Course summary

The BA (Hons) Integrated Health and Social Care programme is designed to provide an academic pathway for individuals aspiring to work at a senior level in health and social care, across the private, voluntary, independent and statutory sectors. The programme has been developed in response to changing population demands and the associated remodelling of the local and national health and social services, driven specifically by the Care Act 2014, DevoManc and the Health and Social Care Act 2012. The award reflects the shift in focus towards more seamless, preventive and person-centred models of care and innovative approaches to service commissioning driven by personalisation. Recognising the need to empower service users and carers and to support them in living independently at home, the programme content aligns closely to these changing priorities by championing the theories and practices required to deliver the best possible outcomes for both individuals and communities. The educational focus of the programme involves students building on existing knowledge and skills to enable their professional and academic development, and supports the concept of lifelong learning and continuing professional development. There is also a clear work-related element that reflects the need to apply knowledge and skills within the workplace and to make tangible links between theory and practice in integrated service provision. This will not only provide students with valuable work-related experience but also greatly enhance their employability on completion of the programme.