Graduates who study Health and Social Wellbeing at university often pursue careers in roles that support individuals, families, and communities to improve their physical, mental, and social health. Their career paths typically include roles in healthcare, social care, public health, and community services. Common career options include:

• Health Promotion Specialist – Working in public health or community settings to educate and support people in making healthier lifestyle choices.
• Social Worker – Supporting individuals and families facing challenges such as poverty, mental health issues, or safeguarding concerns.
• Community Support Worker – Assisting vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, disabled, or those with mental health conditions, to live independently.
• Public Health Officer – Working in government or non-profit organisations to develop and implement health policies and programmes.
• Health Researcher – Conducting studies on social and health issues to inform policies and improve services.
• Wellbeing Coordinator – Working in schools, workplaces, or community centres to promote mental and physical wellbeing initiatives.
• Care Manager – Managing health and social care services, such as care homes, domiciliary care, or rehabilitation services.
• Counsellor or Mental Health Practitioner – Providing emotional and psychological support to individuals struggling with mental health conditions.
• Charity or Non-Profit Sector Roles – Working in organisations focused on social justice, health advocacy, or community development.

Some graduates may choose to pursue further qualifications in areas such as nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, or public health to specialise in a particular field.

Here’s a detailed overview of a specific career path within Health and Social Wellbeing:

Career Path: Health Promotion Specialist

Overview

A Health Promotion Specialist works to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities by encouraging positive lifestyle changes and addressing social and environmental factors that impact health. This role is often found within the NHS, local government, charities, and public health organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and delivering health awareness campaigns (e.g., smoking cessation, mental health awareness, healthy eating).
• Working with communities, schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings to promote health initiatives.
• Conducting research and analysing health trends to develop effective public health strategies.
• Collaborating with professionals such as GPs, social workers, educators, and policymakers to implement health interventions.
• Organising and running workshops, training sessions, and community outreach programmes.
• Evaluating the success of health programmes and making improvements based on data and feedback.

Where They Work

• NHS and Public Health Departments – Implementing government-led health strategies.
• Local Authorities and Councils – Running community wellbeing initiatives.
• Non-Profit and Charity Organisations – Focusing on specific health issues such as mental health, obesity, or substance misuse.
• Corporate and Workplace Health Programmes – Advising businesses on employee wellbeing.
• Universities and Research Institutions – Conducting studies and developing health policies.

Skills Required

• Excellent communication skills – To engage different audiences and deliver impactful messages.
• Analytical and research skills – To assess health needs and measure the effectiveness of interventions.
• Project management skills – To develop, implement, and evaluate health programmes.
• Collaboration and teamwork – Working with various professionals to achieve common health goals.
• Empathy and cultural awareness – Understanding different communities and their unique health challenges.

Qualifications & Progression

• A degree in Health and Social Wellbeing, Public Health, Health Promotion, or a related field.
• Some roles may require a master’s in Public Health (MPH) or a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Additional training in behaviour change, policy development, or community engagement can be beneficial.
• Career progression can lead to roles such as Senior Health Promotion Officer, Public Health Consultant, or Policy Advisor.

Salary Expectations (UK)

• Entry-level roles: £25,000 – £30,000
• Mid-career: £30,000 – £40,000
• Senior roles: £40,000+ (e.g., Public Health Consultant)

Example Employers

• NHS Public Health Teams
• Local Government & Councils
• Public Health England (PHE) or UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
• Charities like Mind, British Heart Foundation, and Cancer Research UK
• Private companies offering workplace wellness programmes

Comparison: Health Promotion Specialist vs. Social Worker

Both Health Promotion Specialists and Social Workers play vital roles in improving health and wellbeing, but they focus on different aspects of care and support. Below is a detailed comparison of the two career paths.

1. Health Promotion Specialist

Sector: Public Health, Community Health, Wellbeing Initiatives
Focus: Preventative healthcare, education, and behaviour change

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and delivering health campaigns on topics like smoking cessation, mental health awareness, or obesity prevention.
• Conducting research and analysing data to identify health issues in communities.
• Developing and implementing public health strategies.
• Running workshops, training sessions, and community outreach programmes.
• Working with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and charities to promote healthier lifestyles.

Work Environment

• Public sector (NHS, local government, public health agencies)
• Charities and non-profits (e.g., Cancer Research UK, Mind)
• Corporate and workplace wellness programmes
• Universities and research institutions

Skills Required

• Communication and presentation skills.
• Data analysis and research skills.
• Project management and public health policy knowledge.
• Ability to engage with diverse communities.

Typical Salary (UK)

• Entry-level: £25,000 – £30,000
• Mid-career: £30,000 – £40,000
• Senior roles: £40,000+

Career Progression

• Can move into senior public health roles, policy advising, or health consultancy.
• Further study (e.g., Master’s in Public Health) can open doors to more strategic positions.

2. Social Worker

Sector: Social Care, Mental Health, Child and Family Support
Focus: Direct support and intervention for vulnerable individuals and families

Key Responsibilities

• Providing emotional and practical support to people facing issues like homelessness, domestic abuse, or mental health challenges.
• Assessing clients’ needs and developing care plans.
• Working closely with hospitals, schools, police, and local authorities to support vulnerable groups.
• Safeguarding children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
• Assisting with housing, benefits, and access to healthcare.

Work Environment

• Local authorities and social services.
• NHS hospitals and mental health teams.
• Charities and non-profit organisations.
• Schools, prisons, and care homes.

Skills Required

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Resilience and ability to handle emotional situations.
• Knowledge of social policies and legal frameworks.
• Empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills.

Typical Salary (UK)

• Entry-level: £27,000 – £32,000 (after completing a degree and training).
• Mid-career: £35,000 – £45,000.
• Senior roles: £50,000+ (e.g., Team Manager, Specialist Social Worker).

Career Progression

• Can specialise in child protection, mental health, substance misuse, or disability support.
• Opportunities to become senior social workers, team managers, or practice educators.

Key Differences & Choosing Between the Two

Which Career is Right for You?

• If you enjoy research, public health campaigns, and preventative health strategies, a Health Promotion Specialist role would suit you.
• If you prefer working directly with people in need, problem-solving, and making immediate impacts on individuals’ lives, then Social Work is the better path.

Choosing the Correct Pathway

The units listed below include 15 ungraded and 45 graded credits at Level 3, enabling you to apply to university for a Health and Social Wellbeing course. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma; however, we recommend checking the entry requirements on the undergraduate course webpage of your chosen institution.

For more details about the Access to HE (Health Science Professions) Health Pathway, click HERE.

If the units do not match the University entry requirement we may be able to tailor a custom course with 60 credits to make a Level 3 Diploma.