Health and Social Science

On this degree, 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.

Why study BSc (Hons) Health and Social Science?
Make an impact on society
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.

Placement Opportunity
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.

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.

Year one
Core
Wellbeing in Society
Sociology of Health
Making Sense of Society
Policy and Society
Media, Communication and Society
Social Justice

Year two
Core Modules
Employability and Professional Development
Contemporary Social Research
Ethical Issues in Social Science
Social Diversity: Race, Gender and Sexuality
Leisure, Culture and Space

Optional Modules
Work, Welfare and Policy
Human Rights and Global Development

Year three
Core Modules
Dissertation
Global Health

Optional Modules
Disability, Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System
Ageing Through the Life Course
Body, Culture and Society
Leadership and Teamwork

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.