Health and Social Care with Foundation Year

Health and social care is a field concerned with how societies support the wellbeing of all their members, particularly those who are vulnerable, disabled, elderly, or experiencing mental or physical illness. It draws on social science, policy analysis, ethics, and the applied sciences of health and social work to understand how care systems are organised, what values and principles should guide them, and how practitioners can work effectively with individuals, families, and communities. The field is at the centre of some of the most significant policy debates in contemporary society, from the funding of adult social care to the integration of health and social services.

At the University of Keele, this four-year full-time BSc with a foundation year provides the knowledge, professional preparation, and practical experience needed to contribute meaningfully to health and social care settings. The foundation year builds the academic and subject-specific foundations for the main degree, which develops your understanding of care across diverse settings, from hospitals and care homes to community services and voluntary organisations. You will study the social, political, and ethical dimensions of care, develop the interpersonal and professional skills needed to support people with care needs and to collaborate with families and colleagues, and engage with the evidence base that informs effective practice.

A typical entry tariff of 120 points applies.

Graduates from health and social care programmes pursue careers in social work, community health, care management, mental health services, disability support, housing, and public health. Many go on to postgraduate professional training in social work, nursing, occupational therapy, or public health, while others move into management, policy, or advocacy roles in health and care organisations. The degree provides a strong foundation for any career that involves working with people in the context of health and wellbeing.