BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care program at London Metropolitan University is meticulously designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to embark on a fulfilling professional career within the dynamic health and social care sector. This undergraduate program is closely aligned with the standards set by Skills for Health, the Sector Skills Council for the NHS, ensuring that upon completion, graduates can demonstrate their proficiency in accordance with the National Occupational Standards (NOS). The course takes a holistic approach, examining care and its clinical implications from various perspectives to provide a wide range of career opportunities. A key feature of the program is its responsiveness to the evolving UK healthcare sector, incorporating current and anticipated changes, such as advancements in healthcare technology, quality assurance measures, and the increasing cost of care provision. For those who may not meet the traditional entry requirements, London Metropolitan University also offers a four-year BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree with an integrated foundation year (Year 0), providing an alternative pathway into higher education.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care program is structured to foster the development of students at each stage of their academic journey. The early years often begin with extended induction periods to enhance understanding of course requirements and establish a supportive learning community. Key modules typically cover a broad spectrum of topics essential to the field. These may include an "Introduction to Health and Social Care: Concepts of Health and Well-being," exploring different approaches and provisions within the sector and identifying health and social care issues within specific populations. Students will also delve into the understanding of selected health and social care policies and the social determinants of health and their link to health inequalities. Modules such as "Introduction to Effective Practice in Health and Social Care" focus on developing crucial professional skills, including effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and an understanding of key values and ethical principles in health and social care. A significant emphasis is often placed on the concept of evidence-based practice, with modules like "An Introduction to Knowledge and Inquiry in Health and Social Care" introducing students to various research methods and the role of evidence in practice. Later in the program, modules may explore "Advancing the Health of the Population: Understanding Public Health," fostering an understanding of the discipline and the ability to interpret population health data. A crucial component is often a work-based placement module, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-life work environment and gain valuable experience for their future careers. The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online seminars, case studies, and video content with on-campus sessions. Assessment methods typically include a mix of group work, coursework, presentations, and potentially podcasts.

Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care program strongly emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and developing students' research skills. Throughout the curriculum, students are encouraged to use evidence to inform their decisions and to develop skills in observation, inquiry, and critical analysis. Modules are often designed to introduce students to various types of knowledge and evidence in health and social care, the role of research in practice, and different research methods. Students may be guided to investigate and conduct research on a topic of personal interest, accessing and critically analyzing academic literature, and developing their writing and presentation skills to communicate their findings effectively. This focus on research helps to ensure that graduates are equipped to engage with the latest developments in the field and to contribute to the evolving knowledge base of health and social care.

Industry Engagement: London Metropolitan University is committed to providing students with opportunities to engage with the health and social care sector. The program's alignment with the standards set by Skills for Health demonstrates its relevance to the needs of the NHS and other employers in the field. A significant aspect of industry engagement is the inclusion of a work-based placement module, allowing students to gain practical experience in a relevant work environment. While students are often responsible for finding their own placements, the university typically provides support in this process. The program may also feature guest lectures from professionals working in the health and social care sector, providing students with valuable insights into real-world practice and career opportunities. The university's location in London, a major global city, offers a diverse and extensive range of health and social care organizations, potentially providing students with a wide variety of placement and networking opportunities.

Global Perspective: While the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care program at London Metropolitan University primarily focuses on the UK context of health and social care, it often incorporates a global perspective in its curriculum. Modules may explore the social determinants of health on a global scale, encouraging students to understand health inequalities in a wider context. The diverse student body often present at London Metropolitan University also contributes to a global learning environment, allowing students to interact with and learn from individuals with different cultural backgrounds and experiences of health and social care systems around the world. Some programs may offer a module specifically on "Global Health," providing a more in-depth understanding of international health issues. The skills and knowledge gained on this program, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and an understanding of ethical principles, are highly transferable and can be applied in various health and social care settings globally.