Integrative Health and Social Care
MSc

If applying for the January 2023 intake:
Application deadline is 16 December and term starts 30 January, so apply now.

Meet the demands of modern day health and social care with this online MSc in Integrative Health and Social Care course. Designed in consultation with leading health and social care specialists, our MSc offers you a flexible study route to obtain a postgraduate qualification that can be tailored to your individual needs and interests.

First class health and social care

By incorporating current research and government initiatives we have produced a stimulating, relevant and practical programme that will enable you to deliver effective healthcare, inter-agency working, policy development, and strategic direction in a range of disciplines to patients, clients, families and the community, anywhere in the world.

Destined for success

Your University of Derby Online Learning course is specially designed to support your career development and to allow you to fit your online studies around work and family commitments. It’s flexible to allow you to study when and where it suits you but has a structured study pattern, with assessment deadlines to help you stay on track to succeed.

You’ll be taught by experienced academics with extensive, up-to-date industry expertise and have opportunities to debate and collaborate with students from around the world, enhancing your learning experience. 

All of your uniquely designed learning resources are available online 24/7 so you simply need access to the Internet and the motivation to learn. From registration to graduation your dedicated, friendly online learning team is here to help you succeed.

How long will it take to complete?

The flexibility of this course means you can complete the full MSc (180 credits) within 3 years. Alternatively you can complete each 60 credit level (eg PG Cert) within 12 months, a great opportunity to build your CPD.

To work towards an individual named Postgraduate Certificate and build your CPD (only 3 modules), you can choose to undertake the Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care pathway.

Alternatively you can achieve a Postgraduate Diploma (6 modules) or MSc in Integrative Health and Social Care, choosing modules on topics that are most relevant to your career or personal preferences.

We will advise you of your study plan - the running order and availability of the modules - when you are invited to enrol.

If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered. In addition, where demand is high, some modules may be subject to a cap.

The course is designed to offer you the flexibility to choose the most relevant pathway based on your own career aspirations and interests.

You will need to complete the following core modules and then choose from the list of optional modules depending on your preferred pathway or specialism. All optional modules are 20 credits.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Pace of study

The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.

If you opt to undertake the accelerated study plan whereby you will study two modules in one trimester, we recommend 40 hours of study per week.

Should you decide to study on the accelerated rate you should ensure that you have the capacity to fully engage with your studies and achieve the best grades and final award. If you choose to study on the accelerated rate, you will need to balance approximately 40 hours of study per week alongside your professional and personal life and commitments.

It may be useful to consider studying one module at the standard rate of study before deciding whether to then increase to the accelerated rate of study.

Assessment method

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Student support and guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students

All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.

You will normally need the following:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject, plus
• Work experience in an appropriate subject area following on from your bachelor’s level qualification, plus
• Current employment in an arena which will enable the achievement of the individual module learning outcomes eg voluntary, public, private, community, acute health and social care arenas.

If you have an International qualification, it will need to be mapped to the UK equivalent registration to ensure that you are entering the programme with at least 120 academic credits at level 6.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

• IELTS 7.0
• TOEFL: 600 (paper based), 250 (computer based) or 100 (internet based)
• Pearson Test of Academic English: 66
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
• London Tests of English: we accept level 4 for undergraduate courses
• International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C
• International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C

If you are unable to take an English Language Test locally, you may wish to consider our Derby English Language Test (DELT), which is an online test in two parts: reading and writing, and listening and speaking. Take a look at our Derby English Language test (DELT) page for full course details, online exam dates and how to book.

^‡2022/23 Fees for new entrants

Starting between September 2022 and August 2023.

2023/24 Fees for new entrants

Starting between September 2023 and August 2024.

About your fees

This figure would be the total cost of this course in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.

However, please also note that you can receive a 5% discount if you either:

• Pay your full course fees upfront, or
• When enrolling in September, pay for all of your modules to be studied in that academic year upfront

Flexible payment plans available

Choose from three payment plan options:

• Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying

• Pay your full course fees upfront, receive 5% discount and avoid annual increases

• Pay for all modules studied in the year and receive a 5% discount (September enrolment only)

Masters funding options

Depending on where you are from in the UK or EU, and on your pace of study, you may be eligible for a postgraduate student loan. Accessible through Student Finance, this is a non-income based loan to help with living costs and tuition fees whilst studying your masters programme.

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out more about the Alumni discount

Students should apply directly to the University.

Apply now

For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.

Documents to support your application

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:

• Photo ID – this could be your passport or driving licence
• Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.

Application deadlines

All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.

A postgraduate qualification will help you to compete in today's market. This course is centred on providing first class care in the health and social care sector and will enable you to develop your skills and expertise.

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning:

Other courses you might like

• Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care Postgraduate Certificate
• Master of Public Health