BSc (Hons) Health and Social Science
- Study Mode: Part Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Six Years
- Start Date: September 2026
You can also study this course:
On this part-time course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the socio-cultural dimensions of health and illness, alongside an in-depth exploration of the policymaking process and strategies to shape the health and wellbeing agenda at local, national, and global levels.
You will develop essential leadership skills and be empowered to critically analyse environmental, social, economic, and political factors, assessing their influence on health and healthcare systems, locally, nationally and globally. You’ll also have the valuable opportunity to volunteer in an organisation of your choice.
Studying a degree in health and social science offers a unique opportunity to understand the complex factors that shape health outcomes and social wellbeing. This interdisciplinary field equips you with the knowledge and skills to address pressing health challenges, both nationally and globally, through a holistic lens - considering, psychological, social, economic, and political influences.
Graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions towards, improving public health, shaping policy, and delivering compassionate care within diverse communities. The degree also cultivates critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills that open doors to rewarding careers in healthcare, social services, policy development, research, and advocacy. Ultimately, pursuing health and social science empowers you to drive positive change and promote equity in health and social care systems.
During your time with us, you will have the valuable opportunity to volunteer with an organisation of your choice. This could the NHS, local authorities, health and social care providers, voluntary organisations, housing providers, think thanks and education providers.
This volunteering opportunity allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice, whilst enhancing your practical experience and professional growth.
You’ll have the support and guidance of a BNU tutor who will support your development in practice, as well as the team and management of the placement you are in.
Our lecturers have rich experience and a wealth of knowledge from which to draw on. They’ll help to make sense of the theoretical elements of your studies by sharing their industry insight and knowledge. Our tutors remain up to date with the latest sector changes, many of them lead and are involved with external forums, discussing, and influencing the future of the sector.
This BSc Health and Social Science focuses on employability and professional development. The lessons taught on this course will prepare you for the world of work, through transferable skills and knowledge, needed to pursue a career in the NHS, wellbeing and health, social and voluntary sectors etc.
Your future career is uniquely yours - and our course is designed to reflect that. In your later years of study, you’ll have the freedom to tailor your learning through a range of optional modules. Whether you're interested in the criminal justice system, human rights, global development, mental health, or the relationship between body, culture, and society, you’ll be able to focus on what matters most to you. These choices come after you’ve explored a broad foundation, helping you decide whether you want to take a creative direction or something in between.
What will I study?
If you're passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives, the BSc Health and Social Science course at BNU offers the perfect foundation. With health and wellbeing at its core, this degree explores the key challenges facing societies and organisations today. From public health crises to social inequality, you’ll focus on how we can shape effective, compassionate solutions.
Through our specialist modules you’ll explore how society influences our health and wellbeing, looking at both the root causes of poor health and the ways in which policy and practice attempt to tackle them. From national policy and healthcare systems to the social and cultural forces that shape our lives, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the bigger picture.
Throughout the course, you’ll study modules, which explore how we can drive positive change through policy, culture, and communication. You’ll build your professional skillset while delving into key topics such as employability, research methods, and ethics - all designed to prepare you for a wide range of roles in health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
You’ll also develop essential academic and transferable skills, equipping you for a career in the NHS, public health, social services, or a wide range of wellbeing-related professions.
What sets this course apart is its strong focus on real-world impact and employability. You’ll have the opportunity to volunteer with organisations relevant to your interests, applying your knowledge in practical settings while building valuable experience for your future career.
How will I be taught and assessed?
Our assessments are designed to do more than test your knowledge, they get you thinking like a professional.
From day one, you'll tackle real-world challenges and scenarios that reflect the kinds of issues you'll face in your future career. Whether you're analysing case studies, crafting policy reports, or delivering presentations, you'll be building skills that matter in the workplace.
We use a diverse range of assessment methods to keep things fresh, practical, and engaging. You won’t just sit exams, you’ll also complete coursework, deliver presentations, and write up reports, giving you a chance to showcase your strengths in different ways. Each assessment is an opportunity to grow, with constructive feedback that helps you improve and build confidence as you progress through the course.
By the time you graduate, you'll not only understand the theory, but you’ll also know how to apply it.
What are the course entry requirements?
A minimum of 2 A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.
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.
What are the tuition fees
Home
-
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £5,370 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.
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’ll be able to 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
- Community engagement
- Social prescriber.
Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course.
Course leader
