BSc Professional Health Studies
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
| 2024-05-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Professional Health Studies program equips healthcare professionals with critical thinking, transferable skills, and a comprehensive understanding of integrated health and social care systems. Through a blended learning format and flexible part-time online options, students develop expertise in areas such as critical research appraisal, long-term conditions management, and leadership in health and social care, preparing them for diverse roles in the healthcare and social care sector.
Program Outline
Bachelors of Science Professional Health Studies
Degree Overview:
The BSc (Hons) Professional Health Studies equips individuals with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic health and social care sector. The program focuses on enhancing the expertise of healthcare professionals and those involved in allied health services.
Program Aims:
- Enhance critical thinking and analytical abilities in a problem-based learning environment
- Develop transferable skills relevant to the contemporary demands placed upon healthcare professionals
- Foster a comprehensive understanding of the connection between integrated health and social care systems
Program Highlights:
- Emphasis on developing critical awareness regarding workplace aspects impactful in improving patient experience
- Flexibility provided through part-time online study options to accommodate various individual needs
Outline:
This comprehensive BSc program spans over two years.
Year 3:
- Focus: Equipping students with critical appraisal research skills, professional development and knowledge relevant to contemporary issues in healthcare
- Module Composition: One core module (Critical Research Appraisal) & Five optional modules (selection from 20 choices) including:
- Long-Term Conditions Management
- Introduction to Palliative Care
- Therapeutic Communication Pain Management
- Essentials of Cancer Care Supporting People Facing Loss
Year 4:
- Core Module: Honours Dissertation
- 4 additional optional modules:
- Effective Teaching in Practice
- eHealth: Assessment at a Distance
- Improving Population Health
- Leadership in Health and Social Care
- Utilizing eHealth to Support Healthcare
Teaching and Assessment:
- Blended learning format incorporating lectures, tutorials, and hands-on workshops
- Additional assessments include group work, literature reports, and research projects
Assessment Methods:
- Practical assessment (7%)
- Coursework (93%)
Careers:
Graduates are poised for success in diverse roles across the healthcare and social care sector:
- Therapy and support provision within specialized fields like cancer or palliative care
- Project Management positions
- Therapy Assistant roles
- Senior support worker responsibilities
- Clinical effectiveness roles
Other Relevant Information:
- Part-time online delivery routes available for flexible learning
- School of Health & Life Sciences affiliation, renowned for innovative courses with virtual and practical ward experience.
- State-of-the-art healthcare facilities across Scottish campuses simulating various clinical and real-world settings.
- London facilities offering both in-person and online courses to accelerate career development in healthcare
- Internationally recognized work in breastfeeding endorsed by UNICEF
- Research-led approach, exemplified by dementia policy/practice research earning top honors in Scotland's Dementia Awards.
- Emphasis on preparing graduates to achieve their aspirations within the healthcare field.
The University of the West of Scotland
Overview:
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a public university with campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire, London, and Paisley. It is known for its commitment to widening participation and providing accessible education to all. UWS offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various academic disciplines.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWS offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student clubs, societies, and sports teams. Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, including social events, cultural programs, and volunteering opportunities. The university also provides support services such as career guidance, academic advising, and mental health resources.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Widening Participation:
UWS is committed to making education accessible to all, regardless of background or prior experience.Career-Focused Programs:
The university offers programs designed to prepare students for specific careers and industries.Global Outlook:
UWS has a strong international focus, with students and staff from around the world.Research Excellence:
UWS is recognized for its high-quality research, particularly in areas such as health, social sciences, and engineering.Supportive Environment:
The university provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive.Academic Programs:
UWS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across six academic schools:
- School of Business and Enterprise
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
- School of Creative Industries
- School of Education
- School of Health and Life Sciences
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care
Other:
UWS is a registered Scottish charity and is recognized by the UK authorities as a "recognised body" with degree awarding powers. The university is committed to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and has been ranked 16th in the world for its impact on reducing inequalities.
Entry Requirements:
Year 3:
- Academic Requirements:
- SQA HND or BTEC Level 5 HND: Relevant qualification in healthcare such as HND in Health and Social Care.
- Year 4 Entry: Entry into year 4 may be possible for prospective candidates holding a BA/BSc in an appropriate health or social care discipline.
Year 4:
- Academic Requirements:
- Entry into year 4 may be possible for prospective candidates holding a BA/BSc in an appropriate health or social care discipline.
English Language Requirements:
- General Requirements:
- For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
- The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
- IELTS Academic module (not General Training): overall score 6.0, no sub-test less than 5.5
- Exceptions:
- Some accredited or professionally-recognised courses have different requirements.
- Social Work Degrees: IELTS score of 7.0 with no sub-test less than 7.0
- Health & Midwifery Awards:
- IELTS score of 7.0 with no sub-test less than 6.5 in reading, listening and speaking and no less than 6.5 in writing
- Applicants may also use the Occupational English Test (OET).
- Biomedical Degrees:
- IELTS score of 7.0 with no sub-test less than 6.5
- Certificate of Higher Education:
- IELTS score of 5.0 with no sub-test less than 4.5
TOEFL IBT:
- 78; no sub-test less than:
- Reading: 17;
- Listening: 17;
- Speaking: 17;
- Writing: 17
West African Senior School Certificate of Education (WASSCE):
- C6 or above in English
- UWS will accept a WAEC scratchcard confirming that an applicant has achieved C6 or above as evidence of meeting English language requirement from Nigeria if the student graduated within the last 5 years.
Pre-sessional Courses:
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements can take a preparatory and pre-sessional English course.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
The University requires applicants whose first language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in the language. This typically involves achieving a minimum score on an English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL. The specific requirements vary depending on the program and the applicant's origin. For example, applicants for Health & Midwifery programs must achieve an IELTS score of 7.0 with no sub-test less than 6.5.
