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Health in Social Science at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course summary

This programme provides you with the opportunity to explore health, illness and the provision of care through the lens of the social sciences. It combines the study of the social complexities of health, its impact, and approaches to treatment through the following perspectives:

  • sociology
  • psychology
  • geography
  • counselling
  • ethics
  • healthcare provision, public health and nursing studies
We live in a global age of increasing life expectancy, but chronic health conditions are rising and infectious disease is showing no signs of disappearing. The programme aims to:
  • give you practical and academic skills to help you make a positive difference in the world
  • expand your understanding of the social dimensions of health and illness
  • prepare you to contribute to improving people’s lives
Drawing on a range of disciplinary perspectives, you will address three broad themes:
  • societies and communities
  • individuals, personhood and experience
  • healthcare, social care and professional development
You will explore this important area of study across diverse social contexts, and apply your learning to real-world situations. You will also study culture and language and how these areas influence people's experience of health and illness. Essential to your learning is:
  • the concept of care and its delivery
  • understanding the critical role that individuals, communities and policy-makers have on health outcomes
You will also study other disciplines to help you examine how individuals, communities and cultures make sense of health experiences including:
  • marketing
  • counselling
  • health promotion
  • cultural studies
The third strand of the programme examines health and social care provision. We also provide training in professional skills such as active listening and leadership development. We welcome anyone with an interest in health, wellbeing and society. Programme benefits
  • You have the opportunity to learn in an interdisciplinary manner, approaching varied, but interconnecting topics in ways that inform future learning or prepare you for a variety of career paths.
  • You can take innovative option courses in community engagement. This will allow you to gain new abilities, get work experience and experience community-based learning.
  • In Year 3, you can study abroad through the University's international exchange programme. You will have the opportunity to experience healthcare in an international context.


How to apply

This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.

Application codes

Course code:
2D50
Institution code:
E56
Campus name:
Central area campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/627-health-in-social-science

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course

https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/627-health-in-social-science


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
TOEFL (iBT)92total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
Cambridge English Advancedtotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Cambridge English Proficiencytotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Trinity ISEISE II with distinctions in all four components.

You must prove that you can read, write, listen and speak in the English language at a level that will allow you to succeed in your studies. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals. You can meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school or an English language test. We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher: SQA National 5: English at C; GCSE: English at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate: English at C; International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level: English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements. We also accept other qualifications from around the world. If you don’t have school qualifications that meet our requirements, we accept any of the English language tests, at the specified grade or higher, as detailed above. Qualifications from the following English language tests must be no more than two years old from the start date of your programme, regardless of your nationality: IELTS, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT. All other types of English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of your programme. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or region, as defined by UKVI, there is no time limit on how old these other types of English language qualifications can be.

Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:

https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
67%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
84%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9535* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535* Year 1
Scotland £1820* Year 1
England £9535* Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535* Year 1
Wales £9535* Year 1
EU £29600 Year 1
International £29600 Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Scotland - Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees. Please note the 2026-27 fee rate is yet to be confirmed by the Scottish Government. England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) rate is yet to be confirmed. The fee for 2025 entry was £9,535. For 2026 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits. EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees. Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
Health in Social Science at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS