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Social Care

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Photo: Corbis / elderly couple sitting on bed / Social Care / Open University

If you’re involved in caring for others, whether personally or professionally, you’ll find our courses of interest. Care services are integrated into a broader set of health and social care services, and all our courses address that wider context.

Our Level 1 and some of our Level 2 courses introduce you to key questions on how essential support and care can be provided in a large and complex society. They look at the intense political debates over the future of our health and social care services. You’ll explore the skills of care work in a wide range of contexts and extend your own skills. Other Level 2 courses have a more detailed focus on mental health and the experiences of service users, as well as the different forms of help that are offered.

We have Level 3 courses that explore the changing world of management in health and social care and can help you to develop your own management competences. Or you may want to develop your understanding of communication and relationships and look at the ways in which these are shaped in health and social care.

Where to start in Social Care

If you're fairly confident about studying, then start with Level 1 courses. You'll learn how to study at university level, get a thorough grounding in your chosen area of study and, in addition, you'll become a confident distance learner.

Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.

Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.

Degrees

  • Health and Social Care
    This degree covers a broad range of topics relevant to employment in the health and social care sectors.
  • Shortened BA/BSc (Honours) Health and Social Care
    This degree is for holders of a Diploma in Social Work or a Diploma of Higher Education in a relevant subject, who are also qualified health care professionals (e.g. nurses, social workers, midwives, occupational therapists, health visitors) and who wish
  • Open degree
    The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.

Courses in Social Care

See the list of all our individual courses in Social Care.

Postgraduate options

If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Health and Social Care.

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