Course overview
Build confidence in a Foundation Year, then complete the full honours degree.
Explore professional care practice, human development, safeguarding, health promotion, resilience, inequality and leadership across diverse services. Begin with an integrated Foundation Year that develops academic, data, research and professional skills.
Course overview
This degree examines health and social care in its social, ethical and professional context. Students progress from anatomy, safe practice and the work of care professionals into lifespan development, safeguarding, wellbeing, social justice and leadership, using case studies and applied learning to prepare for multidisciplinary roles across public, private and third-sector services.
Foundation pathway
The integrated Foundation Year develops academic communication, research, data and professional skills before progression to Year 1 of the degree after successful completion.
Teaching and learning
Teaching combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, practical scenarios, workshops, guest speakers and guided independent study. The published learning pattern identifies approximately 24% scheduled learning and teaching and 76% guided independent study at each stage.
Professional career routes
Regulated careers such as social worker, nurse, psychologist, therapist, paramedic or midwife require additional professional qualifications and accreditation.
Curriculum
Follow the published Foundation Year and three degree stages.
01Foundation Year
Level 3
Foundation Year
Level 3
- Introduction to Research and Writing
- Introduction to the Health and Social Care Sector
- Data Skills
- Professional Development Skills in Health and Social Care
01Year 1
Level 4
Year 1
Level 4
- Academic and Professional Skills
- Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology
- The Health and Social Care Professionals
- Working Safely in Health and Social Care Environments
02Year 2
Level 5
Year 2
Level 5
- Lifespan Development
- Safeguarding in Practice
- Promoting Health and Wellbeing
- Significant Life Events and Resilience
03Year 3
Level 6
Year 3
Level 6
- Inequalities and Social Justice
- Leadership and Change Management in Health and Social Care
- Undergraduate Major Project (Health and Social Care Context)
- Comparative Healthcare Systems
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Assessment is linked to each module's learning outcomes and may combine coursework and examinations. Published examples include essays, reports, presentations, portfolios, in-class tests, practical activities, projects and the major project.
Formative assessment and feedback are also used to support development without contributing to the final module mark.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Foundation Year entry
- 48 UCAS Tariff points are required for Foundation Year entry.
- Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, or accepted equivalents, are required and must include English and Mathematics.
English language
- IELTS 6.0 or an accepted equivalent, with no component below 5.5, is required for applicants using international or EU qualifications.
Application documents
- Completed application form.
- Qualification certificates and transcripts.
- Evidence of English-language ability where applicable.
- Personal statement and any additional evidence requested during admissions.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
The official course page currently labels these fees 2025/26; confirm the latest fee before applying.
EU nationals who meet the relevant residency requirements may qualify for Home fee status; otherwise overseas fees apply.
Fees may increase within UK legal and Office for Students limits, normally in line with inflation. The amount in the offer letter and any later formal notice should be treated as authoritative.
Funding your study
Eligible UK students may be able to access tuition-fee and maintenance support through Student Finance, subject to the exact course route and personal circumstances.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Understand professional roles and safe practice across health and social care.
Apply safeguarding, health-promotion and resilience principles to complex needs.
Evaluate inequality, social justice and leadership across different healthcare systems.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Potential career directions
- Care coordinator
- Community outreach worker
- Rehabilitation assistant
- Social prescribing link worker
- Charity officer
- Care manager
- Health therapy support
- Youth worker
- Further education trainer
- Health administrator
- Health adviser
- Drug and alcohol support worker
- Childcare assistant
- Life coach
- Social housing worker
- Family support worker
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Where is this course taught?
The course is taught at UGM Manchester in Manchester.
When can I start?
Start dates are available in September, January and May.
Who awards the degree?
The degree is awarded by the University of Greater Manchester.