Health and Social Care

Health and social care is a field that encompasses the services and systems through which society supports people who are unwell, disabled, elderly, or vulnerable, and the policies, organisations, and professionals that make those services work. Studying it at degree level involves understanding both the practical dimensions of care provision and the broader social, political, and economic contexts that shape health outcomes and access to services. The discipline draws on sociology, psychology, public health, policy studies, and ethics to develop graduates who can think critically about care systems and contribute to improving them.

At the University of Huddersfield, this three-year full-time programme develops your understanding of health and social care policy, the organisation and delivery of services, the needs and experiences of different service user groups, and the professional and ethical dimensions of care work. You will engage with research evidence about what works in health and social care, develop the ability to analyse policy and practice critically, and understand the relationship between social inequalities and health outcomes. Huddersfield has a strong tradition in health and social sciences, and the programme reflects the university's emphasis on applied, practice-relevant learning.

Graduates of health and social care programmes pursue careers in health services management, social work, public health, voluntary sector organisations, commissioning bodies, care quality regulation, community services, and health policy. The degree provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in social work, public health, health services management, or related disciplines, and for professional qualification routes in social care. Many graduates move into roles in local authorities, NHS trusts, and charitable organisations where combining health and social care knowledge is directly relevant.