Health and Social Care BA (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

This Health and Social Care course explores the core concepts of healthcare through theoretical and practical learning.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2023-24 2024-25 2025-26

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

L509

Start date

April 2024
June 2024

How to apply

Open days

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Foundation year

The foundation year aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in health and social care-related disciplines.

Degree

This course aims to help you become a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and skilled individual ready to support the delivery of health and social care within the NHS, local authority services, private health provision or third sector services. It provides the opportunity for the development of the knowledge and skills required of healthcare support workers, community health care workers, those with roles in health and social care, and offers a Continuing Professional Development opportunity.

Why you should study this course

The course will:

analyse the interaction between sociology, social policy and health
prepare you to work in this dynamic and demanding sector by exploring health on an individual and societal level
explore how society is organised and how we care for the vulnerable, the challenges facing modern society and the importance of caring for our environment.

How can we help?

What you'll study

The first stage (HNC) of the degree element of the course gives you a theoretical grounding in the fundamentals of health and social care. There is an early focus on safe and effective practice and safeguarding. The course also provides you with an introduction to the sociological perspectives of health, the importance of environmental issues and community approaches to healthcare. You will learn about health and social care delivery and the importance of collaborative working. This stage aims to develop your understanding of the wider determinants of health and allows you to explore historical approaches as well as understand the challenges of modern society.

Modules

Contemporary Health and Wellbeing - 30 credits

UK society has significantly changed over time, especially since the development of the post-war welfare state. This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the contemporary health issues in the UK. You will examine the historical development of the health and social care system in the UK as well as contemporary issues such as changes to the demographics of the population, health inequalities, science, medicine and the wider determinants of health. This module focuses on the social and interpersonal aspects of health, including how the wider determinants of health impact on service delivery.

Discussions of contemporary health issues aim to help you understand the challenges to the existing health and social care systems. You will explore the concept of health and illness and how our understanding of these has changed over time. You will also explore the issues of equality and diversity and how we can provide inclusive healthcare and social care for all those who need to access it.

Compulsory

Working in Health and Social Care - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of the principle theoretical concepts and practice-based knowledge associated with health and social care practice. You will explore the current delivery models of health within the UK, including the use of digital health tools. There will be a focus on the importance of interprofessional working. You will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of safe and effective practice, as well as equipping you with the skills to apply this knowledge and understanding in a practical setting. Risk management will be introduced as a means of keeping patients safe and ensuring effective practice by health and social care workers. You will begin to understand the complex nature of safeguarding and be able to implement safeguarding policies and the challenges this often presents in health and social care.

Compulsory

Modern Society - 30 credits

This module aims to give you an understanding of how society has changed over time and the issues that modern contemporary society faces. Changes in the demographic patterns through immigration, cultural change, environmental issues, working practices and globalisation have transformed society in the UK. These changes to society have an impact on services and service delivery. This module explores the concepts of community and community approaches to health and social care. It will examine the issues of crime and society and the impact this has on the community. You will identify the vulnerable and marginalised within society, including (but not limited to) the elderly, refugees or those seeking asylum, homeless and those living in deprivation.

Compulsory

Healthy Environments - 30 credits

This module aims to introduce you to the impact that the environment has on health and wellbeing. ‘Environment’ is used broadly, and encompasses built and natural environments, rural and urban and different geographical/physical localities, to include socio-economic and political variables. You will examine the changing environment, including the impact of climate change. You will also explore how we can care for our natural environments, including the importance of safe and accessible outdoor spaces for all ages. You will examine the impact of travel on the environment and discuss sustainable travel benefits for individuals and society. Throughout this module, you will aim to develop a robust understanding of the UN sustainable development goals and the importance of these for health and social care.

Compulsory

The second stage (HND) of the course allows you to develop an in-depth understanding of life stage development, exploring the physical and psychological development of individuals from pre-conception to end of life. Consideration will be given to the factors that impact upon this and how we identify and support the vulnerable and marginalised in society. Critical discussion will be introduced to discuss the challenges facing health and social care systems supporting these groups. You will also be introduced to the topic of mental health and social policy ensuring that you are prepared for health and care-associated issues across a wide spectrum of age ranges. At this stage you will also be introduced to research methods which will be used in the research project at the final stage of the course.

Modules

An Introduction to Healthy Development - 30 credits

This module focuses on the importance of healthy development in children and the impact the early years can have on children’s development (including mental, socioeconomic and physical development). The module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the life stages and development from conception through to early adulthood. You will explore the physical and psychological development of humans from conception to early adulthood. The module focuses on the importance of the early years and what impact adverse experiences can have. You will compare global experiences of childhood and how experiences have changed over time. It also focuses on understanding the issues of safeguarding and multi-agency working to support a healthy start.

Compulsory

Working with the Vulnerable in Society - 30 credits

This module will explore how health and social care services support those who are vulnerable within society. Vulnerable and marginalised groups can include, but are not limited to, those with long-term health conditions, learning disabilities, addiction issues, mental health issues, the homeless, the elderly and minority groups. You will consider the importance of physical, social and psychological development across the later life stages (adulthood, older adulthood and end of life). You will discuss the causes of marginalisation and how vulnerable groups can be supported in society. This module focuses on health and social care services that are available to educate, prevent, promote and treat people, as well as discussion about the challenges these services face. You will examine the importance of multi-agency working to serve vulnerable populations. It also focuses on issues including (but not limited to) addiction, social isolation and disability such as dementia.

Compulsory

Mental Health and Social Policy - 30 credits

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of social policy, communities and mental health. There will be studies and debates on theories, perspectives and evaluation of policies associated with a range of social issues including inequality, social exclusion, crime and social control, community cohesion and neighbourhood renewal and a comparative analysis of welfare states and how all these impact on mental health. You will also study a range of mental health disorders, care and management using standard classification.

Compulsory

Research Methods - 30 credits

This module will develop your understanding of research methods, both quantitative and qualitative. You will be taught data collection and methods of data collection in a manner that ensures data is a true representation of the total population. Primary and secondary sources of data as well as primary and secondary research skills will be discussed. Key skills in data analysis will be discussed in addition to the application of such skills in health and social care. Ethics in research will also be discussed. You will practise the appropriate referencing style, use of library resources and appropriate use of referencing software to cite sources while writing.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement²can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur before your final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

In the final stage (degree), you will engage critically with healthcare-associated issues as you explore agendas influencing current policy, theory and practice both in the UK and abroad. You will examine the challenges of communicable and non-communicable disease and how they spread. You will also study the skills needed for leadership and management within health and social care. Finally, a research project will be undertaken to explore an area of interest and these may be shared at a research conference where local healthcare partners may be invited to attend.

Modules

Global Health - 30 credits

Understanding global health issues is a key part of health and social care. Within this module you will explore and analyse international perspectives on health and social care as well as key health models. In doing so, you will explore global health and social care issues and approaches to these, proving an awareness of the impact of them on service delivery. An analysis of health and social care spending considering countries’ profiles will enable learners to explore the methods of promoting health both nationally and internationally. You may have the opportunity to participate in a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project to explore healthcare delivery in other countries in more detail. You will examine the importance of interprofessional practice that explores the knowledge, attitudes and skills required by practitioners from different professional backgrounds to work together collaboratively. A comprehensive study of the relevant matters that concern health and social care policy from a global perspective, such as social, political, and cultural issues will be covered.

Compulsory

Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care - 30 credits

This module aims to support the development of leadership behaviours and management skills required to function effectively as a newly qualified health and social care professional working within a multi-professional team delivering high-quality care. You will critically examine leadership and followership models and the concept of empowerment and distributed leadership, to gain an understanding of ethical leadership, culture and values within the delivery of care. You will reflect on your observed experience of leadership behaviours and management skills in a range of health and social care platforms throughout the course to develop a personal plan to guide your ongoing leadership strategies. It will draw upon global, contemporary debates, and cover topic areas such as human resource management, funding and finance, marketing and project management. This module examines the knowledge, skills, behaviours and techniques of effective management and leadership and explores the role of leadership in relation to business themes such as globalisation, strategy, innovation and organisational development.

Compulsory

Tackling Disease - 30 credits

Within this module, you will be introduced to the principles of epidemiology and evaluate the cause and risk factors associated with specific diseases. This module will examine both communicable and non-communicable diseases with emphasis on the prevention, care and self-management of long-term conditions. The module explores the dietary modification and medical management of a range of diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV, COVID-19 and tuberculosis. Through the taught content, you will also examine the aetiology, prevalence, diagnosis and care management of patients with various ailments. You will investigate the role of lifestyle in the prevention and management of diseases and consider how lifestyle changes may be implemented in a group or community settings using applicable theory and principles of behavioural change.

Compulsory

Research Project - 30 credits

This module enables you to undertake a sustained, in-depth, desk-based research exploration and thereby demonstrate the ability to use research and enquiry skills to collect, analyse and interpret relevant literature/information. The experience you accumulate on this course allows you to take ownership of constructing the project that enables you to acquire and link theory and practice to support you as a practitioner and research.

Compulsory

The foundation year aims to provide the skills and knowledge relevant for progression onto degree-level study.

Modules

Academic Skills for Health and Social Care – 30 credits

The module aims to create a culture of careful learning and self-reflection where you will be encouraged to recognise your strengths and weaknesses and take ownership of your development. You will be introduced to a range of skills that will aid you throughout the programme and further study, such as time management, cultural awareness, resource management and interpersonal skills.

You will also look to gain highly regarded employment skills such as digital proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint etc.), team management, communication, planning skills and more, alongside lectures on ethics, health and safety and technical skills, so that you receive thorough, full-circle training.

Optional

Working in the Health and Social Care Sector – 30 credits

This module begins with an exploration of health and social care services, roles and responsibilities of people working in this sector. You will understand the key influences that affect the provision and delivery of these services in UK contemporary society.

This module also explores the role of multi-agency/disciplinary working, using real-life situations to highlight the strengths and limitations of partnership working. A key part of working in health and social care is being able to assess the holistic needs of a service user and plan for their care using the care planning cycle. Concepts such as personalisation, empowerment, the Care Value Base, effective communication, equality and diversity, legislation, safeguarding and ethics will also be covered.

Compulsory

Life Processes for Healthcare – 30 credits

This module provides you with knowledge of the life processes in the body. In this exciting module, you will have the opportunity to undertake practical activities which require you to take measurements of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and body temperature using non-invasive techniques.

You will even investigate normal responses to routine variations in body functioning. Knowledge and understanding of the needs of service users, types of illness and disease is developed by exploring some of the more common disorders, their causes, symptoms and effects. Factors influencing changes in patterns of health and disease in a community are investigated and how the prevention of ill-health can reduce the occurrence of disease. Approaches and models used to achieve positive health in individuals are explored.

Compulsory

Social Care Perspectives – 30 credits

This sociological module focuses on developing your critical awareness of the impact social factors have on the life chances of individuals and groups in society. You will complete an analysis of demographic changes, patterns of behaviour and lifestyle highlights of social groups. The inequalities in life chances of social groups have been a major focus of governmental, national and local initiatives following the release of the Black Report in 1980. You will begin to understand how social care compliments and supports the wider healthcare agenda. You will study the concepts of relative and absolute poverty and the impact of this within society. There will also be an opportunity to investigate domestic violence and deprivation.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high-intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year²). Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

During your foundation year, assessment methods vary and include, written reports, presentations, portfolios, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

This course is available as a full-time three-year or optional four-year sandwich course, with the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field².

We take an active and varied approach to teaching and learning. Teaching sessions will be active and applied and utilise a variety of teaching styles. You may also have the opportunity to collaborate with local service providers to understand the local health and social care sector. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Assessment

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, tutorial tasks and assessments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at 9-4/A*-C, including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria, your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£7,950	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£7,950 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees³ cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

If you choose to do a work placement², you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee³ of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees³:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment.

You will have access to our Library & Learning Services, which hosts multiple study areas and loanable laptops, fully equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites. Our laboratories are home to industry-standard equipment, so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you will have the knowledge and skills to be able to succeed in the health and social care sector. You will develop communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Through teaching and assessment, you will have developed a range of digital skills that are required for work and be able to demonstrate a range of competencies.

You will be prepared for roles in a variety of health and social care settings, such as working with those experiencing mental health issues or domestic violence, tackling environmental health issues or in public health teams. You will also be prepared for postgraduate study in areas such as nursing, social work or postgraduate teacher training.

Further study

How to apply

Degree with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 0203 873 0700

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUCLU072I

International students should apply directly to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 0203 873 0700

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure may be required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Health and Social Care BA (Hons) with foundation year

Course overview

Foundation year

Degree

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Assessment

Teaching contact hours

Assessment

Entry requirements

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Degree

*Irish student fees

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

Further study

How to apply

¹Accreditations

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

⁵Placements

Student Contract

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