The academic study of Health and Social Care explores key issues that influence health, social care and wellbeing of individuals and communities in the 21st century.

The course draws on the latest research and experience of professionals to provide valuable insights and real-world skills. You will develop your knowledge and skills in areas such as psychosocial perspectives of health, counselling, research, health improvement and behaviour change.

You will also be equipped to work with vulnerable groups, such as children, older people, disabled people or people with mental health problems, together with those affected by domestic violence and misuse of drugs and alcohol. The course highlights the importance of joined-up working between health, social care and other private and voluntary sector organisations.

The course focuses on enhancing your employability in a wide range of health and social care settings. The placement module will give you practical experience and there is also a module on social entrepreneurship. Throughout the course you will develop a portfolio of evidence that will add support and credibility to job applications.

Nine out of ten students on Sunderland’s social studies courses agree that teaching staff are ‘good at explaining things’ and ‘enthusiastic about what they teach’, and Health and Social Care was voted 100% in terms of overall student satisfaction. (Source: National Student Survey 2014.)

COURSE CONTENT

The content of the course equips you to help address health inequalities, social exclusion, the well-being of older people and those suffering from mental health problems.

MODULES ON THIS COURSE INCLUDE:

• SSC302 – Dissertation (40 Credits)
• SSC310 – Practical application (20 Credits)
• SSC312 – Substance use and society (20 Credits)
• SSC312 – Lifecourse approaches to health, wellbeing and ageing (20 Credits)
• CYW319 – Entrepreneurship and Project Management (20 Credits)

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

Our teaching methods are designed to develop not only your knowledge but also skills that enhance employability. Methods include workshops, small group work, lectures, computer-based learning, presentations and independent learning.

Assessment methods include written assignments, portfolios of work, time constrained tests, group projects/presentations, multiple choice questionnaires, carrying out real-life research and poster presentations.

To find out more about modules, credits, and how you will be assessed, please see the page how courses are taught. Information about our policies relating to student experience and quality assurance processes can be found on the Academic Services website.

EMPLOYMENT AND CAREERS

A Masters degree boosts your prospects of promotion to a more fulfilling role and a higher band of salary.

Employment & careers

Sunderland has a good reputation with employers. The large majority of our social studies graduates who find jobs within six months of graduating are classed as ‘public service professionals’, ‘social welfare associate professionals’ or as undertaking ‘caring personal service occupations’. (Unistats 2012/13)

We have a wide range of contacts and networks in the region in a broad range of health and social care organisations helping us to provide quality placements.

Examples of organisations that employ our graduates include:

• NHS
• Drug and alcohol agencies (public, private and voluntary sectors)
• Mental health agencies
• Hospices
• Charities (e.g. Age UK, MIND)
• Social Care (e.g. Turning Point)
• Nursing
• Social Work

Some of our graduates go on to further study, such as taught Masters courses or research degrees in health service management, occupational therapy, social work, health promotion and public health.

SUPPORT

A course at Sunderland is a life-changing investment in the future. To help you make the most of your investment we commit to providing you with outstanding support.

SUPPORT FOR YOUR LEARNING

From the start of the course you will be allocated a Personal Tutor who will meet with you at agreed times throughout your course. Personal Tutors encourage your personal development and are a useful point of contact for any queries about your course, extracurricular activities and issues where they can point you towards specialist services, such as health support and financial advice.

SUPPORT FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT

To help ensure the course is meeting aspirations for personal development, we invite students to fill in questionnaires at the end of modules. This provides a structured way for you to keep us up-to-date with your views.

During your course, and particularly towards the end of it, we encourage you to make full use of the resources at our Careers & Employability Service. The Service helps you explore your options, clarify your ideas, develop a career focus and make effective applications.