Cornwall College

BSc (Hons) Health, Welfare and Social Sciences

UCAS course code HWSS
Institution code C78
Duration

3 years

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available

Study location Duchy College (Rosewarne)
The Cornwall College Group offers a wide range of undergraduate courses across seven campuses throughout Cornwall and Devon, including Bicton College, Cornwall College, Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School. We offer specialist courses designed with employers and delivered by industry professionals. During your studies you will get the opportunity to work on live projects and start your career before you even graduate.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    CORC1252
    Developmental Psychology

    This module will examine different theoretical perspectives on the development of personality across the life course and how people respond and adapt to change. Consideration will be given to social and developmental influences on the formation of the self. It will discuss key concepts of identity and attachment.

    CORC1253
    Sociological Perspectives

    This module will examine some of the major perspectives in Sociology, e.g. Marxism, Functionalism, Feminism, Symbolic interactionism, Postmodernism. Consideration will be given to research methodologies and methods in order to explore different approaches to research and explanations of social issues. Structural and cultural factors such as age, race, gender and class will be considered in relation to social issues.

    CORC1254
    Professional Practice

    This module will examine the importance of ethics and values in health and social care work. Consideration will be given to how service users needs are identified and met with an emphasis on the importance of communication skills. The module will also identify some of the key professional and personal skills required of professionals working in this sector.

    CORC1255
    Safeguarding and Promotion of Welfare

    This module examines the historical and political context of abuse that affects children, young people and adults at risk. Types of abuse and signs and symptoms are considered. There is an examination of the reasons why people abuse and the effect of abuse. Examples of how people can keep themselves safe are discussed. The legal framework, including the process of reporting abuse, is identified.

    CORC1256
    Equality, Diversity and Rights

    This module will examine key issues around equality, diversity and rights such as Protected Characteristics, prejudice, discrimination and justice and discussed in the light of professional practice. Strategies to combat discrimination within the profession will be explored. Current and relevant legislation, policies and guidelines will be examined.

    CORC1257
    Health, Welfare and Social Policy

    This module will examine the social construction of needs in society and consider the implications of policy responses to meet those needs. This will involve an exploration of the changing relationship between State, market and familial responses to need in the mixed economy of welfare. Issues of social exclusion, discrimination, equal opportunities and poverty will also be explored.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    CORC2235
    Development Through Work

    This module will examine and apply the key principles of project management to a specific situation within the work setting. It will identify issues around health and safety, risk assessment, professional roles and responsibilities, decision making and problem solving, managing change and reflective practice. Links will be made to Sector Skills and current and relevant legislation and guidelines.

    CORC2236
    Research in Social Issues

    This module will examine different approaches to social research and research methods. It will explore practical and ethical issues associated with social research. Key research terminology such as reliability, validity and triangulation will be introduced. These will be applied to a chosen topic of interest.

    CORC2237
    Social Psychology

    This module will provide a theoretical explanation of communication processes in one to one and group situations. It will analyse the nature of relationships and factors that affect formation, maintenance and dissolution of relationships. Alternative frameworks to explain pro and anti-social behaviour will be examined.

    CORC2238
    Social Policy

    This module will outline and analyse the contributions of competing sociological theories to an understanding of social problems. An examination of the role played by the media in constructing and maintaining the nature of so called social problems will be undertaken. Specific social policy measures and how they impact on social problems will be discussed.

    CORC2239
    Health and Wellbeing

    This module will explore concepts of health and wellbeing and the interaction of physical and mental health. It will discuss various models of health, illness, disability and wellbeing and apply this knowledge in an analysis of local and national service provision. Factors such as age, race and class in the experience of health and wellbeing and service provision will be examined.

    Optional modules

    CORC2240
    Psychological Processes

    This module will analyse theoretical approaches in relation to a range of cognitive processes including memory, perception and language. It will evaluate biological, genetic, social, emotional and environmental influences upon development. A range of psychological theories and perspectives will be examined. Current psychological research within this field will be evaluated.

    CORC2241
    Approaches to Inclusive Practice

    This module will provide an in-depth understanding of inclusion relating to the health and social care sector, the theories underpinning this and the range of strategies that can be employed to ensure people with Protected Characteristics are included.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    CORC3000
    Dissertation

    This module will introduce the necessary research skills and knowledge to be applied to researching and investigating a substantial issue within the field of health and social care.

    CORC3001
    Working with Diverse Groups

    This module will allow a student to explore an area of particular interest in depth with an emphasis on client needs and how these needs are met taking into account alternative interventions, the role of the professional, inclusive practice, equality & diversity and safeguarding. Challenges and barriers as well as policy initiatives will be examined.

    Optional modules

    CORC3002
    Aspects of Rural Life

    An exploration of contemporary issues surrounding the content and context of poverty in rural areas. The module draws on recent studies discussing the usefulness and difficulties surrounding the issue of defining rurality. In addition the module explores the key problems facing those living in rural areas, who may be termed disadvantaged or socially excluded and who find themselves living in rural areas, however rural is defined.

    CORC3003
    Leadership and Management

    This module will consider the links between leadership and management and analyse the role of a leader in supporting an organisations values, creating a vision and communicating this to others. It will consider how different styles of leadership can impact on the achievement of organisational objectives.

    CORC3004
    Psychology in Practice

    This module will explore a range of psychological perspectives in relation to professional practice within the field of health and social care. It will evaluate current psychological research, research methodology and ethical issues and how these inform professional practice.

    CORC3005
    Promoting Health

    This module will analyse changing definitions of health, explore the scope of health promotion and the nature of multi-disciplinary approaches. It will evaluate concepts and approaches in relation to health promotion and evaluate the role of health promotion in the light of social divisions, engaging in debate on ethical, social and political issues.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Our partnership with Cornwall College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Cornwall College

Looking to study a specialist subject at university level? Want to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Our wide range of courses gives you the chance to pick up the skills and experience you’ll need for your chosen profession.
Plymouth students working on a group project