Health and Social Care, BSc (Hons)

An ideal starting point for a range of rewarding careers in a variety of sectors

HSC students

Course Overview

Our BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care offers flexibility, broad themes and a strong focus on employability, to provide an ideal starting point for a range of rewarding careers.

You will explore health and social care in a wide range of national and international contexts, covering themes such as social policy, public health, epidemiology, psychology, human biology and physiology, law and ethics relating to health, equality, and social justice.

You will gain a clear understanding of the structures and policies underpinning health and social care in the UK and develop excellent communication, research and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers.

We also offer Year in Applied Practice and Foundation Year study options to suit your needs and career prospects.

Why Health and Social Care at Swansea?

Based in the School of Health and Social Care, Wales’s largest provider of healthcare education, you will be immersed in a dynamic research and learning environment with many opportunities to build links with students from related disciplines.

Health and Social Care at Swansea is ranked:

  • 5th in the UK overall (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 6th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • UK Top 20 for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)

Your Health and Social Care experience

Our BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree has been developed to reflect the vision for the future of the Health and Social Care sector in Wales (Welsh Government 2024), with a strong focus on:

  • Collaborative, participative, and user-led service delivery
  • Multi-disciplinary working and sharing of best practice
  • Removing barriers to support health and well-being in a holistic approach
  • Valuing diversity and promoting equality
  • Using evidence to support practice
  • Transparency in decision-making

We are committed to building a skilled and flexible graduate workforce that centres the needs of users, and our teaching will equip you with the skills, experience and confidence to address the complex challenges of the sector.  

Throughout your studies you will undertake professional development and have the option to complete a work placement alongside your academic work.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Practice, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

Health and Social Care Careers

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care will be equipped with the skills, experience and confidence to start a career in a wide range of roles, including:

  • Community roles e.g. youth worker, parenting support worker or family liaison officer
  • Working with vulnerable people such as homeless people or those with addictions
  • Third sector organisation roles e.g. fundraising or project officer
  • Civil Service or National Government
  • Public Service including criminal justice, housing and social services
  • Private Sector e.g. Finance Services
  • Public Health
  • Academic, Health and Social Care Research

Many students will also progress on to postgraduate study for specialist roles including Nursing, Social Work, Physician Associate Studies, Childhood Studies, or PGCE.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Health and Social Care, BSc (Hons)

Health and Social Care with Applied Practice, BSc (Hons)