BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care

Dimensions of Health and Social Care

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This module introduces the concepts of health and social care and will explore these broad-ranging concepts at the individual, community, and societal levels. Presenting health as a dynamic term and; the concept of care as a multifarious one, this module will guide students into critical engagement with a range of discipline-related issues and case studies. The development of study skills will be an important and integrated feature of this module. It will provide the opportunity for students to establish an approach to learning that assists in promoting analytical thinking, engaged reading, and academic writing.

Introduction to Social Policy

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

The module will enable students to explore the historical and contemporary issues in social policy. The module will introduce students to the theoretical, national, regional, and local socio-political perspectives that inform both social policy and the provision of health and social care: and to a range of legislation relevant to the provision of these services. The module will further explore the contemporary emphasis placed upon public and service user involvement.

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

The module will offer students the opportunity to learn about the structure and function of the human body. The students will explore optimal system functions of the body and will also explore the dietary and lifestyle factors that have been shown to contribute to the healthy functioning of the human body.

Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Practice

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

The module provides an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research in health and social care. The module also introduces students to how research can be applied to health and social care practice and conducted within contemporary ethical and research governance frameworks. Students will also develop qualitative data analysis skills. In the module, students will critically appraise published literature in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodological research.

Sociology of Health

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This introductory module will introduce sociology and the branch of the discipline that explores sociological perspectives of health and illness, within societal, cultural, and political contexts. Students will explore how society is structured by looking at the patterns of relationships that exist within it and how these social relationships can influence perspectives of health and illness.

Anatomy, Physiology, and Disease

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This module will offer students the opportunity to learn about common diseases and illnesses. Students will explore the systems of the human body and how they interact. The pathophysiological changes occurring and how they can be associated with common diseases will be outlined. The clinical tests used for monitoring and diagnosis of common diseases will be outlined. The students will explore a range of practical clinical tests used to detect and monitor chronic illness and disease, in order to enhance and promote optimum health.

Work Related Learning

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This year-long module offers learners the opportunity to apply and explore knowledge within a work-based context, through the mode of workplace learning. The placement supervisor in the workplace will negotiate the focus for the learner’s role on placement, with the learner. Students complete 100 hours in the work setting. The learner will reflect critically on different dimensions of the workplace setting. This module provides an opportunity for students wishing to attain National Professional recognition with the Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA) to complete an AMTLA project.

Social Epidemiology

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This module will introduce social epidemiology, exploring the principles of this discipline related to the study of health and social inequalities using current evidence and engaging in current debates. Students will engage in theoretical understandings of how the social environment produces health outcomes, how social phenomena can be measured, and how health inequalities can be addressed.

Research Perspectives in Health and Social Care

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This module intends to offer a more in-depth understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research, and prepare students for their Dissertations. The module will widen the appreciation of research in health and social care: debating the role of research within health and social care; exploring the research process, ethics and methods; and increasing knowledge and understanding of quantitative study designs and qualitative methodologies.

Understanding Preventive Healthcare

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This module will offer students the opportunity to learn about how to prevent illness or diseases in human populations. The prevention, detection, monitoring, containment, and treatment of diseases in human populations will be detailed and alternative methods of illness and disease treatment be explored. The students will explore the importance of asepsis in reducing the transmission of disease in populations within both the clinical and community settings.

Applied Health Psychology

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This module will enable students to explore and understand applied health psychology, focusing on: models of beliefs and behaviors in both healthy individuals and those will illness; mental health; and health psychology across the lifespan. The module will strengthen student understanding of how theory can be applied to practice through the development of a psychometric tool to measure a particular dimension of health.

Health Promotion

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

A broad understanding of the concepts of public health, health improvement, health promotion, and health education is essential in the ever-changing policy context. With increasing concern regarding the health of society, the ability to influence health and well-being is a vital skill for the practitioner in health and social care. Students will be able to critique and debate theoretical and ethical issues as well as explore the practical aspects of implementing effective health improvement initiatives. This module will explore creative and innovative ways to convey health messages to individuals and groups.

Dissertation

40 Credits

(Compulsory)

At level 4 students were introduced to basic quantitative research skills. At level 5 students widened their appreciation of research by exploring the research process, ethics, methods, quantitative study design, and qualitative methodologies. This module builds upon this knowledge and understanding of research and students are required to apply this knowledge and, with supervision, develop, conduct, and report their own piece of primary research.

Safeguarding and Child Protection in Policy and Practice

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This module will provide students with the opportunity to explore historical and contemporary concerns that have served to shape policy and practice. Students will explore current legislation and its implications for practice for all those working with young and vulnerable adults. A clearer understanding will be gained of the different roles and responsibilities of those working in the area of safeguarding. Consideration will be given to the impact that abuse can have on the lives of victims and their families.

Health Interventions across the Lifespan

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This module will explore and examine a range of health interventions designed to improve overall human health across the lifespan (children, adults, and older people). Interventions to prevent disease, treat or reduce the impact of disease and improve functional movement during recovery from illness/disease will be explored and critically examined. The focus will be on current interventions that have been developed to improve or change one or more major health behaviors (e.g. physical inactivity, poor nutrition, stress, smoking, etc). The clustered effects of these behaviors directly account for almost half of the overall premature deaths in the UK, therefore, the understanding and application of preventive and therapeutic interventions in Health and Social Care practice is important for practitioners to understand.

Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

This module will provide students with the skills to manage and lead effectively in complex, dynamic, and interprofessional/multidisciplinary organizations. Students will critically debate and discuss issues around leadership in healthcare today; styles of management and the development of management skills to balance innovation and risk in an ever-evolving arena; and the management of change necessary to manage issues such as the aging population and the growth of technology in health and social care today.

Social Policy, Commissioning, and Provision

20 Credits

(Compulsory)

At level 4, students were introduced to the socio-political and legislative perspectives of social policy at national, regional, and local levels. This module advances students’ knowledge and understanding of social policy by exploring current perspectives, and through examining contemporary processes in the commissioning of health and social care services within a mixed economy and the implications for service provision.