and Social Care
  Analyse approaches that empower individuals, promote autonomy, and respect unique needs and preferences. Learn to design and implement tailored care plans that enhance quality of life and promote positive outcomes. Engage with practical scenarios to develop the skills needed to provide a person-centred approach in various contexts.
• Development through the Life Course
  Investigate human development across different life stages. Examine the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that influence individuals' growth, behaviour, and well-being. Understand the challenges and opportunities of each life stage and develop a comprehensive perspective to provide age-appropriate support.
• Values and Principles of Health and Social Care
  Investigate concepts such as dignity, equity, and compassion. Reflect on the values and beliefs that shape your professional identity and navigate complex ethical dilemmas. Gain insights into relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, fostering an ethical and accountable approach.
• Social and Political Influences on Policy and Practice
  Examine the social and political influences that shape policy and practice. Analyse the impact of socioeconomic conditions and power structures on the development and implementation of policies. Engage in critical discussions surrounding equity and the role of advocacy in shaping inclusive policy and practice for children and young people’s health.

Year three

• Introduction to Advancing Mental Health across the Healthcare Spectrum
  Using a biopsychosocial framework, consider mental health care from prevention and early intervention to treatment and recovery. Engage in discussions on contemporary issues, evidence-based interventions, and innovative approaches, equipping you to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health.
• Psychology for Health and Social Care
  Study human behaviour, cognition, and emotions, and examine how they influence individual well-being and social interactions. Contend with psychological theories, research methods, and practical strategies that inform effective care and support across diverse populations.
• Equality, Diversity and Equity in Practice
  Consider your own values and ethics and reflect upon their impact on your professional practice. Examine cultural sensitivity, social justice, and anti-discriminatory practice. Analyse the impact of social identities, cultural beliefs, and power dynamics, and develop the skills to promote equity, challenge inequality, and foster inclusivity.
• Duty of Care – Principles and Implementation
  Scrutinise the legal and ethical frameworks that guide professional practice, focusing on safeguarding individuals' rights, safety, and wellbeing. Learn to empower service users and balance the promotion of individual rights with the associated risk to society.
• Leadership and Change
  Step into the role of a leader and change agent. Explore the principles and theories of change management and effective leadership. Examine the skills required to inspire visionary practice, promote innovation, and enhance services. Engage in critical discussions and practical exercises to develop your ability to lead and inspire others.
• Researching and Evaluating Practice
  The aim of this module is to familiarise you with the challenges and opportunities of research in practice or community settings. It will explore evaluation, participatory and mixed method designs and consider effective ways to conduct research with specialist populations.

Year four

• Applied Critical Evaluation for Evidence Based Practice
  Advance your skills in retrieving, critically evaluating, and applying research evidence relevant to your practice. Review different research methodologies, analyse findings, and learn to integrate evidence into decision-making processes, empowering you to lead an evidence-informed service.
• Communication Skills in Health and Social Care
  Discover the crucial role communication plays in building therapeutic relationships, facilitating understanding, and promoting positive outcomes. Engage in interactive exercises and simulations to enhance your verbal, non-verbal, and active listening skills, enabling you to communicate with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
• Collaborative Working in Health and Social Care
  Building on your foundational knowledge, delve deeper into the principles and practices of effective collaborative working. Evaluate approaches to interdisciplinary teamwork, partnerships with service users, and interagency collaboration. Engage in practical scenarios to enhance your ability to foster integrated provision.
• Contemporary Approaches and Fundamental Principles of Safeguarding across the Lifespan
  Develop your understanding of contemporary practice, legislation, and policies related to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, from children to older adults. Assess risk factors and develop strategies for prevention, intervention, and protection, equipping you to play a crucial role in promoting the welfare and safety of those in your care.
• Managing Self and Others
  Discover strategies for self-reflection, emotional intelligence, time management, and resilience, enabling you to thrive in challenging and dynamic environments. Develop leadership skills to motivate and inspire others, foster teamwork, and drive positive change, empowering you to make a meaningful impact as a future leader in the field.
• Extended Professional Practice Report (Dissertation)
  To further develop your critical understanding and skills to undertake practitioner based enquiry. To enable you to become ‘critical consumers’ of others’ research and evaluation in the context of evidence based practice. For you to consolidate knowledge and understanding of investigative techniques and methods. By independent study, you are enabled to extend and develop a detailed exploration of a focused aspect of relevant practice.