Applying for Health and Social Care Taught Courses

Before you Apply

Please read the relevant course information carefully. If you would like to know more about a programme or research area, we suggest that you contact the programme leader in writing, by telephone or by email via Health and Social Care Admissions. They will be able to answer your questions in more detail and send you further information.

How to Apply

If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course or a postgraduate taught course, you should apply directly to Health and Social Care Admissions via the online application form.

Paper application forms are no longer issued, except in cases where an online application would impossible for the candidate. If you require a paper application form, please contact us.

Referees are contacted automatically by the system once you have submitted your application, so please ensure that you inform your referees before you apply. Your application may not be considered without two appropriate references and all additional documents required with your application, which include:

Copies of certificates/transcripts
Copy of English language proficiency certificate (if required)
Full curriculum vitae (if required)

Once your application is submitted, we will forward it to the relevant programme leader for consideration. If the programme leader thinks that you are a suitable candidate, you will be invited to an interview. The format of the interview will depend on the programme for which you have applied. If you are successful following interview, an offer of a place will be made in writing by Health and Social Care Admissions. This will either be unconditional or conditional, depending on your qualifications and the completeness of your application.

Entry Requirements

Each course has its own entry requirements, which are shown on each individual course web page under the 'Entry requirements' section.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications are acceptable for admission to your chosen programme of study, contact the programme leader or Health and Social Care Admissions for further advice.

Usually, postgraduate applicants should have an appropriate first degree, with a minimum of an upper second class honours or equivalent. However, if you do not have appropriate academic qualifications, you may be admitted by virtue of prior work experience or by demonstrating relevant knowledge and skills in a specific field.

If your qualifications or experience are not suitable, we will be able to advise you about further options that might bring you up to the required level necessary to enter the course of your choice.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)

To be admitted to a postgraduate course, evidence of your prior learning should be equal to higher education Level 3, now referred to as level 6, which is the final year of an undergraduate degree course, or other equivalent, e.g. related professional qualifications. A subject tutor will help you to determine how much of your prior learning can be credited against the course. This may not have been undertaken in an educational environment, but its value may be the same, or more. Information about how this system works and how professional qualification equivalence is available can be obtained from the subject departments.

We may give credit for a course, or part of a course, that would exempt you from having to study that area again. The onus is on you to prove that your learning and experience matches the area for which exemption is claimed.

There may be subject areas for which course attendance is compulsory and credit exemption does not apply, but, equally, there may be areas of study for which credit may be gained purely on the basis of your prior academic achievements or experience.

It is possible to claim credit for up to 66.7% of any award.

If you have any queries or would like to find out more about CATS or APL/APEL, please contact the APL Officer within the relevant faculty.

Good luck with your application!

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Frequently Asked Questions

The majority of postgraduate programmes commence in September each year, although some allow students to enter in January or April. The MA Social Work programme starts in January each year. For specific start dates for your chosen programme, please consult the relevant section of the website, or contact Health and Social Care Admissions, who will be able to help you.

There are no specific deadlines for most applications made directly to us, although there are some exceptions (check your programme details) and we strongly recommend that you apply prior to the end of June to avoid disappointment, since some courses fill quickly. You must also apply early if you are seeking funding from any of the research councils.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunities for applicants with disabilities or specific needs. Although applications from all prospective students are considered according to the same entry criteria, those of you who declare a disability or specific need will also be considered on an individual basis. As some of our buildings are old and not purpose-built, they may not be suitable for those of you with restricted mobility.

However, we are continually working to improve access routes and other facilities on campus to assist physically disabled students during their programmes of study. Wherever possible, we try to make arrangements or adaptations as appropriate, within the existing restrictions placed upon us.