Downloads
Related links
Health & Social Policy (Dumfries Campus)
Health and social issues are at the forefront of policy and public concern today. This programme will help you to understand the diverse nature of these issues and the way in which policies aimed at addressing them are formed and implemented.
A work placement option gives you the opportunity to graduate with significant, relevant work experience under your belt, enhancing your career options.
Programme structure
Year 1
You will take two core courses introducing you to the study of health and social issues and associated policies. These courses establish key concepts around the varied determinants of health and welfare, and cover a range of topics within social theory (for example, identity, gender, globalisation and moral panics).The core courses are complemented by two generic courses that place specific health and social material in a wider context.
Year 2
The second year focuses on more applied and practical considerations. You will take two core courses: Health policy and practice and Social policy and practice. You will also have the chance to study specific courses, for example, Human nature and wellbeing or Technology, health and society.
Year 3
In semester 1 of your third year you will have the opportunity to work at an advanced academic level in the specific topic areas of Media, health and lifestyle and Research methods for social science. In semester 2 you can choose to undertake either a work placement or a dissertation on a topic of your own interest.
At each level you can also choose from a range of optional courses across other undergraduate disciplines. This gives you the opportunity to add breadth to your degree. Options available include Current issues in science, technology and medicine, Text and communication, Environmental studies, History, Literature, Modern languages (French and Spanish) and Philosophy.
Year 4
Successful completion of the first three years offers the opportunity to progress to the Honours programme and become involved in the Health & Social Studies Creative Enquiry Project. This innovative venture involves both group and individual work. The group element leads to the development of a final ‘product’, such as the delivery of a conference, the production of a learning resource or the creation of a website. The individual element involves the completion of an extended dissertation.
Partner and industry links
We have excellent links with employers who provide a wide range of placements. Students have recently been placed with organisations such as the NHS, Alzheimer Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway Council Homeless Service and with the Department of Social Work in areas such as adoption and fostering, and public health.
Our international links
You will have the opportunity to study abroad. There are two options available: the Erasmus Exchange Scheme and the International Exchange Programme, both normally undertaken during the third year of the degree. Under the Erasmus scheme you study at a major European university, normally for a full year. We have exchange agreements with universities in Mainz, Alicante, Pamplona and Prague. If you opt for the International Exchange Programme, you can take advantage of our formal exchange agreements with selected universities outside Europe.
Career prospects
Employers value graduates with high-quality, relevant work experience. The placement in third year provides you with experience of workplace structures and demands, and will enhance your employability. The programme integrates academic theory with the reality of work practice, and develops your critical thinking, reflective and problem-solving abilities. Recent graduates have taken up employment within the NHS, the voluntary sector and in management trainee schemes. Others have gone on to postgraduate training in teaching and social work.
MA(D)
- Health & Social Studies: LL34
Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014
MA
Highers: BBBB/ABB.
A-levels: BBB.
IB: 30 points.
HNC: A pass in a relevant subject with a B in the graded unit is required to be considered for entry into year 1.
HNC second-year entry: A pass in either HNC Social Care or HNC Social Sciences, with an A in the graded unit, is required to be considered for direct entry to year 2. Successful completion of an interview and attendance at a short course during September immediately prior to entry is also required. For further information please email Anne.Waggot@glasgow.ac.uk.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):
- overall score 6.5
- no sub-test less than 6.0
- or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
Common equivalent English language qualifications:
- ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
- PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
my academic qualifications are below the requirements?
Glasgow International College offers Foundation courses to upgrade your academic qualifications.
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.
Scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see: