Health and social care

Undergraduate courses

You're caring, compassionate, and hungry for change in health and social care. You're keen to advocate for the vulnerable and excited to push for fairer, more equitable health and social care for all.

Health and social care-based courses encompass a broad spectrum of disciplines, including nursing, social work, oral health science, physiotherapy, and more, offering diverse opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference. This is your first step to a career changing the lives of thousands of others for the better.

At the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Essex, we recognise the importance of community engagement and hands-on experience. With strong links to our placement partners in various healthcare sectors, we are committed to providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to turn your passion for advocacy into a rewarding career. Our state-of-the-art facilities within the school offer an immersive learning environment, ensuring you're equipped to positively impact thousands of lives whether you aspire to be a nurse, social worker, oral health scientist, or physiotherapist.

Interested in an apprenticeship in healthcare?

If you're considering an apprenticeship route, you should explore potential opportunities with your current or future employer. We provide Health and Social Care apprenticeships with on-the-job training through employers.

Find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities, and read hints and tips for making your application successful.

Career prospects

Despite the common assumption that healthcare careers primarily involve hospitals and local authorities, the reality is that they span various sectors. From nurses supporting private sector employees' return to work post-illness, to speech and language therapists aiding rehabilitation after head injuries, opportunities are diverse, including roles in oral health outreach programs, like visiting schools for preventive initiatives, beyond traditional dental practices. Find out more about the support we provide within the School and the career opportunities available to you with your health and social care degree.

Postgraduate Masters degrees

A career in health or social care is unbeatable in our book. Whether you’re looking to top up your qualifications to progress your current career, or you’re looking for a change of direction, we have something for you.

We offer a broad range of learning opportunities that can be adapted to suit your professional needs, including workshops, bespoke learning, credit-bearing modules and degree pathways.

When you choose to study with us, you'll gain more than just a qualification.  You'll be part of our learning community, and we've got plenty to offer.  Check out our facilities, and find out more about the School of Health and Social Care here.

Postgraduate research degrees

Our multidisciplinary research addresses local, national, and international issues relating to health and social care policy and practice.

A research degree from Essex enables you to develop applied research skills and advance practice in your field. Our supportive team has international experience and they work collaboratively with service users and external organisations, giving you access to cutting-edge teaching and research.

Our research is organised into four research groups: Public health and social policy, Assessment and management of neuro-developmental and acquired disorders, Physical and mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and Pedagogy research for health and social care.  Explore each group to find out more about our current projects and doctoral research, as well as a list of our academic staff, research staff and postgraduate students associated with each group.

Find out more about our portfolio of courses, as well as hints and tips on making your application.

Start your application with us

Explore our Health and Social Care research by theme or your area of interest and find a supervisor that can support your through your studies. More information can be found about research degrees on our school pages. Our courses below will help guide you through the various research degree programmes we offer.

Do you know about our scholarships and studentships?

Find out more about our university wide funding, and opportunities specifically for Health and Social Care students.