Health and Social Care
Health and social care as a field of study examines the systems, practices, and values that underpin support for people across a wide range of settings, from acute hospital care to community social work, residential care, mental health services, and public health. It draws on sociology, psychology, policy studies, and professional practice to develop understanding of how organisations, professionals, and communities can best meet the health and social needs of individuals and populations. It is a field shaped by values of compassion, equity, and dignity, and one that is in sustained demand across the public and voluntary sectors.
The four-year full-time Health and Social Care programme with integrated foundation year at the University of Cumbria is designed for students who want to support and help others in their future careers. The integrated foundation year ensures that students who may not yet meet the entry requirements for direct degree study have the opportunity to develop their professional and personal skills before progressing. A typical entry tariff of 72 points reflects the inclusive ethos of the programme.
The foundation year develops the academic, professional, and practical foundations needed to succeed in the main degree, after which you can either progress onto a specialist professional health course or complete the full four-year programme to enter health and social care practice directly.
You will study topics including health policy, safeguarding, person-centred care, working with diverse populations, professional ethics, and the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern health and social care in the UK. The Cumbrian context provides access to a range of placement and community settings that reflect the particular challenges and assets of rural and semi-rural health and social care provision.
Graduates pursue careers in social work, nursing, occupational therapy, health promotion, care coordination, and management roles within the NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary sector. Many go on to professional registration programmes or postgraduate qualifications in specific health and social care disciplines.