Expand+How much will it cost in the Republic of Ireland?
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spre...

Hide-How much will it cost in the Republic of Ireland?
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.

A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.

Most OU students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.

Our current fee for 60 credits is £3,228*.

Our current fee for 120 credits, which is equivalent to a year's full-time study, is £6,456*.

At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £19,368*.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2023. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

Additional costs
Study costs
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Expand+There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their po...

Hide-There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you're ready for study success

Expand+This degree provides you with a sound and critical understanding of the health and social care policy, theory and practice, essential in today's fast-changing care sector. Professionals at all levels need to be proactive and flexible to succeed, and ...

Hide-This degree provides you with a sound and critical understanding of the health and social care policy, theory and practice, essential in today's fast-changing care sector. Professionals at all levels need to be proactive and flexible to succeed, and through your studies you’ll gain the skills needed for effective practice in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment. You’ll learn how ethical, legal, social, economic and political factors influence the provision and development of services. You will also develop the critical and analytical skills that underpin evidence-based practice.

Key features of the course

Applies new ideas to real life issues and situations that affect us all

Helps you to develop as an independent and reflective learner

Explores the context and processes of change

Develops new ways of working across agency and professional boundaries

We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Health and Social Care (W69) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.

Expand+Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning grad...

Hide-Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Expand+Skills for career development
The BA (Honours) Health and Social Care (R26) emphasises crossing professional boundaries and the service user’s perspective, and it closely follows care sector priorities. You’ll acquire a strong set of highly valu...

Hide-Skills for career development
The BA (Honours) Health and Social Care (R26) emphasises crossing professional boundaries and the service user’s perspective, and it closely follows care sector priorities. You’ll acquire a strong set of highly valued transferable skills, including skills in written communication; finding, evaluating and presenting research and other sources of information; problem-solving; leadership and management skills; and time management. You’ll learn to work independently and as part of a team, and gain a good understanding of the role of IT in care settings.

Career relevance
This degree is applicable to a wide range of health and social care careers in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors, though some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree. Some of our students include:

care managers
healthcare assistants and healthcare support workers
health educators
health scientists
welfare and housing associate professionals
practice managers
social work assistants
specialist practitioners
youth workers and youth justice workers

Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public and voluntary sectors. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.