BSc (Hons) Healthcare Studies L6 (Top Up)
Higher Education · Full Time · Health & Social Care · Bishop Auckland Campus
- Start Date:
- 08 September 2025
- Loans/Remissions:
- A Higher Education Loan is available.
- Level:
- Level 6
- Taught at:
- Bishop Auckland Campus
Course overview
New to Bishop Auckland College, this exciting innovative top-up degree year enables students to gain a full honours degree, following their successful previous completion of a foundation degree or a HND L5. This top-up degree programme is validated by The Open University.
You can find the programme specification for this course here and the programme handbook here.
Our BSc in Healthcare Studies covers numerous aspects of healthcare practice. One of the main distinctive features of the programme is the incorporation of a large range of disciplines which have been carefully considered to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of three distinct areas of healthcare aimed at improving individual employment opportunities.
The first area of focus is on the development of clinical/practical and scientific skills related to healthcare. The second area of focus is the study of the social/ cultural and political aspects which can impact and effect individual health. The third, and final area of focus is on individual professional development, understanding the benefits of being a reflective practitioner and implementing leadership and management skills in healthcare practice.
This degree develops your critical understanding of healthcare, from a scientific, practical, theoretical and social aspect. You'll learn how to think critically about how society provides healthcare provisions and how effective these are.
This course will put you at the forefront of the critical social debates defining the 21st century, from dealing with national health crisis’s, the social inequalities of health, and the current health needs of our communities.
You’ll receive a strong grounding in theory and research methods, along with programme enhancements like regular expert guest lectures. This degree helps to develop your critical thinking skills which enhances your employability, opening up a wide variety of career options. There is no annual price increase and no additional costs will be incurred where possible. A copy of our Fee Policy is available upon request.
Course requirements
A genuine interest in the subject is essential - and an interview will take place.
The admission criteria for the BSc (Hons) Healthcare Studies (Top Up) will be Foundation Degree in a Healthcare-related discipline/subject at a Merit grade.
GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above; or Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications in English/Literacy and Maths/Numeracy.
Life and employment experience will also be considered when reviewing applications from mature students. Each individual applicant will be considered.
If you are unsure as to whether your previous qualifications would qualify you for entry onto our degree programme, please email start@bacoll.ac.uk and we will let you know if you are eligible.
What will I do?
Level 6 Modules include:
Healthcare Research Project
Immunology
Leadership and Management
Health Promotion
You will be fully supported by a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor.
What will it give me?
A full BSc (Hons) Degree in Healthcare Studies.
Materials needed
You will need all basic stationery items for studying. Students will also be made aware of any key texts / books which may be advisable to purchase for the programme. If this is the case, you will be notified of these during induction. A laptop computer would be advantageous however this is not essential as the College has dedicated IT facilities for degree students and adults.
What can I do when I finish?
Following successful completion of the BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Studies students can expect to consider areas of employment:
• Within the NHS/ Private Healthcare
• Within Public Health
• Local Authority/ Community Health Providers
• Escalated positions in current employment (Leadership/ Management)
• Progression in professional development/ completion of a MA within a Health-related programme.
What next?
If you would like to apply for this exciting degree programme, then please apply via our website if you already attend Bishop Auckland College. You can also attend our next Higher Education Open Night – please check our website homepage for details of this.
Need to know more? Enquire about this course.