Health and Social Science
Apply Now Book Open Day

BSc (Hons) Health and Social Science

UCAS CODE: L51L (Full-time) or L52L (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
Jump to:
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: April and September 2025

You can also study this course:

On this course you will develop in-depth understanding of the socio-cultural context of health and Illness, learn about the policy making process and how to influence the health and wellbeing agenda, locally, nationally and globally. You will acquire leadership skills and be empowered to explore, environmental, social, economic and political events, and evaluate their impact upon health and healthcare both nationally and internationally. You’ll also have the opportunity to volunteer for work experience in a relevant organisation of your choice, typically the NHS or health, social care and political organisations.

A rosette icon with a star in the middle
No. 1 in the UK for Student Satisfaction*
*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)
A trophy icon with a star in the middle of it
No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*
*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)
I've got to know my tutors on a personal level and it's boosted my confidence in voicing my opinion when we are in class. The facilities at BNU are great, the library offers a bright, relaxing space to study and see out over the scenery of the town centre and blue sunny skies - when the British weather allows it!
Samiha Ali
Samiha Ali
Why study BSc (Hons) Health and Social Science?

Gain a unique opportunity learn about and how to influence the health and policy landscape of the UK as we dive into the latest health drives, societal changes, and wellbeing agenda. You can gain a deep insight into how policies and procedures are created and carried out in the UK and internationally.

Our course focuses on employable skills and in your second year we cover professional development, contemporary research methods and ethical issues in research. We also help you to attain key transferable academic skills which are needed to pursue a career in the NHS, wellbeing and health, social and voluntary sectors.

With the option to choose modules such as Disability, Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System, Human Rights and Global Development, you can choose to take your career down a more law focused route, or if you prefer to be more creative you could choose to do a module such as body, culture and society which explores how cultural influences around body image and how its portrayed impact our health in society. The doors are open for you to explore and find what you want to do in your own time.

What will I study?

Health and well-being are central to this course and we look in depth at problems and issues facing societies and organisations in this area. Our course has a strong focus on developing health policy solutions in order to prepare you for a career dealing with these issues.

There is a focus on employability throughout our course and you will have the opportunity to volunteer for an organisation relevant to you so you can apply your knowledge in the field. 

We will study how our society impacts on our lives, including how harmful trends are dealt with. We examine the impact and the cause of poor wellbeing both in terms of national policy influences and our healthcare practises. 

With an emphasis on how we can make a difference to influence culture, policy and practice, we will study modules such as Wellbeing in Society, Policy & society, Media, Communications and more. 

In your second year we move on to employability skills and professional development, contemporary research methods and ethical issues in research. 

We also help you to attain key transferable academic skills which are needed to pursue a career in the NHS, wellbeing and health, social and voluntary sectors.

How will I be taught and assessed?

There are a wide range of assessments which are designed wherever possible to mirror real world problems and issues you may encounter while working in the professional world. The assessments are designed to be positive to your learning, providing feedback and ways to improve. There are a variety of practical, coursework based and exam-based assessment methods throughout the programme.

Assessments vary according to modules and are designed to test your understanding of the modules. Some of the ways you will be assessed include:

  • reports
  • exams
  • presentations
  • coursework

BSc (Hons) Health and Social Science Programme Specification

What facilities can I use?

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments and there’s plenty of room to settle down for some quiet study. Laptop loans are available if you need a computer and can’t make it into campus one day. We are primarily situated in High Wycombe surrounded by countryside, busy towns and streets and a great connection to London.

While studying with us you will use our BNU online service, which provides access to many of the software applications you use for learning and studying. This service can be used from your own device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

A minimum of 2 A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Core Modules
Learn the key principles of human behaviour and how they relate to other fields of study and practice. Discover more about the cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour such as how we perceive, remember and think, what motivates us, and how we interact with others. You will also develop your academic writing skills for research.
Discover how research drives the fundamentals of science degrees. You will explore the fascinating world of research and its different types, such as: Quantitative and qualitative research, Primary and secondary research, Experimental and observational research. You will also learn how to apply research methods in your studies.
Dive into the core principles and theories that form the foundation of education, sport, psychology, criminology, health and social sciences. This module will enable you to identify the principles of human science across different disciplines and apply them as you progress to your chosen pathway.
ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ the theoretical underpinnings of communication. We equip you with the skills to navigate various communication scenarios. You will develop an understanding of effective communication techniques, the influence of context, and the nuances of verbal and non-verbal cues. You’ll be better able to present your ideas to others.
Make the connections between multiple subjects within human and social science with this module. You will explore the theories at the intersection of human sciences. This will provide you with a platform to examine how different theories shape our understanding and contribute to the complexities of shared human experience.
Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, testing your problem-solving abilities. The module will see you taking part in industry focused studies in a group project. By the end of this module, you will learn how to think on your toes, lead and innovate to get the knowledge you learned from your degree into practice.
Core Modules
Credits
This module explores the emergence of the wellbeing agenda. The significance of physical and mental health to experiences of wellbeing across the life-course and for diverse social groups will be discussed. It also examine the importance of community diversity and appraising how policy and service interventions impact on health and wellbeing.
On this module, you’ll explore the social construction of health and illness in contemporary society. It introduces the theory of sociology of the body, mental health, and the role of both the professions and the relationship between health and society. It explores the anthropology of health and relate this to notions of illness across cultures.
This module has two strands, the first introduces you to issues in contemporary British (and other) societies. You’ll explore debates relating to society, identity and diverse social groups. The second strand is the ‘Academic Skills’ programme which introduces you to the use of academic evidence and integrity as well as other key academic skills.
On this module, you’ll examine the scope of policy and the policy-making process. You’ll discuss what is meant by a ‘social problem’ by examining political ideologies and the shifting relationship between state and citizen. We’ll explore policy issues and how research is used to produce evidence to influence governments and other agencies.
This module introduces you to the key debates, issues and relevance of the character, role and impact of all forms of media in contemporary societies. You’ll explore the many ways in which media infiltrates and shapes our social worlds, giving you a working understanding of the social science of the many-sided facets of media.As most workplaces nee...

Read more

Core Modules
Credits
On this module, we’ll support your work-related learning activities and encourage you to reflect on your development as future graduate employees. You’ll apply learning from your degree to practice and set goals for your development as future professionals. You’ll be supported in setting goals and developing plans for your work- related activities.
This module builds your knowledge of research methods. You’ll examine key concepts from social research and discuss the important contribution of research to your discipline area. You’ll be introduced to research issues and gain a foundation for the understanding of research methods required for your dissertation and career development.
This module allows you to analyse ethical issues within the social sciences and apply ethical principles to moral dilemmas. It draws on every-day experiences and case studies to explore contemporary problems, conflicts and tensions for individuals, agencies and practitioners in optimising individuals’ autonomy alongside the needs of wider society.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module explores the concepts, significance and lived realities of social diversity in contemporary societies. It draws on everyday experiences of social diversity. The module makes sense of these by critically engaging with academic work on discrimination, late modernity, feminisms, social harm, and multi-culturalism/integration and identity.
This module examines the changing nature of work and employment, the changing character and aims of welfare provision, and the way both remain involved in the production of individual and social welfare in different contexts. This entails examining social and organisational structures relevant to work and employment in contemporary society.
The module explores the main systems for the protection of human rights, allowing you to develop sound knowledge and understanding of the linkages between human rights and development from a historical, theoretical, and practical perspective. You’ll develop knowledge of relevant concepts and principles underpinning human rights frameworks.
Core Modules
Credits
This module provides a supportive framework for undertaking an independent extended research study. You’ll choose which type and methodology of research to follow in this project, such as a literature-based project; an empirical project using various methods; or an applied dissertation. The bulk of teaching involves individual supervision sessions.
We’ll examine health, wellbeing and environment issues, applying theoretical perspectives from medical anthropology, epidemiology, globalisation and risk, and relate these to socio-cultural determinants of health and impact of global demographic changes. You’ll gain skills to make a difference in the search for equity and global justice in health.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module critically examines the issue of vulnerability in relation to the criminal justice system. It focuses on issues pertaining to disability and mental health, both in the context of offenders and victims. You’ll develop a critical analytical approach by applying relevant concepts to contemporary practices to aid understanding.
This module explores the significance of how people age through the life course in contemporary societies, from childhood to old age. Through the lens of age and ageing as a social construct, you’ll explore societal impacts on people’s experiences of age and ageing as well as on ways in which wellbeing can be achieved through the life course.
The module examines the social and cultural construction of the body in contemporary society and lived experiences of embodied agents. It draws on insights from the sociology of the body, and conceptual frameworks that foreground the body in order to deepen understanding of health and illness and their social determinants, and to situate this withi...

Read more

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of leadership in diverse settings. It aims to give you a framework of knowledge and practice of leadership, addressing challenges in organisations, communities and contemporary society. This includes different levels of leadership and in different forms of groups, organisations and teams.

What are the tuition fees

Home
  • Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £9,250 *
  • Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £9,250 per year *
  • Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 *
  • Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *
International
  • Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £15150 *
  • Overseas/International, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £15,150 per year *
  • Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
  • Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes. 

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.   

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.   

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.   

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU. 

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects? 

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Our BSc (Hons) Health and Social Science course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities in the leisure, health and social care sectors. You can work in a variety of public and private organisations in roles such as:

  • Health assessment officer
  • Exercise coordinator
  • Lifestyle coach
  • Social Policy positions
  • Working with people in recovery.

Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course.

Course leader

The silhouette of a white head and shoulders of a person against a grey background
Dr George Clerk
  • Lecturer
Read full profile
The silhouette of a white head and shoulders of a person against a grey background
Dr Anne Chappell
  • Senior Lecturer
Read full profile
A head and shoulders shot of a smiling David Black stood outside of the BNU High Wycombe campus near Gateway reception
Dr David Black
  • Lecturer
Read full profile
Head and shoulders photo of a smiling Elaine Welsh stood in front of a book case
Elaine Welsh
  • Senior Lecturer
Read full profile
Head shot of a smiling Keelin Howard wearing glasses stood facing straight on into the camera in front of a green floral wall
Dr Keelin Howard
  • Senior Lecturer
Read full profile
Laura Williams staff profile photo
Laura Williams
  • Lecturer
Read full profile
Other courses that might interest you
Magnifying glass on top of sheet of thumbprints
BSc (Hons) Criminology
Two female students facing the front of a classroom sat on chairs
FDA Health and Social Care
Three people in a meeting wearing face masks
BSc (Hons) Public Health
BSc (Hons) Health and Social Science
BSc (Hons) Health and Social Science with Foundation Year