Community, Public Health and Social Care BA (Hons) top-up

BA (Hons)
Study Area: Higher Education
Duration: 1 Year
Attendance: Full Time

Course Overview

This course will challenge and encourage you to ask questions of yourself and ​of your role in public health and community engagement UCAS Code: L5L1

The BA top-up in Community, Public Health & Social Care is designed to develop the skills necessary to work in the wider field of health, education, social care and community support and engagement.

The modules you will study are:

  • Community Engagement
  • Community Based Participatory Research
  • Contemporary Social Issues
  • Leadership and Management
  • Dissertation

The need for effective research skills applicable to the sector are included in the programme. The aim is to provide you with the wide range of skills you need to obtain employment or enhance your career development. Successfully completing the qualification will also enable you to apply for further study at Master’s level (Level 7 – either MA or MSc).

This course is designed to challenge and encourage you to ask questions of yourself and ​of your role in the broad field of public health and community engagement to deepen your understanding. You will have the opportunity to explore a topic in-depth through the final Dissertation module in which you will be carefully supervised in a research project of your choosing.

The course is aimed at attracting a wide cross-section of individuals of all ages into higher education who have previously completed a Level 5 qualification in a related subject area – usually Health and Social Care. Individuals who have relevant work experience, either paid or within a voluntary capacity are ​encouraged to apply, although this is not a requisite for the course.

Informed by the commitment of the College to widening access to courses whilst ensuring appropriate academic standards, the guiding principle underpinning the admission process is that the individuals are selected on the basis of their capability to benefit from, make a positive contribution to, and successfully complete their programme of study.

  • Click HERE for the programme specification
  • For a full list of the University Centre’s regulations and policies please click HERE
  • Click HERE for The Open University Regulations for Validated Awards

Start Date

September 2025

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

This is a level 6 entry programme and you will normally be expected to have achieved 240 academic credits, of which 120 must be at level 5.

These are usually from the HND Social and Community Work – also delivered at the University Centre – or to be from either an appropriate qualification such as Foundation Degree in Community, Health and Wellbeing, Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care, or a HND in a relevant subject. Previous study must include a range of modules in-line with the subjects covered in this BA top-up programme.

In addition, we will be looking for evidence of your personal skills and qualities.

The University Centre actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Learning. You must show how the learning you have already completed matches the learning that is required on the programme you are applying for. Applicants with other qualifications and backgrounds are also encouraged to apply. Qualifications and experiences not specifically named in this document will be carefully considered.

Offers will be made on the basis of both academic qualifications and a satisfactory interview.

Progression

The aim of this course is for learners to progress to work in NHS Trusts or in a variety of roles in Social Services, Family Centres, Housing Associations, Children’s Services, Nursing and Residential Homes, Probation and Youth Offending and Voluntary Organisations.

You may want to consider progressing to a Master’s course.

Alternatively, you may have enhanced prospects in a wide range of employment opportunities and have developed the transferable skills required for employment in areas such as health promotion, public health and third sector services.

Assessment Methods

Assessed through a series of coursework assignments and a dissertation.

Before you hand-in or present a final piece of work there is usually an opportunity for a discussion with your tutor in a one-to-one tutorial. You will be encouraged to submit or present your work-in-progress to your tutor – which will not be graded – to see whether you are on the right lines. There is usually a limit to the amount of feedback that your tutor can give you – please ask them about this. 

Your assessed work will go through a process of internal moderation and then will be checked by an externally appointed person called an external examiner. At each stage this means that marking and grading is checked and may be adjusted. 

Course Fees

£7950 per year

All higher education students must apply to Student Finance England for assistance towards fees. For help or advice with this please contact our Guidance Team on 01422 399367.

The University Centre has a HE Hardship Fund which students may access if they are facing financial difficulties. 

Additional information on fees and funding

Awarding Body

This award is validated by The Open University 

Career Opportunities

Home Manager (Children or Adult Services)
£30,000 – £40,000

Community Support Worker
£20,000 – £25,000

Family Support Worker
£20,000 – £25,000

Home Care Worker
£12,000 – £22,000

Community, Public Health and Social Care BA (Hons) top-up

Study Area: Higher Education
Duration: 1 Year
Attendance: Full Time
Unsure of which course to pick?

Calderdale College has a set of standard entry requirements. Apply for the course you want to study and we will help you get there.

There are a lot of courses available – work focused, practical and academic so it is important to think about the future and whether you want to proceed to university, move onto another course or get a job. We offer BTECs, Apprenticeships, T Levels, NVQs, VRQs, Degree Level Courses and more.

If you’re still not sure, don’t worry, just speak to a member of our advice and guidance team who will advise you.

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