Welcome to BSc (Hons) Health and Psychosocial Studies
Working in this sector addresses a crucial need in society. The programme enables you to develop your academic thinking and learning around a range of issues in health and social care, with a clear focus on service users in the community. A range of topics is covered by the course team which consists of experienced lecturers and practitioners who will equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience for a successful, professional career within this most-needed sector. For more details about the topics covered, please refer to the list of modules on this programme.
Upon completion, graduates have pursued successful careers in a variety of roles, from practitioner roles to management roles and postgraduate study in areas such as social work, teaching and occupational therapy.
Your profile
You are empathic, trustworthy and want to contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of individuals, their families and wider communities. You are committed to enhancing people’s opportunities and are a passionate advocate for those who do not have a voice.
Your subject
The health and social care industry is evolving. Economic and technological influences are changing the way care is assessed and provided, causing a huge rise in demand for qualified new recruits. The country spends over 18% of its annual budget on healthcare; this is predicted to increase in response to an ageing population with complex needs. As such, the sector is one of the UK’s key areas for employment growth, with Government research suggesting over 275,000 more workers will be needed in the adult social care sector alone by 2025.
Your course
The University Centre Colchester Health and Social Care programmes will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding in core areas of the industry. You will be introduced to key aspects of management and leadership in the context of current policy directions, and become prepared to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-agency settings.
You will be taught by academics with backgrounds in research and extensive professional industry experience. You will have the opportunity to specialise in areas of the industry that interest you and take part in work placements, which will provide you with an invaluable opportunity to apply theory to practice.
The skills you develop will open doors in the statutory, voluntary, private health and social care sectors.
This programme explores a range of disciplines within the health and social care area and encourages students to develop skills in reflective practice, critical enquiry and independent study.
Undergraduate courses operate on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Each module is worth a specified number of credits, with most modules counting for 30/40 or 15/20 academic credits (depending on the programme), with each credit taken equating to a total amount of study time which includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.
Most full-time students will take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. A total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits are needed for an honours degree as a whole. Overall grades for the course and degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.
Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry engagement and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.
*UCAS Tariff points where shown, are for entry on to higher education programmes starting from September 2023.
International applicants
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.
Additional requirements for International Students:
Your future
As a graduate, you will be fully prepared to enter one of the UK’s most rewarding services. 81% of professionals currently working in the sector are satisfied with the quality of care they give to patients, and as the industry evolves, you will have the opportunity to be involved in the development of new and exciting health and social care roles.
You could pursue a career in middle or senior management, use your entrepreneurial skills to establish a social enterprise, or consider a career in the areas of nursing, social work, youth work or occupational therapy, to name a few.
Opportunities for graduates of the Certificate of Higher Education exist in health and social care settings and in a wide variety of NHS positions. Our graduates, who were already in employment, have been able to access more senior positions and supervisory responsibilities. Others progress onto level 5 BSc (Hons) in Health and Psychosocial Studies.
Career opportunities
This will enable students in the health and social care sector to provide evidence of continuing professional development and preparation for work progression.
Course progression
Students are able to progress on to level 5 of the BSc (Hons.) in Health and Psychosocial Studies
Our graduates, who were already in employment, have been able to access more senior positions with management and supervisory responsibilities. Others go on to work as teachers, social workers or in nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, although some of these careers do require additional professional training.
This will enable students in the industry sector to provide evidence of continuing professional development and undertake broader managerial and/or supervision duties.
Course Progression
Further academic studies in professional training such as pre-registered Masters programmes at the University of Essex.
*Please note there is a charge of £44 for a DBS check
Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week.
Teaching and Learning: You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals. Seminars enable smaller group discussions to develop understanding of topics covered in lectures.
When not attending lectures, seminars and practicals or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, learning zone or technical learning resources, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations
Assessment: The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.
There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
Feedback: You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.
All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2022-23 academic year and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.
The course information describes programmes offered by University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.
The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.