Health and Social Care

Health and social care sits at the intersection of medicine, policy, and social science, exploring how individuals experience health and illness and how the systems built to support them work, or fail to work, in practice. It is a discipline that takes seriously both the biological dimensions of health and the social, economic, and political factors that shape wellbeing, access to services, and outcomes. Studying health and social care means engaging with questions about inequality, ethics, policy, and the lived experiences of people who use and provide care.

At Birkbeck College, a university with a distinctive identity as London's evening university and a long tradition of supporting students who study alongside work and other commitments, this three-year full-time programme is designed to build both academic knowledge and practical understanding. You will explore the structure and history of health and social care in the UK, the policy frameworks that govern services, the experiences of service users and carers, and the professional roles within health, social care, and the voluntary sector. You will also develop skills in research methods and critical analysis, enabling you to engage with evidence in a field where policy and practice are constantly evolving.

The typical entry tariff of 88 points reflects Birkbeck's commitment to widening access to higher education.

Health and social care graduates are equipped for careers across a wide range of settings. Many go on to work in NHS management and administration, social care services, policy and planning, voluntary and community organisations, and public health. Others use the degree as a platform for further professional training in nursing, social work, counselling, or allied health professions.

The analytical and policy skills you develop are also valued in roles concerned with commissioning, inspection, and regulation of health and care services. Postgraduate study in health policy, public health, social work, or management is a natural progression for those who want to take their expertise into more senior or specialist roles.