Swansea University

What you'll study

This degree combines social science, public health and practice-focused modules to give you an understanding of how health and social care systems operate, how services are planned and evaluated, and how individuals and communities experience care. Teaching blends lectures, seminars, case-based learning and supervised professional placements.

• Year 1/Introductory modules – core concepts in health and illness, introduction to social policy, basics of human development and wellbeing, and an introduction to research methods and academic skills.
• Year 2/Core and applied topics – modules on mental health and wellbeing, long-term conditions and ageing, safeguarding and risk, health inequalities and the social determinants of health, plus intermediate research methods (qualitative and quantitative) and service evaluation.
• Final year/specialist study – options typically include leadership and management in care, commissioning and service design, advanced research methods and a substantial independent project or dissertation. You can usually choose option modules to focus on areas such as public health promotion, policy analysis, or community care.
• Placements and practical learning – the programme usually includes supervised practice or work-based learning across statutory and voluntary care settings. These placements develop professional skills such as communication, multidisciplinary working and reflective practice.

Entry requirements

Swansea considers a range of qualifications for entry. Typical applicants hold A-levels, BTEC or equivalent vocational qualifications, International Baccalaureate or Access to HE Diplomas. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience are welcome to apply.

• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) are normally required at a standard secondary school pass level.
• Applicants with health or social-care-related experience, volunteering or prior study in related subjects are positively considered.
• All students undertaking placements must be able to meet professional requirements prior to placement, such as satisfactory criminal records checks (DBS or equivalent), occupational health checks and any required immunisations.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across health and social care sectors. The degree equips you for operational and support roles, service development and roles that require evidence-based practice and project work.

• Employers include NHS services, local authorities and social services, care providers, charities, voluntary and community organisations, and private sector health-related employers.
• Typical job roles: care coordinator, health or wellbeing project worker, support worker, rehabilitation support, commissioning assistant, policy or service analyst, and roles in advocacy and community development.
• Many graduates go on to postgraduate study or professional conversion courses, including social work qualifications, public health, health promotion, management or research degrees.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea offers an applied approach with a focus on placements and links to local health and social care providers, giving students regular opportunities for work-based learning. The university provides campus facilities such as simulation suites, a health studies learning environment and a strong support network for employability and careers.

• Interdisciplinary teaching draws on expertise across health, social sciences and psychology, supporting a broad understanding of care systems and practice.
• Students benefit from dedicated academic support, research-active staff and opportunities to undertake community-engaged projects during the degree.
• Swansea’s location offers access to a range of statutory, third-sector and independent providers in urban and rural settings, which helps students gain varied placement experiences.