The Health and Social Care sector is undergoing radical and rapid change. Developments in frontline health and social care mean there's a demand for well-trained and multi-skilled people across a range of rewarding employment opportunities.
As well as the specific subject knowledge gained from studying for an OU degree, you'll develop many transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers and which will increase your employability.
For Health and Social Care students the employability skills you will develop include the ability to:
- draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information
- communicate effectively with individuals, groups and organisations
- produce accurate records and make informed decisions
- think logically and propose reasoned solutions
- put together well-judged arguments and question assumptions
- manage time, learn independently and use ICT effectively
- work as part of a team and take on responsibility
- write concisely, clearly and accurately
- interpret, use and evaluate various types of data
- relate knowledge gained to situations in health and social care.
These transferable skills are applicable to a wide range of graduate careers both within and outside the Health and Social Care sector.
To check which skills valued by employers can be developed from studying a particular subject, look at theStudent Employability Profileson the Higher Education Academy website. You will also find information about employability skills developed through study of specific degree subjects on theProspectswebsite.
The OU Careers and Employability Services define student employability as `A set of capabilities and achievements that support students in developing their careers, raising their aspirations and enhancing their contribution to society`.
Whatever your motivations for study, your goals and career aspirations, you are entitled to supported personal development planning either as an intrinsic part of your programme of study or through signposted optional activities. You can view our fullStudent Employability Policy Statementon our website.
Student stories
You have to focus on the person rather than the crime and think about risk reduction and management
John Pierre-Madigan, Probation Worker
I am really looking forward to qualifying at the end of this year and being able to call myself a Social Worker.
Julie-Anne Howard, trainee social worker
My promotion to clinical nurse specialist is certainly down to my OU studies.
My job is varied and includes days spent studying the theoretical aspects of Low Intensity CBT, and practising specific skills needed to carry out the day to day role of PWP.
Kate Brown, Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
OU qualifications
Find out more about undergraduate study and postgraduate study inHealth and Social care.
Learn more about the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care within the OU Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS).
