BA (Hons) Applied Community & Social Care Studies

The BA (Hons) Applied Community & Social Care Studies program at UCLan is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in a variety of community and social care settings. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical experiences, students gain insight into the complexities of contemporary social issues and learn how to support individuals and communities in need. The program emphasizes a person-centered approach and explores topics such as social policy, diversity and inclusion, mental health, and advocacy. Students also have the opportunity to engage in placements and real-world projects, allowing them to apply their learning in professional settings.

1. Holistic Approach: The program adopts a holistic approach to community and social care, focusing on the interconnectedness of individual well-being and broader societal factors. Students explore the social determinants of health and learn how to address complex needs within diverse communities.

2. Professional Skills Development: Students develop a range of professional skills essential for effective practice in community and social care settings. These include communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, as well as ethical decision-making and reflective practice.

3. Placement Opportunities: The program offers valuable placement opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. Placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice, develop practical skills, and build professional networks.

4. Specialist Modules: Students have the opportunity to tailor their learning experience through a range of specialist modules. These may include topics such as working with vulnerable populations, safeguarding, addiction studies, and family support. These modules allow students to develop expertise in areas of particular interest or relevance to their future career goals.

5. Preparation for Employment: Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-prepared for a variety of roles within the community and social care sector. They may pursue careers in social work, youth work, community development, advocacy, or mental health support, among others. The program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Students should have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 60% or above in a relevant qualification equivalent to the UK's General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or A-levels.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6, with no individual component score below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80, with with no band less than 10.
• PTE: A minimum overall score of 61, with no individual score below 59.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan):

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to high-achieving international students. This scholarship provides a significant tuition fee reduction for the duration of the student's program. The selection is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at UCLan.

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is aimed at international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This scholarship offers a tuition fee reduction for the first year of study and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The selection criteria include academic achievements, personal statements, and references.

Country-Specific Scholarships: UCLan offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote cultural diversity and encourage international students from specific regions to study at UCLan. The eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship.

Sports Scholarships: UCLan recognizes the achievements of talented student athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and sporting pursuits. These scholarships are available for international students who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability and academic potential. The scholarships provide financial support, mentoring, and access to sports facilities and training programs.

Alumni Loyalty Discount: UCLan values its alumni and offers a tuition fee discount to international students who have previously completed a full degree program at UCLan and wish to pursue further studies at the university. The discount is applied to the tuition fees of eligible postgraduate programs.

External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the scholarships offered by UCLan, international students can also explore external scholarship opportunities and funding options. Various organizations, foundations, and governments provide scholarships for international students studying in the UK. UCLan's International Office can provide guidance and information on external scholarship opportunities.

It is important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships may vary each year.

The BA (Hons) Applied Community & Social Care Studies program at UCLan prepares graduates for a wide range of rewarding careers focused on making a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. The diverse skills and knowledge acquired during the program enable graduates to address complex social issues and contribute meaningfully to social care provision and community development.

1. Social Worker: Graduates of the BA (Hons) Applied Community & Social Care Studies program are well-prepared to pursue careers as social workers. They can work with individuals, families, and communities to assess needs, provide support, and implement interventions aimed at improving well-being and quality of life.

2. Community Development Officer: With a strong foundation in community and social care, graduates can pursue roles as community development officers. They work to strengthen communities, facilitate engagement, and develop initiatives that address social issues and promote positive change.

3. Youth Worker: Careers in youth work are also open to graduates of this program. Youth workers support young people in various settings, providing guidance, advocacy, and programs that promote personal development and well-being.

4. Mental Health Support Worker: Graduates may choose to specialize in mental health support, working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges. They provide emotional support, facilitate access to services, and contribute to recovery-focused interventions.

5. Family Support Worker: This program equips graduates to work with families, offering practical and emotional support to improve family functioning and resilience. Family support workers may focus on areas such as parenting, child welfare, or family mediation.

6. Advocacy Officer: Advocacy officers work to ensure that individuals and communities have their voices heard and rights protected. Graduates can advocate for marginalized groups, lobby for policy change, and raise awareness of social justice issues.

7. Care Coordinator: In care coordination roles, graduates organize and oversee services for vulnerable individuals, ensuring that their complex needs are met effectively. This can involve collaboration with health professionals, social services, and community organizations.

8. Community Health Worker: Graduates can pursue careers as community health workers, promoting health education, disease prevention, and access to healthcare services within diverse communities.

9. Substance Misuse Worker: Some graduates may work in substance misuse services, supporting individuals affected by addiction and facilitating recovery-oriented interventions.

10. Probation Officer: Graduates with a strong understanding of community and social care may explore roles within the criminal justice system, such as probation officers, where they work with offenders to reduce reoffending and promote rehabilitation.