HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

BSc (Hons) Top-up

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Award

BSc (Hons)

Duration

1 year FT

UCAS Code

L510

Placement

200 hours

Entry

September

Fees

View Fees

Department of Health and Nutrition

Overview

Undertake a research project on an industry topic that interests you

Customise your course with a range of optional modules to suit your career interests

Are you passionate about supporting others in their greatest time of need? Do you want a career that makes a real difference in people’s lives? Our Health and Social Care top-up degree course will enhance your skills and knowledge to help you open the door to an extremely rewarding career meeting the care needs of others in society.

Designed for anyone who has previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5), our Health and Social Care top-up course expands upon your current understanding of how to support a wide variety of people, including the most vulnerable individuals and those with complex care needs. You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge fundamental to meeting the health and care needs of society as a whole, adapting to the latest changes in this dynamic sector.

To enable you to tailor your studies in line with your career aims, our top-up degree offers you a variety of optional modules to choose from, ranging from issues of wellbeing to working with offenders. You will also study a topic of your choice in depth for your final research project, as well as boosting your real-world experience on a work placement.

Why choose this degree course?

• SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – From Mental Wellbeing to Learning Disability or Criminology, choose from our optional modules to tailor your learning
• WORK PLACEMENT – Gain valuable real-world experience by undertaking a work placement as part of your top-up course
• IN-DEPTH RESEARCH – Carry out your own in-depth research project on a topic that interests you and is relevant to your career aspirations
• EXPERT TUITION – Receive support and teaching from expert staff with a wealth of vocational experience in the health and social care sector
• AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

Our facilities

Our learning spaces at University College Birmingham ensure you have the right environments to build your knowledge, from lecture theatres to interactive group working spaces and extensive library resources.

• Our library facilities offer more than 50,000 print resources and over 60 million digital resources, with expert support from qualified library professionals and research specialists
• Our £44 million Moss House campus includes an exhibition space to showcase your work to assessors and prospective employers.
• Our campus buildings feature lecture theatres equipped with the latest technology, as well as comfortable tutorial and seminar rooms and private meeting rooms
• Located in our McIntyre House campus, ThinkSpace features glazed study pods to discuss group projects and glass wipe boards to mind-map your ideas

Course breakdown

Modules

Core Modules

Counselling and Guidance Skills

From informally giving advice and information to a more in-depth addressing of emotional issues, counsellors support others in a wide range of capacities. You will develop an understanding of the use of counselling, its practicalities, the necessity of self-development and boundaries as well as essential skills.

Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care

Studying on this module you will develop your skills and understanding of leadership and management in health and social care settings. You will undertake a range of tasks which will culminate in you to creating a leadership and management portfolio. These tasks will develop your skills, so that you become a more effective practitioner, better equipped to lead and manage in the current professional field.

Choose 2 optional modules

Criminology and Offender Management

This module provides students with an introduction and overview of offender rehabilitation and the core principles of offender management that underpin the offender's journey through the criminal justice system. It also explains interventions to motivate them to stop offending. This will include concepts of offender need, core principles of offender management and the practice of managing different offender groups

Learning Disability

You will develop your knowledge and skills in supporting individuals with learning disabilities. You will gain an informed perspective on past and present issues and examine the policies and theory behind the service. You will learn strategies for supporting people with complex needs as well as the role and responsibilities of practitioners in leading and developing practice.

Mental Wellbeing

This module will raise your awareness of mental health issues within society. It will enhance your understanding of historical context and the development of policy and practice in relation to mental wellbeing.

Choose 1 optional module

Research in Health and Social Care Practice

You will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge within a chosen area of the course and the related industry. Using your creativity, problem-solving abilities and data analysis techniques, you will communicate the application, management of research and appraisal of your chosen area under the supervision of an experienced tutor.

Research Project (SEHC)

You will develop your independent learning, problem solving and analytical skills by choosing a particular area of the course and related industry to study in greater depth. You will be encouraged to integrate concepts and knowledge from previous modules and draw on wide range of academic and industrial resources, supported by a lecturer within personal tutorials.

Entry requirements

Academic:

• A relevant HND or a foundation degree in the areas of Health and Social Care or Care in the Community, with 240 credits.
• GCSE/IGCSE English grade A*-C (grade 9-4) or equivalent.

International students

• Academic : European and International qualifications studied in a relevant subject matter will also be considered. Applicants will need to have achieved 120 ECTS or equivalent (European Credit Transfer).
• GCSE/IGCSE English language and maths grades A*-C (grades 9-4) or equivalent.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

• Note : Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction.
• Teaching
  • Example of a typical teaching week (up to 11 contact hours):
    • Large group teaching – 5 hours
    • Smaller group teaching – 3 hours
    • Tutorials – 3 hours
    • Field trips and visits
  • You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.
• Assesment
  • Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:
    • Coursework – 80%
    • Practical assessment – 20%

Tuition fees for home students

• If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2024/2025 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is£9,250. Forpart-time study , the fee is £4,625.
• In 2025/2026, the full-time fee will be£9,535 per year, while the part-time fee will be£4,767.50 per year.

Work experience

• Work experience is vital for learning how to apply your training in the real world and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and it may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our Hired team can help you find suitable work experience.
• As part of the BSc Health and Social Care top-up course, you will complete 200 hours on work placement with one of our industry partners.

Career opportunities

• The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
• Family support worker
  • Average Salary: £21,000
• Community education officer
  • Average Salary: £28,000
• Learning mentor (school)
  • Average Salary: £18,750
• Health promotion specialist
  • Average salary: £24,907 – £44,503
• Community development worker
  • Average Salary: £28,500
• Advice worker
  • Average Salary: £28,000

Meet your lecturers

• Zoe Hodgson
  • Senior Lecturer
• Sunny Mehan
  • Lecturer

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a) Modules:

• Core Modules:
• Counselling and Guidance Skills:
Provides extensive understanding of counselling theory & practice, self-development, and ethical boundaries. Develop essential skillsets for effective counselling.
• Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care:
Develop abilities and understanding to lead and manage health and social care settings through tasks that culminate in a leadership/management portfolio.
• Optional Modules:
• Criminology and Offender Management:
Offers introduction, overview & core principles of managing offenders through the Criminal Justice System. Covers interventions, offender needs, practice, and managing diverse offender groups.
• Learning Disability: Gain comprehensive knowledge on supporting individuals with learning disabilities, informed perspective on historical issues, policies, and service theory.
Learn strategies, the importance of practitioners leading and developing practice in this area.

• Research Modules
• Research in Health and Social Care Practice:
Deepen knowledge within your chosen area of the health and social care course.

• Assessement method comprises 80% Coursework and 20% Practical Assessments.

• Typical Weekly Timetable:
• Large Group Instruction: 5 hrs
• Smaller Group Instruction: 3 hrs
• Tutorials: 3 hrs
• Field Trips and Visits
• Individual study (approx 20 hrs/week )

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Careers:

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4) Careers:

This information can be found under the "Careers" section.

• Family Support Worker:
Average Salary £21,000
• Community Education Officer:
Average Salary £28,000
• Learning Mentor (School)
: Average Salary £18,750
• Health Promotion Specialist:
Average salary : £24,907 – £44,503
• Community Development Worker:
Average Salary £28,500
• Advice Worker:
Average Salary £28,000
• Other:

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5) Other:

This encompasses additional relevant information related to the program's content that is beyond fees, admission requirements, or the application process.

• 70% of Graduate employers
view relevant experience as crucial for employment.
• 200 hours of work placement
• Hired offers career support, job searching assistance to students throughout their studies.

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A half-year tuition fee is £4,625. There will be no change to this tuition fee for the forthcoming two academic years (2023/24 and 2024/25).

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International students

If you are an international student enrolling on a full-time foundation degree or a BA/BSc in 2023/24, your fee for this academic year will be £13,500 per year. The course fee for academic year 2024/2025 is £14,000 per year. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.

University College Birmingham

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Overview:

University College Birmingham (UCB) is a vibrant and welcoming institution located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, and college courses. UCB is known for its world-class facilities, which have been significantly enhanced through a £200 million investment.

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Services Offered:

The context does not provide specific details about the services offered to students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCB boasts a supportive and friendly student community, where students can forge lifelong friendships and find a sense of belonging. The institution offers campus tours led by student ambassadors, who provide insights into student life and facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

UCB has invested heavily in its campuses, equipment, and resources, providing students with a high-quality learning environment.

University of Warwick accreditation:

Many of UCB's programs are accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university, ensuring high academic standards.

Location:

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, UCB offers students access to a thriving business environment, beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene.

Student choice:

UCB is the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice, as recognized by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.

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Academic Programs:

UCB offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

A variety of undergraduate degree courses.

Postgraduate:

A selection of postgraduate degree courses.

Apprenticeships:

Higher level apprenticeships.

College:

College courses.

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Other: