Health & Social Care
This degree provides you with a sound and critical understanding of the health and social care policy, theory and practice, essential in today's fast-changing care sector.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 12 years
Study method: Distance learning.
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
This degree is applicable to a wide range of health and social care careers in the statutory, voluntary, or private sectors, though some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree. Some of our students include:
• care managers
• healthcare assistants and healthcare support workers
• health educators
• health scientists
• welfare and housing associate professionals
• practice managers
• social work assistants
• specialist practitioners
• youth workers and youth justice workers
Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public and voluntary sectors. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• February 2025: Registration closes 09/01/2025
Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
BA (Honours) Health and Social Care
This degree provides you with a sound and critical understanding of the health and social care policy, theory and practice, essential in today's fast-changing care sector. Professionals at all levels need to be proactive and flexible to succeed, and through your studies you’ll gain the skills needed for effective practice in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment. You’ll learn how ethical, legal, social, economic and political factors influence the provision and development of services. You will also develop the critical and analytical skills that underpin evidence-based practice.
Key features of the course
• Applies new ideas to real-life issues and situations that affect us all.
• Helps you to develop as an independent and reflective learner.
• Explores the context and processes of change.
• Develops new ways of working across agency and professional boundaries.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Health and Social Care (W69) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• At each stage you will study one 60-credit compulsory module focusing on current issues across the health and social care sector.
• For the remaining 60 credits of each stage, you can choose between option modules exploring particular issues or client groups in more depth, for example, mental health, children and young people or death and dying.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.