Social Care
 Social Care (Major).jpg)
UCAS Code: Combined Honours only – see combinations tab|Duration: 3|Full Time|Hope Park
UCAS Campus Code: L46
Work placement opportunities|International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
About the course
There is a growing need for well-trained, multi-skilled graduates able to respond to the changing demands within the Social Care employment and research sectors. As such the Social Care team recognise the great benefit of collaborating with service users, health and social care employers and stakeholders in this sector.
Curriculum content will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of Social Care through an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach. Students will be encouraged to develop a critical approach to a range of social care discourses.
The School has strong links with a range of individuals and organisations in the field who have expressed an ongoing commitment to working with us. The Social Care team build on these long-standing working relationships at all levels of the programme to embed a research informed, evidence-based practice approach to teaching and learning.
Hear from one of our Social Care students
Course structure
In first year, students have three hours of lectures per week, two hours of seminars and an hour of small tutorial group working. There is also a ‘fitness to practice’ week in term two when students are assessed for suitability for social welfare work.
In second year, students have two hours of lectures, two hours of seminars and a one hour tutorial each week. In term two, 50 of the taught hours are via work experience hours.
In third year, students have two hours of formal lectures per week. In addition they undertake two research seminars (one in each term) which are two hours per week. Students also undertake a research project and are supported in this via one-to-one supervision sessions.
Assessment and feedback
Throughout your three years of study, you will have a variety of assessments including essays, portfolios and written exams. In your second year, you complete a work-based learning placement and in your final year, you will complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice, with guidance from your supervisor.
You will be given written feedback on your assessments, and you will have the opportunity to discuss this with your tutor in more detail.
Year One
Introduction to Social Care
This will give you a broad grounding in both the context and practice of social care. You will study:
Social and Psychological approaches to Social Care
You will be introduced to both psychological and social approaches as they apply to social care. You will explore cultural elements of modern-day social care including the social organisation of social care provision through institutions of care and care roles. You will consider different schools of psychology and the critical features of various psychological perspectives. You will consider how these psychological perspectives can be applied to the everyday practice of social care and in particular their application in working with service users
Values and Ethics in Social Care
You will explore and reflect upon your own value base before moving on to consider the differences and tensions between personal and professional values. You will consider central value questions of Individuality and Identity, Rights, Choice, Privacy, Independence, Dignity, Respect, and Partnership, value categories that govern the nature and effectiveness of care provision
Communication in Social Care
You will develop your understanding of different ways to communicate effectively. You will be introduced to various communication models and concepts. You will take part in a range of activities designed to develop your practical skills in communication.
Service user perspectives
You will develop an understanding of the range of groups who use social care services such as children and families, older people, people experiencing mental distress and disabled people. The service user and service provider group will deliver teaching sessions, providing unique and invaluable insight into service users’ perceptions of social care provision, its value and limitations.
Year Two
Explorations in Social Care
You will study:
Policy and Welfare in Social Care
You will develop a broad and varied critical analysis of notions and models of care and welfare. You will examine the role of policy in shaping social care provision including the shift from institutional to community care and more recently to person-centred care. You will consider this in relation to key contemporary issues such as Domestic Violence and Dementia.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups in Social Care Settings
You will develop your knowledge of the legal framework that underpins safeguarding practice for a range of groups in society such as children, vulnerable adults and those with learning disability. You will consider how people and organisations work together to prevent and stop both the risk of and experience of abuse or neglect across care contexts and you will consider critically and reflect on the policies and practices that support this.
Community and multiagency Working
You will gain insight into a range of theoretical concepts, methods and approaches applied within community work as well as tensions of professional power and accountability within community work approaches. You will also explore the importance of agencies working in partnership and the challenges and opportunities for multiagency working in social care. You will consider this within the context of specific case studies such as multiagency working in services for adults with learning disabilities.
Work Based Learning
This will equip you with a range of tools and techniques essential for professional practice, together with a wider knowledge base which will support their transition into a relevant work placement. Prior to your placement you will undertake a range of activities which will enable you to demonstrate your readiness for practice. This will include, for example, the ability to work with others, to practice safely, to communicate effectively and be aware of the impact of culture, equality and diversity on practice. The work placement element offered at Level I will consist of minimum of 50 hours of work-based learning. Placements are available in a wide range of Health and Social Care settings.
Year Three
Advanced Studies in Social Care
You will explore some key contemporary issues in Social care as well as developing the skills and knowledge you need for leadership. You will also have the opportunity to study two Advanced Research Courses.
You will study:
Management and leadership in Social Care
You will develop your understanding of the philosophy, principles and language of leadership within the social care work environment. You will consider the legal, policy and organisational contexts which shape management and leadership in the social care sector. You will critically appraise a range of leadership theories and styles and this will enable you to develop the knowledge and analytical skills required to function within leadership roles
Contemporary Issues in Adult Social Care
You will critically appraise the current state of adult social care across the various jurisdictions of the UK. You will consider how adult social care has emerged as a distinct policy area in the UK and will critically explore in depth some of the key issues facing adult social care such as the funding of adult social care. You will spend time exploring the challenges to adult social care in the face of social and demographic change analysing, for example, how the social care workforce needs to adapt to ensure service met the needs of an ageing population.
Working with Children and Young People
You will analyse the contemporary context of children’s lives. Exploring how childhood is conceptually constructed, you will examine the social and economic context of children’s lives and the framing of the modern family. You will learn how modern divisions in society have particular impacts on children and young people. You will move on to explore ways of working with children and young people in in a variety of contexts, such as Looked After Children in fostering and adoption or young people in residential settings, as well as supporting families in the community.
Advanced Research Courses
Advances research courses are offered on a range of topics each year within the School of Social Sciences. Each research course is led by an individual member of staff and is based upon their area of research interest and expertise. You will select two of these to study on topics of interest to you. Examples of topics previously offered include: learning disability; poverty and health; hate crime; LGBTQ+ health; migration; alcohol drinking practices; marginalised young people.
Entry requirements
| A-Levels | BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points |
|---|---|
| UCAS Tariff Points | 112 UCAS Tariff points must come from a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent). Additional points can be made up from a range of alternative qualifications |
| BTEC | DMM |
| Access to HE | 112 Tariff Points |
| IB | 28 |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | 112 Tariff Points from Higher Level qualifications only |
| Welsh Baccalaureate | This qualification can only be accepted in conjunction with other relevant qualifications |
| T-Levels | 120 Tariff Points / Merit |
| Subject Requirements | No specific subject requirements |
International entry requirements
| Specific Country Requirements | Select your country |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall (with reading and writing at 6.0) and no individual score lower than 5.5. We also accept a wide range of International Qualifications. For more information, please visit our English Language Requirements page. |
Careers
The Health and Social Care sector is undergoing substantial change. A range of private, and not-for-profit, Third Sector organisations are playing an increasingly prominent role in service delivery alongside more traditional NHS, statutory and local authority providers.. As part of this, we are seeing an increasing number of employers in the sector. Developments in the frontline mean there is great demand for well-trained and multi-skilled graduates. Some graduates choose to go on to further study. Postgraduate courses offered by the University include MA Social Policy, MA Social Work, MA Youth and Community Work.
Enhancement opportunities
Work Placement Opportunities
In your second year, you complete a work based learning project, where you spend 50 hours getting work experience and then produce a reflective portfolio. This project enables you to gain vital practical skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the field of social care.
All students have an opportunity of working either within or external to the university on work based learning. This provides an opportunity to develop their social care interests, ground their knowledge and promote their communication skills.
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year are £9,250 for full-time undergraduate courses.
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,250.
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
Additional costs
Along with your tuition fees, you also need to consider the cost of any core textbooks that you need. This will be approximately £150.
You will also need to consider the cost of your accommodation each year whilst you study at university. Visit our accommodation webpages for further details about our Halls of Residence: www.hope.ac.uk/halls.
Should you wish to undertake an international fieldtrip, this would be self-funded. You will also have to account for your DBS fee.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2023/24 are £12,500.
Visit our International fees page for more information.
Course combinations
This course is only available as a Combined Honours degree with the following subjects: