BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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

Course Overview

This integrated foundation year entry route offers an alternative, supportive route for students who may not have the required qualification(s) for direct entry onto some of our level 4 programmes, or those who may have taken an extended break from education. By successfully completing the first year of this programme you may be able to apply to transfer onto one of our health professional programmes, including:

• BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
• BSc (Hons) Nursing – Adult
• BSc (Hons) Nursing – Learning Disability
• BSc (Hons) Nursing – Mental Health
• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
• BA (Hons) Social Work

If you do not wish to specialise after completing year one, you can continue onto the full health and social care degree. The full degree will support your academic advancement to prepare you for your ideal career in health and social care. You'll enhance your personal skills including communication, teamworking, self-management, motivation, resilience, self-awareness and confidence.

On this course you will...

• Have the option to transfer onto one of our health professional programmes (listed above) or progress onto the full health and social care degree at the end of the integrated foundation year.
• Study a range of engaging modules that will develop your confidence in your academic skills so that you are prepared for further study.
• Be taught by expert lecturers who have professional experience from across our Institute of Health, covering a spectrum of health and social care professions.
• Study health and social care as part of an active and vibrant community of like-minded Institute of Health students who want to make a difference.
• Access pastoral and academic support that is embedded in the programme to guide you on your journey into higher education, with a Student Development Coordinator providing advice and guidance.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street, Lancaster
• Institute: Institute of Health
• UCAS Code: B711
• Delivery Style: In-Person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 4 Years
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BSc (Hons)
• More information: Programme Specification, Prospectus

What our students say

• Cumbria felt like the best option for me. The staff at the university were extremely helpful and supportive and it seemed there were many mature students already attending the university.
• Sharon Palmer, Health and Social Care with Integrated Foundation Year
• Sharon always wanted to become a nurse but life got in the way, at the age of 48 she's taken the step toward making her dream of becoming a nurse come true by studying this course.
• Hear Sharon's Experience
• I chose Cumbria after looking at other universities and found that they have high standards and a strong academic team at the Health Institute. My desire is to create fresh ways to look at quality of life and change how people plan for their later years.
• Michael Wanjohi, Health and Social Care with Integrated Foundation Year
• Michael chose to go back to university so he could retrain in a field that would help him find ways to positively impact people's lives with his career.

Related Courses

• BSc (Hons) - Health and Social Care
• BA (Hons) - Social Work

Course Structure

What you will learn

Year one allows you to settle into University life and gain the confidence and skills to succeed in your chosen degree by participating in a supportive academic, personal and professional development programme. At the end of the Integrated Foundation Year, there is an opportunity to apply to transfer onto a range of our Allied Health Programmes.

Years two to four provides you with the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised academic award that has been designed to meet your needs and facilitate progression within the Health and Social Care sectors. The key knowledge, understanding and experiences gained throughout the programme are structured to enhance employability within a growing sector.

The programme is designed to equip you with academic, research, analytical and problem-solving skills. You will consider others cultural values and beliefs, approaches to care across diverse cultures and communities, recognising and appreciating similarities and differences.

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.

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

In year one, you are encouraged to reflect on your skills development in learning and personal contexts so you develop the ability to make appropriate choices and decisions. Challenging and authentic tasks will be used to stretch your capabilities in real-world learning and assessment resulting in a deeper approach to learning.

In years two to four, we promote the development of inclusive practice and address a range of learner types using different approaches to learning and teaching across the framework.

Teaching and learning will include:

• Online and/or class-based workshop activities
• Facilitated discussion and debate
• Tutorials, guided study and reading
• Work-based learning
• Reflection on practice
• Individual and group project work
• Directed and independent study utilising electronic resources e.g Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You will use learning technology to promote learning and achievement, e.g. through the use of mobile technology, podcasts, webinars. Your teaching will emphasise problem-solving and the interaction of theory and practice. You will benefit from the use of research-informed teaching, drawing on health, social care and workplace knowledge and expertise to enhance your reading and interpretation of research publications.

You will learn to actively reflect on work-based experiences, complete self-reflection and utilise strategies such as role-play and debate to consider differing perspectives. The programme is delivered by a team of specialists and experienced lecturers, ensuring learning and teaching methods are contemporary and contextually relevant.

How you will be assessed

All but one of your foundation year modules are designed with two summative assessments this is to allow you the opportunity to ease into undertaking assignments at HE level and for feedback to be provided to you and for you to develop further as you progress through a module. This particularly benefits students who enter this programme following an education gap or who lack specific academic skills and confidence.

Assessments are:

• Minimised in load whilst upholding robust academic standards
• Designed to provide a creative and balanced strategy across the programme enabling you to evidence excellence in knowledge and skills development
• A range of authentic, engaging and challenging formative assessment activities and contribute to the successful completion of the summative assignment task(s). Examples include quizzes, group work, peer review, presentations, reflection, tutorials, online activities
• Enabling the valid testing of learning outcomes, through summative “written assignments” including for example; portfolio, case study, reports, reflective accounts, response to peer review, academic essays, appraisal of evidence,
• Relevant to health and social care settings, allowing for authentic assessment and effective formative feedback to facilitate your success
• Using self and peer assessment to facilitate critical reflection and to support active learning
• A structure for scaffolding learning, building upon knowledge and understanding as you progress.

Overview

48 UCAS Tariff Points. You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table.

GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above. Functional Skills in English and Adult Literacy are also accepted. A full list of acceptable qualifications can be found here.

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: GCSE English Language at C/4 or above.
• A-levels: A
• T-levels: P ( D or E) All subjects are accepted for entry to this course.
• Access to HE: 45 Credits at Pass.
• CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: D
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: PPP
• Scottish Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points.
• Irish LC Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points.
• Other experience: Pearson Level 3 National Diploma MP

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to this programme. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained.

The Integrated Foundation Year programme supports your return to education and are specifically designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree but may not have all the necessary qualifications, skills or experiences to join the degree in Year 1.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study. For some individuals, the disadvantages they have experienced in their life mean that they have not been able to demonstrate their full academic potential. Where a person lives and their personal circumstances can all affect their educational attainment.

We take this context into account and look for an applicant’s potential when making admission decisions. The University of Cumbria will make offers at the bottom of any UCAS Tariff range to applicants that live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education (Polar 4 quintile 1 – you can check your postcode here), applicants that are estranged from their parents, are care leavers or have caring responsibilities or are in receipt of or received free school meals during their secondary education. Attendance at our Masterclasses and Summer Schools will also allow applicants to receive an offer lower within the tariff range. (T&Cs apply)

Returning to Education

If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of our degree courses, please do not assume you are not qualified to join us. Our experienced Admissions and Academic staff will review your prior qualifications and professional experience to support your application.

Language requirements

• GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

• £9,535 - UK
• £14,900 - International

2024 - 2025

• £9250 - UK
• £13,575 - International

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

Fees for a BSc course with an integrated foundation year are as stated. BSc fee for the following years of study (years 2-4) is £9,250.

For information about funding, please visit our undergraduate funding page.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.