-
Study
-
Undergraduate
- Search for a Course
- Undergraduate Open Day & Events
- Application Guides
- Northumbria University UCAS Exhibitions
- Foundation Years
- Undergraduate Fees & Funding
- School & College Outreach
- Continuing Professional Development
-
Postgraduate
- Postgraduate Study Degree
- Postgraduate Research Degrees
- Postgraduate Open Days and Events
- Postgraduate Fees & Funding
- Flexible Learning
- Thinking about a Masters?
- Continuing Professional Development
- Change Direction
-
Student Life
- The Hub - Student Blog
- Accommodation
- Life in Newcastle
- Support for Students
- Careers
- Information for Parents
- Students' Union
- Northumbria Sport
- Be Part of It
-
-
International
International
Northumbria’s global footprint touches every continent across the world, through our global partnerships across 17 institutions in 10 countries, to our 277,000 strong alumni community and 150 recruitment partners – we prepare our students for the challenges of tomorrow. Discover more about how to join Northumbria’s global family or our partnerships.
View our Global Footprint-
Applying to Northumbria
- European Union
- Our London Campus
- Northumbria Pathway
- International Events
- Entry Requirements and Country Representatives
- Regional Offices
-
Northumbria Language Centre
- Faculty Requirements
- Acceptable English Requirements
- Pre-sessional English Language and Study Skills
- Academic Language Skills Programmes (ALS)
-
International Fees, Funding & Scholarships
- International Undergraduate Fees
- International Undergraduate Funding
- International Masters Fees
- International Masters Funding
- International Postgraduate Research Fees
- International Postgraduate Research Funding
- International Money Matters
-
Life at Northumbria
- International student support
- Careers
-
International Mobility
- Current Northumbria Students
- Incoming Exchange Students
-
-
Business
Business
The world is changing faster than ever before. The future is there to be won by organisations who find ways to turn today's possibilities into tomorrows competitive edge. In a connected world, collaboration can be the key to success.
More on our Business Services -
Research
Research
Northumbria is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality. We conduct ground-breaking research that is responsive to the science & technology, health & well being, economic and social and arts & cultural needs for the communities
Discover more about our Research -
About Us
-
About Northumbria
- Our Strategy
- Our Staff
- Place and Partnerships
- Student Profiles
- Alumni Profiles
- Leadership & Governance
- Academic Departments
- University Services
- History of Northumbria
- Contact us
- Online Shop
-
-
Alumni
Alumni
Northumbria University is renowned for the calibre of its business-ready graduates. Our alumni network has over 244,000 graduates based in 178 countries worldwide in a range of sectors, our alumni are making a real impact on the world.
Our Alumni - Work For Us
What will I learn on this module?
Improvements in living standards and the introduction of new technologies have had a significant impact on life expectancy of both older people, who live longer than ever before, and younger people with disabilities, who are enjoying longer and a better quality of life. This module has been designed to allow you to consider ways in which health and social care can be conceptualised and experienced through a variety of different methodologies. These include, exploring levels of analysis and professional and lay perspectives on health and social care. The underpinning eclectic concepts of health and social care will be examined in an integrated way. In addition you will be encouraged to explore ethical issues in health and social care such as equity, choice, need, autonomy, freedom, rationing and justice.
How will I learn on this module?
A wide range of methods will be used including lectures as information giving Sessions, Seminars and discussion groups to help integration and synthesis of the subject area. A variety of approaches to teaching and learning that will support the your individual development. Teaching and learning will be delivered through lectures, supported by student led seminars and debates designed to apply the principles explored and facilitate the critical exploration of topical issues. You will also be expected to support your own learning though directed and self-directed learning activities. The module reading list provides an indicative guide to some of the core texts and other learning resources that support this module, and which will provide a framework for subsequent modules in years 2 and 3 and you will be expected to access these resources and any additional materials for specific lectures and seminars.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will have a named Guidance Tutor, who will provide help and advice at every stage of the programme. The module leader will provide guidance on the content of the module during formal teaching time, and throughout the academic year time will set aside on a regular basis for individual and small group tutorial support should you wish to access this. You will also be provided with the contact details of key module personnel on the e-learning platform. The module handbook, reading lists and module learning materials will also be placed on the e-learning portal and you are strongly advised to access the portal at regular intervals.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Differentiate between conceptual approaches to health and social wellbeing and the assumptions that different paradigms make with respect to the ontological status of the social world in general and health and social care issues in particular.
2. Identify different social contexts of health and wellbeing, and the underpinning sociological theories applied to health and health and social care provision
3. Understand how health and welfare services are organised and managed, including the historical and ideological factors underpinning the provision of health and welfare and the development of policy and its impact on health
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. In conjunction with other modules, continue to develop the academic skills, qualities and competencies expected of students on the programme, including effective approaches to assessment, academic and information literacy and reflection on values, attitudes and assumptions; and how to use appropriate resources expertise on offer within and beyond the programme to support learning
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Develop an awareness of Global, Cultural and Ethical issues in health and social care by considering concepts such as equity, choice, need, autonomy, freedom, rationing and social justice and the associated the underpinning eclectic concepts of Health and Social Care.
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assignment
You will be formatively assessed by means of an ongoing sequence of student lead seminars and debates, which will be diagnostic in direction, offering guidance toward completion of the summative assignment.
Feedback will be given via enhanced verbal feedback during designated feedback sessions. Where necessary students will be seen individually to discuss issues of concern. Advice will be given on how to improve writing skills, analysis and referencing throughout the module. (MLOs 01,02,03,04,05)
Summative Assessment
The summative assessment will consist of a 2000 word essay which is designed to integrate your knowledge from different areas of the module including; health and social care environments, theoretical frameworks, research, ethics, sociology and social policy. (MLOs 01,02,03,04,05)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module is designed to introduce and engage you with a range of contemporary health social care issues which will be explored from both a theoretical and practice context. Academic and library staff will support your research rich learning, through lectures, seminars, workshops and by using directed learning, to develop your knowledge and understanding of theoretical, historical and comparative perspectives in health and social care. You will begin to develop an understanding of ethical issues in health and social care such as equality, choice, need, autonomy, freedom, rationing and justice, and changing social and political contexts for health and social care. The module assessment is both formative and summative. The formative assessment will be partially student led, enabling you to take part in peer initiated seminars. The summative assessment is a 2500 word essay, providing you with opportunity to explore contemporary research based literature and the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge from different aspects of the module.
Course info
UCAS Code L5L6
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
Useful Links
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints