first-year students with household income under £25,000
Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care (with integrated foundation year) Bachelor's degree at the University of Cumbria
BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care (with integrated foundation year) at University of Cumbria is accredited as a nationally recognised UK degree-awarding qualification. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
About this course
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BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care (with integrated foundation year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Cumbria, based in In Carlisle. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Health and social care graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Nursing & Health, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 20% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 6 modules
- Essential University Skills 1
Module details
Equip yourself with practical strategies for identifying appropriate sources, effective notetaking, efficient reading, and other strong study habits, setting you up with a solid foundation for your university journey.
- Essential University Skills 2
Module details
Advance your academic writing, refine your critical thinking skills, and polish your presentation abilities. You will build on your existing skills, empowering you to tackle a wider range of assessments with confidence and excel in your future studies.
- Contemporary Issues and the Media
Module details
Evaluate the dynamic relationship between society, media, and current events. Engage in thought-provoking discussions on pressing topics such as social inequality, mental health stigma and the ageing population, while critically analysing the media's influence on public opinion and its impact on shaping our world.
- Professional Practice in the Community
Module details
Immerse yourself in real-world professional practice. Through interactive learning, this module prepares you to make a positive impact in diverse community settings. Develop practical knowledge, communication skills and the ethical mindset essential for success in health and social care.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
Module details
Gain a comprehensive understanding of mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan. Encounter psychological theories, examine the factors that influence mental health, and learn evidence-based strategies to promote well-being. Empower yourself to support individuals and contribute to building healthier communities.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
Module details
Build a foundational understanding of the intricate systems, structures, and functions that make up the body. Prepare for further studies in the health and social care field by establishing a working knowledge of human development, functional anatomy, and physiology.
Year two 6 modules
- Developing Academic Writing and Reflective Practice
Module details
Enhance your academic writing skills and foster reflective practice for effective communication and professional growth. Learn to craft well-structured arguments, reference accurately, and refine your critical thinking. Engage in reflective exercises to understand your academic strengths and areas for development.
- Introduction to Health and Wellbeing
Module details
Examine the determinants of health, health promotion strategies, and the significance of preventive and person-centered care. Develop a holistic perspective to better address the diverse social and health needs of children, young people, families, and communities.
- Personalisation in Health and Social Care
Module details
Analyse approaches that empower individuals, promote autonomy, and respect unique needs and preferences. Learn to design and implement tailored care plans that enhance quality of life and promote positive outcomes. Engage with practical scenarios to develop the skills needed to provide a person-centred approach in various contexts.
- Development through the Life Course
Module details
Investigate human development across different life stages. Examine the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that influence individuals' growth, behaviour, and well-being. Understand the challenges and opportunities of each life stage and develop a comprehensive perspective to provide age-appropriate support.
- Values and Principles of Health and Social Care
Module details
Investigate concepts such as dignity, equity, and compassion. Reflect on the values and beliefs that shape your professional identity and navigate complex ethical dilemmas. Gain insights into relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, fostering an ethical and accountable approach.
- Social and Political Influences on Policy and Practice
Module details
Examine the social and political influences that shape policy and practice. Analyse the impact of socioeconomic conditions and power structures on the development and implementation of policies. Engage in critical discussions surrounding equity and the role of advocacy in shaping inclusive policy and practice for children and young people's health.
Year three 6 modules
- Introduction to Advancing Mental Health across the Healthcare Spectrum
Module details
Using a biopsychosocial framework, consider mental health care from prevention and early intervention to treatment and recovery. Engage in discussions on contemporary issues, evidence-based interventions, and innovative approaches, equipping you to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health.
- Psychology for Health and Social Care
Module details
Study human behaviour, cognition, and emotions, and examine how they influence individual well-being and social interactions. Contend with psychological theories, research methods, and practical strategies that inform effective care and support across diverse populations.
- Equality, Diversity and Equity in Practice
Module details
Consider your own values and ethics and reflect upon their impact on your professional practice. Examine cultural sensitivity, social justice, and anti-discriminatory practice. Analyse the impact of social identities, cultural beliefs, and power dynamics, and develop the skills to promote equity, challenge inequality, and foster inclusivity.
- Duty of Care – Principles and Implementation
Module details
Scrutinise the legal and ethical frameworks that guide professional practice, focusing on safeguarding individuals' rights, safety, and wellbeing. Learn to empower service users and balance the promotion of individual rights with the associated risk to society.
- Leadership and Change
Module details
Step into the role of a leader and change agent. Explore the principles and theories of change management and effective leadership. Examine the skills required to inspire visionary practice, promote innovation, and enhance services. Engage in critical discussions and practical exercises to develop your ability to lead and inspire others.
- Researching and Evaluating Practice
Module details
The aim of this module is to familiarise you with the challenges and opportunities of research in practice or community settings. It will explore evaluation, participatory and mixed method designs and consider effective ways to conduct research with specialist populations.
Year four 5 modules
- Applied Critical Evaluation for Evidence Based Practice
Module details
Advance your skills in retrieving, critically evaluating, and applying research evidence relevant to your practice. Review different research methodologies, analyse findings, and learn to integrate evidence into decision-making processes, empowering you to lead an evidence-informed service.
- Communication Skills in Health and Social Care
Module details
Discover the crucial role communication plays in building therapeutic relationships, facilitating understanding, and promoting positive outcomes. Engage in interactive exercises and simulations to enhance your verbal, non-verbal, and active listening skills, enabling you to communicate with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
- Collaborative Working in Health and Social Care
Module details
Building on your foundational knowledge, delve deeper into the principles and practices of effective collaborative working. Evaluate approaches to interdisciplinary teamwork, partnerships with service users, and interagency collaboration. Engage in practical scenarios to enhance your ability to foster integrated provision.
- Contemporary Approaches and Fundamental Principles of Safeguarding across the Lifespan
Module details
Develop your understanding of contemporary practice, legislation, and policies related to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, from children to older adults. Assess risk factors and develop strategies for prevention, intervention, and protection, equipping you to play a crucial role in promoting the welfare and safety of those in your care.
- Managing Self and Others
Module details
Discover strategies for self-reflection, emotional intelligence, time management, and resili
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines a foundation year with a nursing or health degree, building from core clinical practice to specialist pathways. You'll usually begin with foundations of nursing practice, anatomy and physiology, and supervised clinical placements, which run throughout the course at NMC standard intensity. Year 2 typically progresses to acute and long-term care, medicines management and pharmacology, with placements in community, mental health or specialist settings. By Year 3, you'll move into complex care and leadership, evidence-based practice, and consolidate your competence for professional registration. The course structure normally moves from fundamental skills and science towards independent practice and leadership roles. Specialisation options include adult nursing, mental health, children's nursing, community and primary care, and leadership pathways, each shaped around NMC registration requirements.
Who it's for
This course suits students seeking a structured pathway into health and social care professions. Most recent entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff among accepted students fell between 64–79 points. The foundation year provides additional support for those developing subject knowledge before progressing to honours-level study. If you're committed to working in healthcare or social services, this integrated programme offers breadth across multiple specialisms.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 90% of graduates from Nursing & Health courses are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 87% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Starting salaries across the field range from £27,000 to £30,500 at 15 months; after five years, graduates earn between £27,200 and £38,400. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes data, not university-specific guarantees. First-year retention stands at 85% across the student body.
University & format
The University of Cumbria, based in Carlisle, delivers this BSc (Hons) degree over 4 years on a full-time basis. Instruction is in English. The qualification is a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree from a UK degree-awarding body. The university received a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. This course includes an integrated foundation year for those not entering with standard entry qualifications, meaning the full programme runs alongside foundational studies for eligible students.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 65% |
| another higher-education qualification | 15% |
| Other | 15% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Cumbria →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Nursing & Health graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £32,000 | £32,000 – £33,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £13,500 – £24,500 | 285 |
| 5 years after | £22,000 | £16,000 – £29,000 | 315 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Newly Qualified PractitionerPreceptorship / first post · 0–2 yrs
- 2Registered PractitionerAutonomous practice · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / SpecialistSpecialist or team lead · 5–10 yrs
- 4Advanced / Consultant PractitionerAdvanced practice or management · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Nursing & Health nationally
National figures for Nursing & Health graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Nursing & Health courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,506 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Welfare ProfessionalsSOC 2020 246 · 45% of published destinations · ASHE median £39,047
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 40; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Nursing & Health graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine documentation and triage support
- Scheduling and records admin
- First-pass risk flags from data
- Standard reference look-ups
More human than ever
- Hands-on, compassionate care
- Clinical judgement and accountability
- Communicating with patients and families
- Ethics and safeguarding decisions
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Nursing & Health graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS trusts
- Private healthcare
- Care providers
- Community & mental-health services
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Nursing & Health graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £32,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 6.1 out of 10: NSS 71.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 20%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Cumbria
Subjects allied to medicine across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around In Carlisle - Fusehill Street
1,445 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Around In Lancaster
870 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Nursing & Health right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Cumbria from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £25,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Cumbria’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Cumbria and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Cumbria
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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