If you are interested in a job in social or health care, then a Health Sciences degree will equip you to pick from a number of related careers such as Health Promotion Specialist or Health Service Manager. This BSc. (Hons) degree will also appeal if you want to make a difference on challenges affecting the health of individuals and local communities - like poverty, inadequate housing and access to good quality, affordable food. There are many opportunities within the NHS and wider health sector to gain a successful career!

What are the university entry requirements for Health Sciences?

To apply to universities for a Health Sciences degree, you should have, or be working towards achieving, a relevant Access to HE Diploma in Health Science. Or, alternatively, 3 A Levels with at least one in a pure science area. Universities usually advise on their particular entry requirements which they publish on the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website.

With the A Level route, you may also be expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs. With the Access to HE Diploma route, you are normally only required to have 2 GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C or above. Access to HE Diplomas are normally aimed towards adults 18+ returning to education or wishing to change to a new career. There are no upper age limits. The Diploma qualification is viewed as being equivalent to 3 A Levels. Access to HE can be studied online with Academy Online Learning.

There are many websites that track university performance in all subject areas. Students are encouraged to research carefully which university has a good track record in the particular degree course they are interested in. It is also worth looking into the department that you are applying to and see what facilities are available, what sort of placements are on offer and the student satisfaction rate for each degree course. 

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Career pathways for Health Sciences graduates

One of the careers open to Health Science graduates is a Health Promotion Specialist. They help educate and encourage people to improve their health and take ownership of it. Workplaces include schools, businesses, hospitals, local community centres and prisons. Health Promotion Specialists (HPSs) can focus on specific areas like healthy eating, drug misuse and sexual health. You may also concentrate on particular groups of people like the elderly or the disabled. As an HPS you might run community groups focussing on well-being and mental health, provide advice to schools and create resources promoting healthy lifestyles for a range of organisations. 

Graduates holding Health Sciences degrees have also gone on to study to be Midwives, Operating Department Practitioners, Community Staff Nurses and Care Home Managers. 

What personal attributes are needed to become a Health Promotion Specialist?

• • • Caring and understanding for those in difficult circumstances
    • Analytical with an ability to creatively solve individual cases
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to network effectively so that you can talk to a range of people
    • Attention to detail and the ability to maintain relationships with care users
    • Research and project management skills
    • A broad knowledge of health issues affecting the community

What are the pay and working conditions like?

• • • Starting salaries for qualified Health Promotion Specialists in the NHS are from around £24,000 to £28,500
    • With experience, they can expect to earn between £28,500 and £45,000
    • Highly experienced employees in this field can earn up to £45,000
    • Additionally, for 2023–2024, there will be a permanent 5% wage increase across all pay tiers. The wage offer, according to ministers, won't have an effect on frontline services in any way
    • Working hours are typically 38 to 40 hours a week

Did you know?

• • • Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and helps your immune system
    • The brain only accounts for 2% of body weight but takes up 20% of body's energy
    • A well-balanced diet could improve your mood. People who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to report better mental health in studies

How is the degree funded?

Studying for a Health Science degree allows you to apply for the standard student support package in the form of a student loan. Scholarships, bursaries or grants may also be available for example, through the university or your place of work. 

If you would like to complete an Access to HE Diploma and obtain the qualifications for entry onto a Health Science degree course at university, please choose your payment options below or contact us for more information. Studying and achieving this qualification with AOLL provides a flexible way of achieving, as it is fully online and recognised and accepted by UK universities.

Access to Healthcare Professions Course