Applied Health and Social Care (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Course Description

The BSc (Hons) Applied Health and Social Care Top-Up award is designed to take students who have completed a range of level 5 qualifications to progression to an honours degree. It helps students to apply theory and practice in both health and social care settings and offers a platform for employment in health or social care.

The course is rooted in the theory and the links to practice. It is suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in the Health and Social Care sector or for those who wish to progress into postgraduate study or research.

Full time applications for this top-up award are made via UCAS and part-time applications are made directly to Birmingham Newman University.

What does this course cover?

The course intends to develop in students the appropriate knowledge, understandings, skills and values required of them to work, research and continue their studies in health and social care.

It will provide a range of educational experiences that enable students to work in dynamic multi agency environments. It will enable students to develop a professional and insightful approaches to their work with individuals and communities with the aim of improving outcomes for all. Topics covered include safeguarding, healthy communities, leadership and management in health and social care, study skills and research, in addition to including an exciting research dissertation project on a topic chosen by the student.

How will I be assessed?

The course uses a variety of assessments to help develop a range of different skills from traditional essay and report writing to presentations, case study analysis tasks and research projects.

Your assessments serve a vital role in helping you gain the skills that you will need in post graduate employment or study.

This course is specifically designed for level 6 students. It builds upon existing skills developed at levels 4 and 5 and enables students to progress their qualification to BSc (Hons) Applied Health and Social Care.

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Entry requirements

We welcome students from all backgrounds and accept a wide range of qualifications. If yours aren’t listed, don’t worry – our Admissions Team can help you explore your options. See full entry requirements.

Entry Requirements

UK home students entry requirements are flexible and recognise a range of academic qualifications, as well as work experience. All applicants will need to have 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5. For example a relevant HND or foundation degree qualification.

Please contact Admissions if you have any questions.

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Academic entry requirements for international students

If you are an international applicant, you can use the button below to see specific entry requirements for your country.

Country entry requirements

English requirements

Foundation courses: A Secure English Language Test equivalent to IELTS 5.5 IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 in each component*
Undergraduate courses: A Secure English Language Test equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with no component below IELTS 5.5*
Postgraduate courses: A Secure English Language Test equivalent to IELTS 6.5 with no component below IELTS 6.0*

*Some courses may have a higher requirement to meet regulatory or professional body requirements. Your offer letter will state any variation to the above advertised requirements.

For further help you can email international@newman.ac.uk or telephone +441213874776 to speak with our Admissions Team.

International students

Course fees

The tuition fee for academic year 2026/27 is: £9,790. Tuition fees for courses starting April to May 2026, fall within the 2025/26 academic cycle.

Fees for the 2025/26 academic year can be found on our Student Finance pages.

Additional costs

The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

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Leadership and Management

20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module will provide students with the skills to manage and lead effectively in complex, dynamic and interprofessional/multidisciplinary organisations. Students will critically debate and discuss issues around leadership in healthcare today; styles of management and the development of management skills to balance innovation and risk in an ever evolving arena; and the management of change necessary to manage issues such as the ageing population and the growth of technology in health and social care today.

Social Policy, Commissioning and Provision

20 Credits (Compulsory)

At level 4, students were introduced to the socio-political and legislative perspectives of social policy at national, regional and local levels. This module advances students’ knowledge and understanding of social policy through exploring current perspectives, and through examining contemporary processes in the commissioning of health and social care services within a mixed economy and the implications for service provision.

Safeguarding and Child/Adult Protection in Policy and Practice

20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module will provide students with the opportunity to explore historical and contemporary concerns that have served to shape policy and practice. Students will explore current legislation and its implications for practice for all those working with the young and vulnerable adults. A clearer understanding will be gained of the different roles and responsibilities of those working in the area of safeguarding. Consideration will be given to the impact that abuse can have on the lives of victims and their families.

Dissertation

40 Credits (Compulsory)

At level 4 students were introduced to basic quantitative research skills. At level 5 students widened their appreciation of research by exploring the research process, ethics, methods, quantitative study design, and qualitative methodologies. This module builds upon this knowledge and understanding of research and students are required to apply this knowledge and, with supervision, develop, conduct and report their own piece of primary research.

Health interventions Across the Lifespan

20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module will explore and examine a range of health interventions designed to improve overall human health across the lifespan (children, adults and older people). Interventions to prevent disease, treat or reduce the impact of disease and improve the functional movement during recovery from illness/disease will be explored and critically examined. Focus will be on current interventions that have been developed to improve or change one or more major health behaviours (e.g. physical inactivity, poor nutrition, stress, smoking etc). The clustered effects of these behaviours directly account for almost half of overall premature deaths in the UK, therefore, the understanding and application of preventive and therapeutic interventions in Health and Social Care practice is important for practitioners to understand.

Our Careers team provides tailored advice, placements and workshops to help you build confidence and prepare for life after university.

Studying and Living in Birmingham

At Birmingham Newman University, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful, green campus that creates the ideal setting for focused study and personal reflection, yet remains just eight miles from the vibrant city centre. As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham is also one of the youngest and most diverse in Europe, offering a dynamic blend of culture, innovation and opportunity. From world-renowned museums and music venues to a thriving food scene alongside a growing business and tech sector, it’s a place where creativity and ambition naturally thrive.

Experience Birmingham: A City Full of Possibilities

Whether you're discovering the Midlands for the first time or already know the area well, Birmingham provides a lively and inclusive environment for students. As one of the most energetic and multicultural cities in the UK, it’s a place where you can grow academically while developing personally. Its rich cultural heritage, creative energy and broad range of opportunities make it an inspiring backdrop for your university journey.

A City That Loves Great Food

Birmingham is a brilliant place to explore diverse culinary experiences. You might wander through the famous Balti Triangle, sample global street food at Digbeth Dining Club or enjoy a relaxed meal by the canals in Brindleyplace. The city is also home to independent cafés, vegan-friendly eateries and countless hidden gems. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between lectures or planning an evening out, there’s always something new to discover.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

The city pulses with creativity. You could catch live music at the O2 Academy, experience a world-class performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome or browse exhibitions at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Creative spaces like the Custard Factory showcase local talent while hosting events that celebrate innovation. With festivals, sporting fixtures and cultural celebrations taking place year-round, there’s never a shortage of things to enjoy.

Simple & Convenient Travel

Getting around Birmingham is straightforward thanks to its well-connected public transport system. Buses, trams and trains make it easy to reach campus, explore the city or travel further afield. Whether you're commuting daily or heading off for a weekend adventure, transport is both accessible and affordable.

Life Beyond the Lecture Hall

Your time at Birmingham Newman University extends far beyond academic study. You’ll have the chance to join student societies, contribute to community projects or try something entirely new. The university’s supportive atmosphere encourages you to build confidence, develop practical skills and feel genuinely at home throughout your studies.

A wide range of careers are available across several environments such as health and social care in the public, private and third sectors.

This qualification would be suitable for people considering moving on to gain postgraduate qualifications in nursing, midwifery, social work and occupational therapy.

Graduates from this course could take on leadership and management roles in health or social care and would be capable of working within a multi-agency environment nationally and globally.

The skills and knowledge gained from this course are also transferable to a range of disciplines or employment opportunities.

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