BSc (Hons)
Health and Social Care
BSc (Hons)
Health and Social Care

Key Information


Duration

3 years

Part-time

5 years

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

UCAS Code

L510

Duration

3 years

Part-time

5 years

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

UCAS Code

L510

Academic Years

Course Overview

Health and social care practitioners can make a profound difference to the lives of vulnerable people, working in a variety of settings including healthcare, education, and public health.

The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree at Lincoln takes an integrated approach, combining policy and practice. It aims to develop the knowledge, skills, and values required to take on many of the new and emerging responsibilities within a range of care sectors.

Students are taught by researchers and academics with both practical experience and professional links in the sector. The School of Health and Social Care maintains close links with health trusts, local authorities, and numerous voluntary and private organisations to ensure that teaching is informed by the latest developments in practice and policy.

Course Overview

Health and social care practitioners can make a profound difference to the lives of individuals, communities, and wider society and work in a variety of settings including healthcare, education, and public health.

The BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree at Lincoln takes an integrated approach, combining policy and practice. It aims to develop the knowledge, skills, and values required to take on many of the new and emerging responsibilities within a range of care sectors.

Students are taught by researchers and academics with both practical experience and professional links in the sector. The School of Health and Social Care maintains close links with health trusts, local authorities, and numerous voluntary and private organisations to ensure that teaching is informed by the latest developments in practice and policy.

Why Choose Lincoln

Subject area is ranked 3rd overall in the UK*

Opportunities to study abroad

Strong focus on building employability skills

Access to staff with a wide range of experience in health and social care practice

*Complete University Guide 2023 (out of 33 ranking institutions)

YouTube video for Why Choose Lincoln

How You Study

The first year introduces students to the fundamental theories, skills, and knowledge of health and social care. This includes the context of practice in health and social care, the social and psychological development of children and adults, and the values that underpin practice.

The course progresses to explore the wider context of practice, including mental health and wellbeing, understanding the digital workplace, equality and diversity, and health behaviours. It provides opportunities to compare health and social care practice in other countries.

In the final year, there is a focus on extending professional knowledge, skills, and development. A range of optional modules on specialist topics can enable students to choose those most aligned to their personal interests and career aspirations, including counselling and guidance skills, working in education and children's services, working with older people in community and health care settings, and working with people in adult social care settings.

How You Study

The first year introduces students to the fundamental theories, skills, and knowledge of health and social care. This includes the context of practice in health and social care, the social and psychological development of children and adults, and the values that underpin practice.

The course progresses to explore the wider context of practice, including mental health and wellbeing, understanding the digital workplace, equality and diversity, and health behaviours. It provides opportunities to compare health and social care practice in other countries.

In the final year, there is a focus on extending professional knowledge, skills, and development. A range of optional modules on specialist topics can enable students to choose those most aligned to their personal interests and career aspirations, including counselling and guidance skills, working in education and children's services, working with older people in community and health care settings, and working with people in adult social care settings.

Modules


† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Health Promotion: Making Sense of the Biological Person 2023-24HEA1410MLevel 42023-24The module will develop students understanding of the health and wellbeing and the impact of ill-health and lifestyle on the human body. This will include an introduction to diet and nutrition as well as an overview of therapy options.CorePublic Health: Making sense of the psychological, social and political person 2023-24HEA1411MLevel 42023-24The module will increase students understand of life course development from birth to adulthood. There will be emphasis on the impact of public health policy and strategy.CoreSkills for Health and Social Care: for study and the workplace. 2023-24HEA1412MLevel 42023-24This module will develop students academic writing and communication skills. It will introduce theory and models of communication as well as the concepts of personal and professional values and ethics.CoreUnderstanding and engaging with the neighbourhood and community 2023-24HEA1413MLevel 42023-24This module introduces the students to a range of sociological theories that relate to health and social care. It aims to help the students to understand the concepts of neighbourhood and community in relation to the individual and their health.CoreAlternative approaches to Health and Social Care the art and science 2024-25HEA2045MLevel 52024-25This module allows students to explore a range of alternative approaches to health and social care provision.CoreBehavioural Science: Helping People Change 2024-25HEA2046MLevel 52024-25The module introduces students to the concepts and models of human behaviour. It will help students to understand why people behaviour in the way that they do and how to encourage change in particular in health behaviours.CoreCrime, deviance, and health 2024-25HEA2050Level 52024-25The module will take an interdisciplinary approach by examining how people think, act and interact with one another. In doing so it will challenge 'taken for granted' notions about crime and punishment. By focusing upon the development of the individual person behind the crime this allows us to address the question of motivations for crime as well as the role of psychology in responding to crime. Students will be expected to consider the health and social care implications of crime not only on the prisoner, but also the children, the family, and wider society.CoreEquality, Diversity and Human Rights 2024-25HEA2047MLevel 52024-25Students have the opportunity to examine the construction of difference, specifically its construction by dominant groups to form a basis for discrimination and oppression and erosion of human rights. Students may consider how emotions and beliefs can negatively impact on communication and how barriers to working across difference can be overcome, including the development of effective ways of communicating and working across difference, students will critically reflect on their own beliefs and their own practice in relation to working across difference in an unequal and diverse society.CorePsychology of health and mental wellbeing 2024-25THEA2048MLevel 52024-25This module aims to give students the opportunity to examine how different people respond to health, wellbeing and illness. The role of the rapidly expanding discipline of health psychology can be discussed in relation to psychological procedures for the assessment, intervention and prevention of mental ill health.CoreSupporting Service Users in the Digital Workplace 2024-25HEA2049MLevel 52024-25The module introduces students to the digital workplace and the use of data in health and social care.CoreStudy Abroad 2024-25HEA2044MLevel 52024-25This module is optional for students within the BSc Health and Social Care programme. Study abroad is a year-long module which allows students to spend a year abroad, between their second and third year at Lincoln, at one of the Universitys approved partner institutions. Students must have successfully completed their second year of study at Lincoln (and have a good record of attendance) to be eligible for this opportunity.OptionalHealth and social care Integration: management and leadership of change 2025-26HEA3015MLevel 62025-26This module aims to develop knowledge of leadership and management theory, applying this information through evaluating approaches to leadership and management in both organisations and in self.CoreIndependent Study 2025-26HEA3016MLevel 62025-26The aim of this module is to enable the students to undertake an independently produced piece of investigative academic work on a chosen area of health and social care.CoreWorking locally, nationally or internationally: exploring culture and identity 2025-26HEA3017MLevel 62025-26This module aims to develop cultural awareness to meet the needs of diverse groups within health and social care.CoreCounselling and Guidance Skills 2025-26HEA3031MLevel 62025-26This module aims to introduce students to a range of contemporary models of counselling and guidance practice. The aim is to give students the opportunity to develop skills and attitudes that can be of value in a variety of human service settings. A key feature of the module will be to allow students the opportunity to make judgements as to the appropriateness of using such techniques in different scenarios.OptionalWorking in Education and Children's Services 2025-26HEA3037MLevel 62025-26This module considers how to engage with children and families to assess and respond to needs and how to make professional judgements in decisions to safeguard and promote childrens welfare. A further key theme is working in partnership both with children and families and other agencies, considering how, in practice this can best be promoted at different levels and stages of decision-making. Emphasis will be on current research and developments. This module will be of particular value to students as a preparation for making career choices and to enhance their employability.OptionalWorking with Older People in the Community and Health Care Settings 2025-26HEA3018MLevel 62025-26This module will introduce students to the concepts, ethics and legal issues related to the care of the older person.OptionalWorking With People in Adult Social Care Settings 2025-26HEA3036MLevel 62025-26This module aims to offer students the opportunity to explore in depth the context and issues of adult health and social care and the work roles available within it. It focuses on both national policy developments and local provision, with the emphasis on the perspectives of service users and practitioners. The module will be of particular value to students as a preparation for making career choices and to enhance their employability.Optional

Modules


† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Health Promotion: Making Sense of the Biological Person 2024-25HEA1410MLevel 42024-25The module will develop students understanding of the health and wellbeing and the impact of ill-health and lifestyle on the human body. This will include an introduction to diet and nutrition as well as an overview of therapy options.CorePublic Health: Making sense of the psychological, social and political person 2024-25HEA1411MLevel 42024-25The module will increase students understand of life course development from birth to adulthood. There will be emphasis on the impact of public health policy and strategy.CoreSkills for Health and Social Care: for study and the workplace. 2024-25HEA1412MLevel 42024-25This module will develop students academic writing and communication skills. It will introduce theory and models of communication as well as the concepts of personal and professional values and ethics.CoreUnderstanding and engaging with the neighbourhood and community 2024-25HEA1413MLevel 42024-25This module introduces the students to a range of sociological theories that relate to health and social care. It aims to help the students to understand the concepts of neighbourhood and community in relation to the individual and their health.CoreAlternative approaches to Health and Social Care the art and science 2025-26HEA2045MLevel 52025-26This module allows students to explore a range of alternative approaches to health and social care provision.CoreBehavioural Science: Helping People Change 2025-26HEA2046MLevel 52025-26The module introduces students to the concepts and models of human behaviour. It will help students to understand why people behaviour in the way that they do and how to encourage change in particular in health behaviours.CoreCrime, deviance, and health 2025-26HEA2050Level 52025-26The module will take an interdisciplinary approach by examining how people think, act and interact with one another. In doing so it will challenge 'taken for granted' notions about crime and punishment. By focusing upon the development of the individual person behind the crime this allows us to address the question of motivations for crime as well as the role of psychology in responding to crime. Students will be expected to consider the health and social care implications of crime not only the prisoner but also the children, the family and wider society.CoreEquality, Diversity and Human Rights 2025-26HEA2047MLevel 52025-26Students have the opportunity to examine the construction of difference, specifically its construction by dominant groups to form a basis for discrimination and oppression and erosion of human rights. Students may consider how emotions and beliefs can negatively impact on communication and how barriers to working across difference can be overcome, including the development of effective ways of communicating and working across difference, students will critically reflect on their own beliefs and their own practice in relation to working across difference in an unequal and diverse society.CorePsychology of health and mental wellbeing 2025-26THEA2048MLevel 52025-26This module aims to give students the opportunity to examine how different people respond to health, wellbeing and illness. The role of the rapidly expanding discipline of health psychology can be discussed in relation to psychological procedures for the assessment, intervention and prevention of mental ill health.CoreSupporting Service Users in the Digital Workplace 2025-26HEA2049MLevel 52025-26The module introduces students to the digital workplace and the use of data in health and social care.CoreStudy Abroad 2025-26HEA2044MLevel 52025-26This module is optional for students within the BSc Health and Social Care programme. Study abroad is a year-long module which allows students to spend a year abroad, between their second and third year at Lincoln, at one of the Universitys approved partner institutions. Students must have successfully completed their second year of study at Lincoln (and have a good record of attendance) to be eligible for this opportunity.OptionalHealth and social care Integration: management and leadership of change 2026-27HEA3015MLevel 62026-27This module aims to develop knowledge of leadership and management theory, applying this information through evaluating approaches to leadership and management in both organisations and in self.CoreIndependent Study 2026-27HEA3016MLevel 62026-27The aim of this module is to enable the students to undertake an independently produced piece of investigative academic work on a chosen area of health and social care.CoreWorking locally, nationally or internationally: exploring culture and identity 2026-27HEA3017MLevel 62026-27This module aims to develop cultural awareness to meet the needs of diverse groups within health and social care.CoreCounselling and Guidance Skills 2026-27HEA3031MLevel 62026-27This module aims to introduce students to a range of contemporary models of counselling and guidance practice. The aim is to give students the opportunity to develop skills and attitudes that can be of value in a variety of human service settings. A key feature of the module will be to allow students the opportunity to make judgements as to the appropriateness of using such techniques in different scenarios.OptionalWorking in Education and Children's Services 2026-27HEA3037MLevel 62026-27This module considers how to engage with children and families to assess and respond to needs and how to make professional judgements in decisions to safeguard and promote childrens welfare. A further key theme is working in partnership both with children and families and other agencies, considering how, in practice this can best be promoted at different levels and stages of decision-making. Emphasis will be on current research and developments. This module will be of particular value to students as a preparation for making career choices and to enhance their employability.OptionalWorking with Older People in the Community and Health Care Settings 2026-27HEA3018MLevel 62026-27This module will introduce students to the concepts, ethics and legal issues related to the care of the older person.OptionalWorking With People in Adult Social Care Settings 2026-27HEA3036MLevel 62026-27This module aims to offer students the opportunity to explore in depth the context and issues of adult health and social care and the work roles available within it. It focuses on both national policy developments and local provision, with the emphasis on the perspectives of service users and practitioners. The module will be of particular value to students as a preparation for making career choices and to enhance their employability.Optional

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

How you are assessed

A variety of assessment strategies are used including formative assessment, essays, reports, poster presentations, reflective journals, group work, in-class tests, multiple choice questions, and examinations.

How you are assessed

A variety of assessment strategies are used including formative assessment, essays, reports, poster presentations, reflective journals, group work, in-class tests, multiple choice questions, and examinations.

This degree helped me gain a strong social conscience and political awareness of the impact policy and legislation has on contemporary health and social care services across the UK.

Facilities

You have access to realistic healthcare settings and home environments in our Sarah Swift Building, offering opportunities to experience what it's like to provide care to a range of service users in real-world settings.

A student working in a home environment

Study Abroad

After successful completion of the first year of study, the optional Study Abroad module offers you the chance to participate in an exchange to spend an academic year abroad with a partner organisation. You'll have the opportunity to explore teaching delivered in another country, which will happen between second and third years of study. This aims to enhance your employability skills and explore the range of health and social care services available in other countries.

Additionally, there may be opportunities to engage in shorter exchanges through our Global Opportunities Team which includes links to organisations where students can complete a variety of projects to further enhance their employability. Please note, you'll be responsible for accommodation, travel, and general living costs, however, there may be opportunities to apply for funding to cover some of the costs and the School of Health and Social Care will be able to offer support.

Studying Health and Social Care at Lincoln was life changing. The course content and quality of teaching was excellent. It provided me with a sound knowledge and skills base for studying at postgraduate level.

Work-based Learning

You'll have the opportunity to engage with work-based learning opportunities throughout the programme and will receive support to identify suitable opportunities and plan your own professional development. Work-based learning is linked to modules in all three years of the course and students will build a work-based learning portfolio in order to evidence their experiences. The type of experience on offer could range from working with people with lived experience or service providers on specified projects, to undertaking work experience within an organisation, local community or group to investigate the application of inclusive service delivery. This can be undertaken in or outside of term time in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. You'd be responsible for travel, accommodation, and general living costs while engaged in work-based learning opportunities.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

A Level: BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications).

International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent qualifications.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above or equivalent, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

When you choose Health and Social in your UCAS application, you will be asked an additional question regarding criminal convictions. Here you must declare all spent and unspent criminal convictions including (but not limited to) cautions, reprimands, final warnings, bind over orders or similar and details of any minor offences, fixed penalty notices, penalty notices for disorder, ASBOs or VOOs.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Entry Requirements 2024-25

United Kingdom

104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

A Level: BCC.

International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent qualifications.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 or above or equivalent, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

When you choose Health and Social in your UCAS application, you will be asked an additional question regarding criminal convictions. Here you must declare all spent and unspent criminal convictions including (but not limited to) cautions, reprimands, final warnings, bind over orders or similar and details of any minor offences, fixed penalty notices, penalty notices for disorder, ASBOs or VOOs.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Find out More at an Open Day

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

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Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine
The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.