Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This programme combines social science, public health and professional practice to give you a rounded understanding of contemporary health and social care. Core themes include the organisation and funding of services, person-centred practice, safeguarding, equality and diversity, public health, and the social determinants of health.

• Foundations of Health and Social Care: introduction to policy, service structures and key concepts such as wellbeing and social inclusion.
• Law, Ethics and Safeguarding: legal frameworks, ethical decision-making and protection of vulnerable adults and children.
• Health Promotion and Public Health: prevention, community interventions and strategies to reduce health inequalities.
• Mental Health and Long-term Conditions: approaches to supporting people with mental health needs and chronic illness.
• Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice: qualitative and quantitative methods, service evaluation and using evidence to improve practice.
• Interprofessional and Multi-agency Working: collaboration across NHS, social care, voluntary and private sectors.
• Leadership and Management in Care Settings: commissioning, quality assurance and workforce development.
• Placement/Work-based Learning Modules: assessed professional practice in local health or social care settings, providing practical experience and employer links.

The programme typically runs over three years full-time. You will study a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions and complete assessed coursework, reflective portfolios and placement assessments. There is often an option to take a professional placement year or an independent research project in the final year, depending on the pathway chosen.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements reflect the vocational and interdisciplinary nature of the course. Typical applicants will hold a recognised secondary school qualification (for example A-levels, BTEC or equivalent) or a relevant access qualification. Nottingham Trent University considers applicants holistically, so relevant work experience in health or social care, voluntary work, or mature applicant status can be important.

• Typical academic offers: standard undergraduate entry profile (offers vary by year and applicant profile).
• Alternative qualifications: vocational qualifications such as BTECs or Access to Higher Education diplomas are welcomed.
• Mature and international students: considered on the basis of equivalent qualifications and relevant experience; English language requirements apply for non-native speakers.
• Disclosure and suitability: because of placement components, students will usually need to satisfy DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and demonstrate suitability to work with vulnerable people.

Career prospects

Graduates go into a wide range of roles across statutory, voluntary and private sectors. The programme equips you with transferable skills in communication, assessment, evidence-based practice and service improvement that employers value.

• Direct-care roles: support worker, care coordinator, community support practitioner and rehabilitation assistant.
• Service and management roles: care team leader, commissioning assistant, quality and compliance officer in health and social care organisations.
• Commissioning, policy and advocacy: roles in local authorities, NHS trust teams, charities and public health bodies.
• Progression to professional training: many graduates progress to nursing, social work postgraduate programmes, occupational therapy or public health courses, or specialist postgraduate study in applied health and social care.
• Other pathways: roles in housing, youth work, probation services, and third-sector organisations supporting vulnerable groups.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers a practice-focused Health and Social Care degree with strong links to local NHS trusts, social care providers and voluntary organisations across Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands. The programme emphasises employability through assessed placements, professional simulation and real-world projects with partner organisations.

• Professional partnerships: longstanding placement relationships with health and social care employers help students gain workplace experience and build networks.
• Teaching and facilities: students benefit from research-informed teaching, applied learning environments and skills sessions developed with practitioners.
• Student support and careers: dedicated support for placements, CVs, interviews and routes into professional training and postgraduate study.
• Community and civic engagement: opportunities to work on community-based projects and volunteering initiatives that address local health inequalities.

Overall, the BA (Hons) Health and Social Care at Nottingham Trent University is designed to develop practical skills, critical thinking and professional values needed for a career improving health and wellbeing in a range of settings.