- Development of welfare provision in the UK
- The Beveridge Report
- The establishment and principles of the NHS (1948)
- Development of social care services and local authority responsibilities
- Shift from institutional care to community-based care
- Introduction of the internal market and service commissioning
- Integration of health and social care services
- Impact of austerity, demographic change, and public health challenges
- The influence of COVID-19 on service delivery and system resilience
- Overview of the UK legal framework in health and social care
- Structure of the multidisciplinary team (MDT)
- Roles of nurses, social workers, allied health professionals, support workers
- Role of GPs and primary care services
- Public health roles and responsibilities
- Informal carers and family involvement
- Interprofessional collaboration and communication
- Safeguarding responsibilities across professionsAdvocacy roles in health and social care
- Record keeping and information sharing responsibilities
- The role of voluntary and third-sector organisations

Assessment 1

Poster Presentation

Weighting: 30%

Assesses module learning outcome 1.

You will produce a poster consisting of a timeline that highlights key milestones in the development of the health and social care sector. These milestones may include the formation of the NHS in 1948, the Health and Care Act 2022, etc. You will present this poster to describe these key events and make links to their influence on the sector as we see it today. This poster should be Harvard referenced. You will have the option to present your poster to the academic team live (face to face) or present via a pre-recorded medium such as YouTube or PowerPoint.

Rationale: This assessment will help you to demonstrate your understanding of the evolution of the health and social care sector.

Assessment 2

Report based on a Case Study

Weighting: 70%

Assesses module learning outcomes 2 and 3

You will produce a report based on a case study provided by the academic team, highlighting key legislation, policy and ethical principles relevant to the case. You will discuss the roles of the key health and social care professionals involved in the case and how they would need to apply these principles in context.

Rationale: This assessment will help you to understand the difference between legislation and policy, and how this influences how we care for individuals. There will be a variety of case studies to choose from to suit your area of interest.

The module will employ a range of teaching and learning approaches appropriate to Level 4 study, designed to support your knowledge acquisition, skills development, and engagement.

Teaching will include interactive lectures to introduce key concepts and seminars to consolidate understanding through structured discussion. Small group work, case studies, and problem-based learning activities will promote collaboration and application of theory to practice-based contexts.

You will engage in directed independent study, supported by guided reading and resources available via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Digital tools will be used to facilitate learning, communication, and formative assessment activities.

Opportunities for formative feedback, including draft tasks and peer review, will support your academic development and progression. Collectively, these strategies aim to develop your subject knowledge, critical thinking, professional skills, and independent learning appropriate to undergraduate study.

1. Describe the evolution of health and social care systems in the UK, noting the historical and contemporary context.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Relate key legislation, policy, and ethical principles to health and social care practice.

Application and Problem Solving

3. Summarise the roles and responsibilities of professionals within health and social care and their contribution to service delivery.

Knowledge and Understanding

Alcock, P., May, M. and Wright, S. (eds.) (2022) The Student’s Companion to Social Policy. 6th edn. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

This is an accessible and comprehensive review of UK and comparative social policy. Written and edited by leading experts in the field, it covers all the perspectives, debates, issues and challenges in both the theory and practice of social policy.

Glasby, J. (2023) Understanding Health and Social Care. 3rd edn. Bristol: Policy Press.

This is a concise, accessible guide for students and practitioners who want a comprehensive introduction to health and social care.

Dimond, B. (2021) Legal Aspects of Health Care. 8th edn. Harlow: Pearson.

An essential practical guide to the legal principles students need to be aware of in their everyday healthcare practice.

Griffith, R. and Tengnah, C. (2022) Law and Professional Issues in Nursing. 5th edn. London: Learning Matters.

This book provides a crash course in law in a healthcare context, written in clear and straightforward language. It is filled with insightful case studies and interactive thought-provoking activities, helping you to understand the legal obligations professionals will face in practice.

Lymbery, M. and Postle, K. (2023) Social Work and the Community: A Critical Context for Practice. London: Red Globe Press.

This book explores how the concept of community relates to policy, theory and professional practice. With analysis of contemporary social problems throughout a variety of community settings, this book demonstrates how important community-based approaches are today.

Have you ever wondered how the health and social care services we rely on today were created, and how they work together to support people across the UK?

In this module, you will explore the structure and organisation of health and social care systems in the United Kingdom. You will discover how historical events, political ideas, and social change have shaped services over time, from the creation of the welfare state and the National Health Service to today’s focus on integrated care and partnership working.

You will also examine the legal and policy frameworks that guide professional practice. This includes exploring key legislation, national policy priorities, and the ethical principles that support safe, accountable, and person-centred care. Understanding how law, policy, and ethics influence everyday decisions will help you develop insight into professional responsibilities within health and social care settings.

The module will introduce you to the wide range of professionals and organisations involved in delivering care, including statutory, private, and voluntary sector services. Through case studies and practical learning activities, you will consider how different professionals collaborate to support individuals, families, and communities.

By the end of the module, you will have developed a clear understanding of how health and social care systems operate in the UK and the professional values and structures that shape practice across the sector.