Introduction
The BSc (Hons) Professional Health Studies programme is a great way to improve career progression within the healthcare or social work sectors. This course seeks to teach students the fundamentals of health policy, with a link between social care and healthcare.
About the course
The BSc (Hons) Professional Health Studies programme is a 3-year, full-time course with start dates in January and September. However, students can qualify with a Diploma HE in Professional Health Studies if they complete 1 year, or a BSc degree after 2 years.
1 year full-time (Dip HE)
2 years full-time (BSc)
3 years full-time (BSc Hons)
This course is aimed at students with a previous background in health care or social care roles who want to build on their professional skills. This may have been achieved through various routes – employment, voluntary, or placement. By the end of the programme, students will be prepared to re-enter the workforce equipped with an enhanced understanding of the likes of health policy and organisational strategies.
Taking a blended learning approach (combination of in-person and online classes), students will benefit from a modern and flexible learning experience. This programme also has a strong focus on critical thinking and problem-solving – skills that are a necessary part of the health and social care professions.
The BSc (Hons) Professional Health Studies course is designed around 3 key areas. Students will study at least one of the following:
Research Skills: The programme takes a large focus on building a theoretical understanding of the health and social care systems. Students will be tasked with critical analysis and evaluation of the latest literature in the field, to enhance their problem-solving skills.
Professional Development: Candidates will be offered the ability to improve their career prospects and build on their prior professional experience. They will be encouraged to think critically and develop new skills to carry over into their roles as health and social care professionals.
Contemporary Healthcare Issues: This area focuses on failings within the health and social care systems of the present day and the experiences faced by individuals within them. Students will be asked to be critical and consider strategies and policies that can be put in place to combat such issues.
In your 1st year, you will study the following:
Core Modules:
- Evidence, Research and Academic Skills (20 credits)
- Contemporary and Global Issues in Health (20 credits)
- Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan (20 credits)
- The Psychology of Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
Optional Modules:
- Fundamentals and Professionalism in Health (20 credits)
- Working in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
In your 2nd year, you will study the following:
Core Modules:
- Critical Research Appraisal (20 credits)
Optional Modules:
- An Introduction to Palliative Care (20 credits)
- Essentials of Dementia Care (20 credits)
- Professionalism in Health and Social Care (10 credits)
- Supporting People Facing Loss (20 credits)
- The Proactive Learner (10 credits)
- Therapeutic Communication (20 credits)
In your 3rd year, you will study the following:
Core modules:
- The Honours Dissertation (40 credits)
Optional Modules:
- Effective Teaching in Practice (20 credits)
- Improving Population Health (20 credits)
- Leadership in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
- Quality Improvement & Safety in Care (20 credits)
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials as well as individual and group activities either online or in the classroom to ensure your degree provides a you with a strong set of transferrable skills, such as presentational and communicative skills.
Our Professional Health Studies degree uses a variety of assessment methods. The below list provides a guide to the types of assessment methods you can expect:
- online class tests
- asynchronous discussions
- written reports
- presentations
- case studies
Why study BSc Professional Health Studies?
Students who study this programme have a high likelihood of enhancing their career prospects within the health and social care sectors. For example, previous BSc (Hons) Professional Health Studies Graduates have secured well-esteemed positions with governmental authorities, health organisations and charities.
Common employment routes of graduates of this programme include therapy assistance, support workers, social work, project management palliative care, and many more.
This course also provides a strong basis for postgraduate study. Graduates can choose to specialise in a chosen field such as social work or mental health nursing.
Entry Requirements
This course is suitable for both UK and international students. Applications are considered on an individual basis and entry requirements vary according to regional differences. However, most applicants will be expected to have previous relevant work experience.
However, below are the generally accepted requirements:
Year 1: 120 credits at HNC-level (SCQF level 7) in relevant subject.
Year 2: Relevant HND, DipHE (or equivalent). Should have achieved 240 points of which 100 are SCQF level 8.
Year 3: BA/BSc in relevant subject. Should have achieved 360 points.
English Language Requirements
For entry to this programme, prospective students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency with the English Language.
The most common English Language qualification is the IELTS qualification (gained in the last 2 years). Applicants should have achieved a score of 6.0 and sub-test results should not be below 5.5.
Other accepted English Language tests include:
- Cambridge certificate of advanced English (CAE) and certificate of proficiency in English (CPE). Score: 176.
- Trinity College Integrated Skills in English. Score: ISEII.
- Pearson Academic English. Score: 61.
- TOEFL IBT. Score: 78.
You may also be permitted to take a supplementary English language programme prior to the start of the programme.
Tuition Costs for 2023/24
UK students (per year): £9,250
International students (per year): £15,250
Tuition Costs for 2024/25
UK students (per year): £9,250
International students (per year): £15,500
Further Reading
