Social Policy and Health and Social Care

Social policy and health and social care together address some of the most pressing questions facing contemporary societies. Social policy is concerned with how governments and institutions organise welfare, including healthcare, education, housing and social security, and how these systems are shaped by politics, economics and competing values. Health and social care examines the delivery of services to people who need support, exploring the relationship between clinical, social and community approaches to wellbeing.

The combination gives you a degree that is both analytically rigorous and directly relevant to the lives of real people and communities.

At Bedfordshire, this three-year full-time programme prepares you to understand the policy frameworks that shape health and social care provision, and to engage critically with how those services are delivered. You will study the sociology of health and illness, the organisation of the NHS and social care sector, welfare state theory, and the policy processes through which decisions about public services are made. The programme develops your research skills, your ability to analyse evidence and your understanding of the professional and ethical dimensions of health and social care work.

The degree is particularly relevant for those who are considering careers in health and social care management, public health, social policy research, community development, housing or the voluntary sector. It also provides a strong foundation for those considering postgraduate study or professional training in social work, public health or healthcare management. Graduates move into roles across local government, NHS commissioning bodies, public health teams, charities and voluntary organisations, and policy research institutions.