About the course
Develop the skills and confidence to deliver real-world, research-informed health and social care, on a degree course that opens up a wide range of career roles across the public, voluntary and independent sectors.
This course gives you a broad understanding of contemporary health and social care issues and their relevance to wider social, policy, legal and organisational environment, both within the UK and internationally.
Areas of study incorporate sociology, public health, law and health inequalities. In your second and third years, follow your interests with optional units in mental health, disability, safeguarding, addictions, human rights and care of older people. In your final year, undertake a choice of an independent academic research project or an action-focused project based within an organisation, with the support of our experienced academic team.
There is a strong vocational focus, ensuring you develop transferable, employability-enhancing skills. Take this course over four years and include a fee-free one-year placement in industry* where you gain practical experience, build your CV and meet potential future employers.
*Only available to UK/EU students
Why choose this course?
- Understand and confidently apply evidence-based theory to practice, delivering excellent health and social care outcomes to all those who access these services
- Study with an academic team who have wide experience in the field and are actively involved in health and social care research
- Benefit from the opportunities offered by the University of Bedfordshire’s partnerships with local councils and NHS Trusts to recruit and train health and social care workers
- If you take the course with a placement year (see below), benefit from our wide range of relevant placement opportunities including roles in research assistance, social media and community advocacy as well as internships
- If you need to step up into higher education, start with a Foundation Year (see below) which guarantees entry to the undergraduate course
The Health and Social Care teaching team undertake a range of research studies as part of the Health and Social Care Interdisciplinary Research Group (HSCIRG). We carry out interdisciplinary and community-based participatory research that involves service users and stakeholders in health and social care, with a focus on a co-production and bottom-up approach to involving all citizens in health-related matters.
To promote how our research informs world-class teaching on our degree programme we run a series of webinars throughout the year.
Find out more and register your interest in our series of interactive webinars
Course Leader - Dr Faith Ossy Ikioda
My background is in the Social Sciences with a MA and a PhD in the discipline of Human Geography. I started teaching at the University of Bedfordshire in April 2017 and before then I worked mainly as a research Fellow in Public health research for four and a half years and also taught mainly on postgraduate research courses.
My research interests are broadly around the relationships between everyday practices, social interaction and the negotiation of identities. I teach mainly on units related to public health and research design and typically adopt a research informed teaching style . My current research interests are in the areas of food and public health and emerging issues this relationship has for groups across the lifecourse.
About the course
The Bedfordshire International Foundation Year (IFY) offers guaranteed progression* to a wide range of our undergraduate degrees, for those applicants who do not have the required qualifications or English language proficiency to join the first year of their chosen subject.
The IFY will help you improve your English language level, enhance your study and IT skills and increase your subject knowledge. This will help you succeed when you progress on to your main degree programme.
*subject to successful completion of the course
Why choose Bedfordshire International Foundation Year?
Unlike many university International Foundation programmes, The Bedfordshire IFY is delivered by the University of Bedfordshire and at the University of Bedfordshire. You will be a University of Bedfordshire student from day one.
The IFY offers guaranteed progression to over 75 bachelor’s degree programmes, via eight different pathways.
Each pathway is designed to accommodate students with a range of English language abilities from IELTS 4.5 upwards, and aims to take students up to IELTS 6.0 overall, or above, which is the requirement for undergraduate courses at the University of Bedfordshire.
The course also covers academic skills necessary to thrive in UK Higher Education and enables students to progress to their undergraduate degree, fully prepared and confident to face the challenges of a level 4 programme of study. Each pathway also offers a broadly subject-specific unit in the second semester, delivered by specialist staff from the relevant faculty, to offer you a programme specific to your subject area, as well as meeting your linguistic needs. In some cases, you may join an existing class for this session, further embedding you into university life.
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Units
- Career Planning For Social Scientists (ASS102-1) Compulsory
- Introducing Academic Skills (ASS103-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Health And Social Care (ASS072-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Research And Social Enquiry (ASS100-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Sociology Of Health (ASS098-1) Compulsory
- Law, Society And Controversy (ASS071-1) Compulsory
- Global Public Health (ASS007-2) Compulsory
- Interprofessional Working In Health And Social Care (ASS114-2) Compulsory
- Research 1: Collecting Data (ASS110-2) Compulsory
- Research 2: Exploring Data (ASS113-2) Compulsory
- The Social Sciences At Work (ASS099-2) Compulsory
- Addictions And Society (ASS106-2) Optional
- Comparative Welfare State Politics (ASS068-2) Optional
- Disability In Society (ASS062-2) Optional
- Mental Health And Society (ASS091-2) Optional
- Refugees, Displacement And The Politics Of Migration (ASS096-2) Optional
- Sociology Of Health And Illness (ASS045-2) Optional
- Health Services Planning And Management (ASS134-3) Compulsory
- Sass Change Maker Project Dissertation (ASS139-3) Compulsory
- Sass Change Maker Research Dissertation (ASS142-3) Compulsory
- Care Of Older People: Health And Social Care In An Ageing Society (ASS058-3) Optional
- Childhoods In Global Context (ASS023-3) Optional
- Health Issues In Gender, Age And Ethnicity (ASS136-3) Optional
- Human Rights And Global Governance (ASS147-3) Optional
- Safeguarding Children, Young People And Adults (ASS146-3) Optional
- Work And Welfare In The 21st Century (ASS145-3) Optional
The academic skills unit in level 4 develops both students' study skills and Academic English skills required to succeed. The feedback given to students as part of the assessment process will enable self-assessment and development of learning and skills, and promote progress to overcome any learning problems identified. Tutors will also refer students onto appropriate services in the event of issues that lie outside the boundaries of the tutor.
Why Study in the School of Applied Social Sciences?
- Courses developed in partnership with practice agencies
- Our research involving robots, shows that they can improve mental health and loneliness in the elderly
- Part of the SASS change makers initiative
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
How will this course improve my career prospects?
The degree prepares you for a range of roles in the wider health and social care sectors, including the not-for-profit (voluntary), private sector and public sectors. Typical graduate destinations for Health and Social Care students include direct work with service users in areas such as:
- Children and families
- Drug and alcohol misuse
- Mental health
- Services for older and disabled people and young people
Work in other areas of the human services includes:
- Health promotion/public health
- Welfare
- Community development
- Environmental health
- Health policy and administration
- Healthcare management
- Social enterprise development
You may also consider further study at Master’s level (Level 7) - for example, the University of Bedfordshire's MSc Integrated Healthcare Practice and Strategic Leadership; MSc Social Work; MSc Public Health; and MSc Nursing (Mental Health or Adult).
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra Costs
Luton Campus Centre
The Campus Centre brings together all our student services under one roof including the Students’ Union and spaces to eat, drink, relax and learn.
There's a large central lecture theatre as well as a range of study rooms & breakout spaces on the upper floors.
Luton Campus Library
The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning.
As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a ‘Study Hub’ offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.
Beds SU
When you join the University of Bedfordshire, you don't just join the university - you also become a member of Bedfordshire Students' Union (Beds SU)!
Beds SU is led by four Student Officers - a President and three Vice Presidents - who are elected annually by University of Bedfordshire students to lead the Students' Union.
We are here to help every student at the University of Bedfordshire get the most out of their university experience. We campaign on issues that you care about, as well as provide lots of opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your skills, campaign for change and try something new.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smart phone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.
Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
Luton Campus Accommodation
The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.
STEM building
The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Opened in Autumn 2019, its cutting edge facilities provides four computer laboratories; workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics, along with three large teaching labs, and four specialist containment labs.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
