HEALTH ANDSOCIAL CARECanterbury

The UK’s European university

Undergraduatestudy

2 Health and Social Care

CAN YOU BUILD ABETTER SOCIETY?Studying Health and Social Care, you address key issues facing society, such as: should cloningor assisted suicide be permitted? Should olderpeople pay for their own care? Are servicesdelivered fairly to all sections of the community?You learn to offer considered responses to complexissues, which could change and improve lives.

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AnalyticalskillsBeing confident in workingwith data and making senseof it is a great skill that appealsto employers. You can benefitfrom the expertise of theQ-Step Centre at Kent bystudying social analytics andquantitative research skills aspart of your degree.

World-leadingresearchWe are home to world expertsin specialist areas across thesocial sciences, with one ofthe most dynamic researchcultures in Europe. The booksand articles we write and thedebates we are involved in helpto shape your course and thetopics you are studying.

ExcellentresourcesAccess more than a millionbooks, ebooks, databasesand journals at the University’sTempleman Library. Our expertsubject librarians are on handto help you find your wayaround and get the mostfrom our specialist collections.

Academic supportUniversity is different fromschool. You need to be self-motivated and well organisedto succeed. We help you byassigning you an academicadviser, running a peermentoring programme andoffering help with academicskills, such as essay writing.

StudentcommunityKent Union is run by students,for students, to help you makethe most of university life. Aswell as running clubs, societiesand social events, the studentunion is there to support youwith advice on a wide rangeof issues and to ensureyour voice is heard.

PracticalprogrammeThe programme focuses onreal applications, you learn to evaluate the issues and tothink about improvements. Youdevelop the skills to influencepolicy and practice, improvingthe lives of individuals andopening up a rewarding career for yourself.

InspirationalteachingGreat teachers inspire andchallenge. Whether they arelecturing on social inequalitiesin health in England or sparkingdiscussion on cloning, our staffare skilled at bringing theirsubject to life. They share theirresearch and welcome youropinions and ideas.

Lively campusKent is a campus university, soeverything you need is withinwalking distance. You canwatch a play or a film at theGulbenkian arts centre, danceat The Venue nightclub, keep fitat our sports centre and meetfriends at one of the manycampus cafés and restaurants.

Career successEmployability is a priority at theUniversity of Kent. By studying,you sharpen skills that areuseful in working life, suchas time management anddeveloping an argument. Wehelp you to develop a great CVand present yourself effectivelyto potential employers.

WHY STUDY HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE AT KENT?

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A welcomingcommunityWe are a diverse and supportive community, with friendly academicstaff who give you the confidence to use your skills and knowledge in real situations. We welcome applications from school leavers andthose who wish to return to education, and we value the contributionpeople can make from their own experiences. You study areasincluding sociology, social policy, social psychology, politics, history,law, social work, management, philosophy and economics, and sograduate with an understanding of the issues, their causes and thepossible solutions.

The Guardian UniversityGuide 2020• Social Policy at Kent wasranked 4th overall

The Times Good UniversityGuide 2019• Sociology at Kent ranked11th overall

Research ExcellenceFramework• Based on our results in themost recent ResearchExcellence Framework, theSchool of Social Policy,Sociology and SocialResearch was ranked 2nd inthe UK for research power.

Destination of Leavers fromHigher Education (DLHE)• Over 95% of Kent graduateswho graduated in 2017 andresponded to a nationalsurvey were in work or furtherstudy within six months

Teaching ExcellenceFramework• Kent was awarded gold,the highest rating, in theUK government’s TeachingExcellence Framework*

Independent rankings

*The University of Kent’s Statement of Findings can be found atwww.kent.ac.uk/tef-statement

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societies, it’s almost impossible to choose just one! There are cafés, a cinema – there’s alwayssomething going on. I also go intotown with my friends, there’s a reallynice hot chocolate café there!

What next?I want to go into social work andwork with elderly people. When I’mat home, I work on the dementiaward in a nursing home. It’s hardwork, but I love it. I think it’s goodto see both sides, the practical sideand the academic side, measuringup how things could be, againsthow they actually are. I think theindustry needs people who cancombine theory and practice, whounderstand the background, thenhopefully we can come up withbetter ways of doing things.

What advice would you give tosomebody coming to Kent?I would say, always go with yourgut, you’ll know, when you visit auniversity if it could be right for you.If you like a place don't be afraid toput it down even if you think youwon’t get the grades, because you never know what will happen.

It sounds like you’re reallyenjoying it.I absolutely love it, honestly. I reallyenjoy it. I’ll go home and all I do istalk about university. Also I am astudent ambassador, which meansI get to meet prospective studentsand talk to them about university.I encourage them to go becauseI do think it’s the best thing youcan do. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but I think it’s worth it. Definitely.

Annamae Ballantine is inher second year studyingHealth and Social Care.

Why did you choose Kent?The course offered a wide varietyof modules. I came to an OpenDay which was informative andeverybody was welcoming. It’s agreen campus and is just the rightdistance from home. I felt that Kentwas a place where I could fit in.

How did you feel when you firstarrived?It was completely different to howI had imagined it, but in a good way. I remember after a few weeksthinking how much I had learnt. Notjust from the course, but also frombeing in an environment with peoplefrom so many cultures and walks oflife. It was just amazing.

How is the course going?It’s very interesting. We share somemodules with people studying socialpolicy, social work and sociologywhich brings another perspective to our discussions. There are somemature students who have a widerrange of experience and it’sinteresting to listen to them.

Do you have a favourite module?I took a social policy module wherewe had to work in groups to come upwith a campaign to implement a law,that could be applied to a personserving time in prison to benefit theirhealth and wellbeing. So, our group’sidea was to stop smoking in prisons.We had to look at existing policies,

and say how we would alter thosepolicies to implement our idea. It’svery important to be able to showhow you would bring about change.It was fascinating.

I also really enjoyed a module,which covered current policiesand issues in health and social care.We were really encouraged to putforward our thoughts and opinions;it was quite interactive. It’s goodbecause if you’re part of a livelydiscussion, it stays in your mind.

Are your lecturers supportive?Yes. They’re always available byemail, and they have office hourswhen you can meet them. They’refriendly and there’s lots of guidanceand support. They listen to us tooand take our concerns seriously.

What about your fellowstudents?In my first year I had a mentor, she’samazing, I don't know what I’d dowithout her. Even now, if I get stuck I can always go to her. Generally, weall support one another. Sometimeswe set up group chats for a seminar,so we can discuss work.

What do you think of thefacilities on campus?The library’s great, there’s lots ofcomputers available and peopleto ask if you need help. Also, theStudent Learning Advisory Service,which helps you to improve youressay writing, is really good.

Socially, there’s lots to do oncampus – there are so many

STUDENT VIEW

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CHOOSING YOUR DEGREE

The Health and SocialCare programme givesyou the chance to studythe subject in depthand develop interests inother areas, for examplebusiness studies, politics,law, sociology, socialanthropology andlanguages.

For full-time students, this is a three-year degree programme. If you arestill considering which degree toapply for, it’s worth bearing in mindthat health and social care modulescan be taken as part of thefollowing programmes:• Social Policy • Sociology • Criminology• Social Sciences(Medway campus).

For more details, please refer tothe relevant subject leaflet or toour website at www.kent.ac.uk/ug

Part-time study Part-time students take the samemodules as full-time students, butthey usually study half the numberof modules each year.

International studentsIf you need to extend your existingacademic qualifications or abilityin English to be able to study atuniversity level, Kent’s one-yearInternational Foundation Programme(IFP) gives you the opportunity to doso. The IFP can provide progressionto this programme. For details, see:www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

Teaching and assessmentWe use a variety of teachingmethods including lectures,seminars, case studies, workshops,group projects and individual andgroup tutorials. In addition, allstudents need to read for seminarsand pursue independent studyoutside the classroom.

Your work is assessed bycoursework essays, seminarpresentations, projects, groupwork and examinations. Mostmodules are assessed on a basisof 50% coursework and 50%exams, although some are assessedentirely by coursework. Studentsmust pass Stage 1 (the first year offull-time study) in order to progressto Stage 2 of their studies. The finalclass of degree is based on marksfor Stages 2 and 3.

Health and Social Care

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YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME

Your studies are dividedinto three stages, eachequivalent to one year of full-time study or twoyears of part-time study.

Please note that the module listsgiven here are not fixed as newmodules are always in developmentand choices are updated yearly.The details are correct at the timeof publication (June 2019).See www.kent.ac.uk/ug for the most up-to-date information.

To read a description of any of the modules listed, please go towww.kent.ac.uk/courses/modulesand type in the module code.

Stage 1Stage 1 represents the first year offull-time study and gives you a solidfoundation in social sciences.

The first year is designed to helpyou get up to speed with the subjectat degree level through the studyof health, care and well-being, aswell as some of the related socialscience disciplines that are relevantto the subject.

At each stage, there is a balancebetween compulsory modules inthe ‘core’ parts of the degree andthe opportunity for you to developyour own interests with a widevariety of specialist options.

You take the following compulsorymodules:• Critical Thinking (SO341)• Fundamentals of Sociology(SO337)

• Health, Care and Wellbeing(SA301)

• Social Policy and Social Control(SA300)

• Sociology of Everyday Life(SO336).

You also choose one of thefollowing:• Introduction to Criminology(SO305)

• Modern Culture (SO334).

You may choose additional modulesfrom a wide selection in the socialsciences and other subject areas(for example, psychology, politics,social anthropology, cultural studiesand media).

Stages 2 and 3 Stages 2 and 3 represent thesecond and third years of full-timestudy. You take a module in researchmethods and have a choice ofmodules to give you the flexibilityto create a degree that reflectsyour individual interests.

You also have the opportunityto write a dissertation on a subjectof your choice.

The following modules are takenby all students:• Caring for Vulnerable Adults:Understanding Social Care(SO678)

• Health Policy, Power and Politics(SO603)

• Social Research Methods(SO602)

• Welfare in Modern Britain(SO601).

You also choose at least one of thefollowing optional modules:• A Future for the Welfare State?Social Change, Challengeand Crisis (SA503)

• Mental Health (SO532)• Reproductive Health Policyin Britain (SO595)

• Social Research Placement(SO547).

Your remaining modules are chosenfrom a wide selection in the socialsciences, such as:• The Care and Protection ofChildren and Families (SA531)

• Health, Illness and Medicine(SO509)

• Kent Student Certificate forVolunteering, Platinum Award(SO670)

• Poverty, Inequality and SocialSecurity (SO575)

• Research Dissertation (SO679)• Social Sciences in the Classroom(SE556)

• The Third Sector: Charities andSocial Enterprises in ModernSocieties (SO645).

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• arranging note-takers, signersand other support workers for you

• discussing exam accessarrangements

• helping you with emotional,psychological or mentalhealth issues

• applying for relevant fundingto support you.

Find out more at:www.kent.ac.uk/studentsupport

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“In my first year I had amentor, she’s amazing, I don'tknow what I’d do without her.Even now, if I get stuck I canalways go to her.”

Annamae BallantineHealth and Social Care studentSee p7 for full profile.

SUPERB STUDY SUPPORT

We’ll support youthroughout your timeat Kent, from helpingyou adjust to universitystudy to discussingmodule choices andessay topics with you.

You are assigned an academicadviser in your first year, and theyhelp you get the most from yourdegree programme. They meetwith you regularly to discussgeneral academic issues orspecific assignments. They willassist you in developing academicskills and refer you to other sourcesof help if you need it.

Peer supportThe best advice often comesfrom people who’ve been in yoursituation. On our Academic PeerMentoring scheme, first-yearstudents can request to be matchedwith second- or third-year studentson a similar degree programme.

Peer mentors can help you settle into university life and find your feet.They can help you to discuss ideasand improve your study skills as youprogress through your first year.

Study skills adviceSuccessful students take control oftheir own learning. Kent’s StudentLearning Advisory Service (SLAS)can help you to increase yourcompetence and confidence andfulfil your potential. You can requesta one-to-one appointment or attend

workshops on a diverse rangeof topics, from making the mostof lectures to writing well andavoiding plagiarism.

Student support andwellbeingYou might need extra help to getthe most from university. If youhave a medical condition, specificlearning difficulty, mental healthcondition or disability, the StudentSupport and Wellbeing team isthere to support you.

The team is committed to improvingaccess to learning for all students at Kent and can assist with manythings, including:• talking to your lecturers aboutany help you need in lecturesor seminars

NHS management, social servicesdepartments, health trusts, socialresearch, health promotion,community work and the growingvoluntary and private social careand healthcare fields.

We support you with tailoredemployability events, from exploringcareer options to presenting yourskills and experience to employers.

Visit our careers fair to talk topotential employers and useour award-winning Careers andEmployability Service for adviceon preparing your CV. Our trackrecord speaks for itself: over 95%of Kent graduates who respondedto the most recent national surveyof graduate destinations were inwork or further study within sixmonths (DLHE, 2017).

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A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

What do you hope todo once you have yourdegree? Whether you havea career path in mindor haven’t thought muchbeyond university, wecan help you to achievesuccess in the future.

Build your CVYour degree studies help you todevelop skills such as analysinginformation, thinking critically,expressing yourself clearly,solving problems, plus workingindependently and as part ofa team. These transferable skillsare widely valued by employersin all sectors.

At Kent, you have lots of other greatopportunities to enhance your skills.For instance, you could:• join a society or sports club (evenbetter – get involved in running it)

• volunteer in the community• work in a part-time job or takeup a summer internship

• represent your fellow studentsas a student rep, or becomea student ambassador

• learn a new language or skillwith Study Plus.

Getting involved like this means that you can earn EmployabilityPoints, which you can exchange for employability rewards. The morepoints you earn, the more valuablethe rewards. We work with local,national and international employersto offer internships, work experienceand a range of other activities thatprepare you for the world of work.

Experience workTaken as part of your degree, theKent Student Certificate forVolunteering Platinum Award allowsyou to develop transferable skills inleadership, mentoring, projectmanagement and working withinteams and organisations. The SocialSciences in the Classroom modulegives you experience of working ina professional environment andcommunicating ideas effectively.

Find a great jobYour degree can lead to a widerange of rewarding career paths inboth the public and private sectors.Graduates may wish to work directlywith users of services – such aschildren and families, older peopleand those with disabilities or mentalhealth problems or in areas suchas management, research or policy.Potential employers in the socialand health care sectors include

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COME AND FIND OUT MORE

Choosing a universityis a big step, so it’simportant to find out asmuch as you can beforeyou make your decision.Come and visit us to seewhat we can offer you.

Open DaysOpen Days are a great way to findout what life as a student at Kentis like. For instance, you can:• learn more about the courseyou are interested in at asubject presentation

• ask questions – talk to theacademic teams at theinformation stands

• experience our teaching ata taster lecture*

• find out about student finance,opportunities to study abroadand extracurricular activitiessuch as those run by Kent Sport.

Explore the campus at your ownpace on the self-guided walkingtour. You can visit different types of accommodation, chat to currentstudents and enjoy the stunningviews over the city of Canterbury.

Open Days are held in the summerand autumn. Book your place atwww.kent.ac.uk/opendays

Applicant DaysIf you apply to Kent and we offeryou a place (or ask you to comefor an interview), you will usuallybe invited to an Applicant Day.Applicant Days run in the autumnand spring terms and are anopportunity to find out about thecourse in more detail. You spendtime with your academic schoolmeeting staff and current students,and take part in activities that giveyou a flavour of your prospectivecourse and university life.

Informal visitsIf you can’t make it to an Open Dayor Applicant Day, you can still visitus. We run tours of the campus

throughout the year. If you liveoutside Europe, we appreciate thatyou might find it difficult to attendour scheduled events, so we canarrange a personal campus tourfor you and your family.

Let us know you’re comingScheduled tours and personalcampus tours (for internationalstudents) need to be booked inadvance – you can do this viawww.kent.ac.uk/informal

Meet us in your countryOur staff regularly travel overseasto meet with students who areinterested in coming to Kent.We also have strong links with

*Programme of events variesaccording to subject.

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LocationCanterbury

AwardBA (Hons)

Degree programme• Health and Social Care (LL45)

Programme typeFull-time and part-time. Threeyears full-time, or up to six yearspart-time.

Entry criteriaBBB at A level; DDM in Level 3BTEC Extended Diploma inHealth and Social Care or PublicServices; IB 34 points overall or15 points at Higher Level.

Access to HE Diploma:applications are considered onan individual basis. If an offer ismade, candidates typically will berequired to obtain/pass the overallAccess to Higher EducationDiploma with 50% of Level 3credits at Merit.

Applicants can also apply withcombinations of BTEC Diplomasand A level or AS levels, or withan HND or Foundation Year. Thesequalifications are assessed on

an individual basis, as are thosewith international qualifications.

All applicants with A levels orLevel 3 BTECs should normallyhold five GCSEs at grade A*-C, or grade 9-4, including EnglishLanguage.

The School has a long andsuccessful tradition of admittingmature students. We welcomeapplications from students onaccredited Access courses. We always consider studentswith non-standard qualificationsor with relevant work experienceindividually and we particularlywelcome applicants who haveexperience in the field.

Kent also offers an InternationalFoundation Programme, whichcan be used to gain the entryqualifications. For details, seewww.kent.ac.uk/ifp

Offer levels and entryrequirements are subjectto change. For the latestinformation, seewww.kent.ac.uk/ug

agents in your home country whocan offer guidance and informationon studying at Kent. To find outmore, visit www.kent.ac.uk/courses/international

Self-guided toursIf you prefer to explore on your own,you can download a self-guidedwalking tour at:www.kent.ac.uk/informalor pick up a copy from us.

A self-guided audio tour is availabletoo, which allows you to learn aboutKent without even leaving home.See www.kent.ac.uk/courses/visit/informal/audio-tour.html

Explore onlineIf you can’t come and see us,you can find out more about theacademic team, the course andextra-curricular events online at:www.kent.ac.uk/sspssr

Keep in touch with us viasocial media:• www.facebook.com/Kentsspssr• www.twitter.com/sspssr• www.youtube.com/sspssr

Contact usIf you would like more informationon Kent’s courses, facilities orservices, please contact us on:T: +44 (0)1227 768896www.kent.ac.uk/ug

This brochure was produced in June 2019. The University of Kent makes every effortto ensure that the information contained in its publicity materials is fair and accurateand to provide educational services as described. However, the courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information,see www.kent.ac.uk/ug and for full details of our terms and conditions, seewww.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions

For the University to operate efficiently, it needs to process information about youfor administrative, academic and health and safety reasons. Any offer we make toyou is subject to your consent to process such information and is a requirement in order for you to be registered as a student. All students must agree to abide by theUniversity rules and regulations at: www.kent.ac.uk/regulations

DPC 12844006/19PUB1174

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 764000 www.kent.ac.uk/ug

COME ANDVISIT USTo find out more about visitingthe University, see our website:

www.kent.ac.uk/visit