About This Course
The BA (Hons) Health and Social Care will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the health and social care policies, theory and practice and you will gain the skills needed to be able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
In line with today’s fast-changing care sector, the emphasis during this course will be on the social experiences of health and care and the delivery and management of services. You will learn how the provision and delivery of these services is influenced by society and the economy as well as by political and ethical factors. The course will focus on providing you with detailed understanding of the key contemporary issues that shape our health and our society and therefore the well-being of individuals and their communities. You will also develop the critical and analytical skills that underpin evidence-based practice.
Some modules offered as part of the course will be available through the medium of Welsh. For information on the School of Health Sciences bilingual provision click here.
Visit our Why Study with us? page to find out some key facts about why you should choose the School of Health Sciences for this course.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- We aim to provide a friendly and informal learning environment.
- The degree structure is flexible enough to offer a range of specialisms and a breadth of choice.
- The degree is taught by experts in the subject who aim to be innovative and to meet real needs.
- The introductory year's work is designed to build your confidence, whatever your background.
- We use a variety of learning approaches, and, as well as the development of personal skills, we emphasise the development of practical skills in observation, interpretation, information processing and presentation, all of which will be valued by employers.
Course Content
The course will be taught via lectures, seminars, small group work, presentations and computer-based independent learning. During the course you will have, on average, 6 hours of lectures per week and up to 6 hours of group seminars. Throughout the degree, you will have one-to-one support from academic staff.
We use a variety of assessment methods, including coursework and examinations. Some modules are wholly assessed by coursework. You will also work independently (with supervision) on an extended piece of written work, your dissertation, which will involve research in the area of your choice.
What will you study on this course?
This degree combines academic rigour with practical experience. During Year 1, the core modules of the course provide an introduction to the key concepts, historical background and contemporary issues relating to health and social care, as well as an introduction to research and study skills.
During Years 2 & 3, core and optional modules provide a thorough grounding in key theoretical perspectives, comparative studies in health and welfare policy, and research methodologies. During Year 3, you will complete your degree with a more detailed study of core subjects, and you will carry out a dissertation in the area of your choice. During the degree, you will also have the opportunity to test your new knowledge and skills in a two-semester work placement in your second year.
During Year 1 (starting September 2020), you will study the following modules (subject to validation):
- NHS-1202 Health & Welfare Issues
- NHS-1204 Fundamentals of Sociology
- NHS-1205 Research and Study Skills
- NHS-1124 Health and Society
- NHS-1123 Behaviour and Health
- NHS-1206 Working with Vulnerable Populations
Careers
Health and Social Care is a very diverse field that will open up many opportunities for your future. Many BA (Hons) Health and Social Care graduates now work in the NHS, different charities such as MIND, social care organisations and other public, private and voluntary sector agencies. Recent graduates have been able to find work in local councils, as housing officers, working with vulnerable families or with refugees. Others work in charities, helping those with mental health issues or addictions.
This course will also help you start or progress a career in professions such as nursing, social work or occupational therapy. Some graduates also choose to pursue taught Masters courses, or research degrees.
EXPLORE MORE IN SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL POLICY
Sociology allows you to investigate social life and the way it shapes our behaviour, beliefs and identity. By studying Social Policy, you’ll be looking at social relations and systems that maintain and promote human wellbeing.
Placement Year
This course is available as a 4-year ‘with Placement Year’ option. Please apply for Health and Social Care (with Placement) BSc L51P. Find out more about 'with Placement Year' courses here.
The placement year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree, and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.
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