International College

Health and human sciences 

In the 21st century, we are facing new and increasingly challenging issues in healthcare, including the effects of an ageing population, obesity and its implications, and the huge global threat of antibiotic resistance. Health and human sciences gives you a wide knowledge of the factors affecting people’s health and the systems in place to manage these issues.

Health and human sciences at the University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield’s Health Sciences School focuses on three core areas: human communication sciences, nursing, and orthoptics. You will focus on themes including biology and the body, health care delivery, and leadership and management. In your third year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a placement of your choosing.

 

Health and human sciences degree options at the University of Sheffield

 Sheffield offers two related bachelor’s degrees, both lasting two years.

Health Sciences School rankings

42nd most international university in the world
Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2017

Degree preparation at the International College

The University of Sheffield International College offers specialist university preparation for international students. On our pathway programmes, you will study key subject modules to prepare you for your degree, while also building confidence in your English language and study skills. Whether you are aiming for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you will have the confidence to succeed once you progress to the University of Sheffield.

Your pathways to studying at the University of Sheffield:

Entry requirements

International Foundation Year (IFY)

English language*:

3 term programme – Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 with minimum 5.0 in writing (minimum of 4.0 in other skills)**, or equivalent***

2 term programme – Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum of 5.0 in all skills)**, or equivalent***

Academic: Good high school graduation grades^ or equivalent.

GCSE/IGCSE/O Level: 5 subjects including relevant subjects, grades B or above (students must be 17 or over). New grades 9 - 6 in English and Maths.

Why study health and human sciences?

Health and human sciences graduates have rewarding and challenging careers, helping to care for those in need. Some of the benefits of studying this subject include:

With a career in health sciences, you will can know that you are making a difference. If you are a nurse, occupational therapist, or health services manager, you will be helping people live more comfortable and happier lives.

As a health services professional, your skills will be in demand in almost every country, so you will enjoy job stability. You will have the opportunity to travel and learn more about the industry worldwide.

There is no 'ordinary' day working in healthcare, whatever career you choose. You will play an active role in improving the health and happiness of patients, whether on a managerial or hands-on basis.

What can I do with a health and human sciences degree?

When you graduate from the University of Sheffield, you will be able to choose from a range of challenging and rewarding careers.

Health and human sciences careers include:

  • community development worker
  • further education teacher
  • medical sales representative
  • health service manager.

Related careers include:

  • midwife
  • nurse
  • occupational therapist
  • social worker.

Health and human sciences FAQs

Health and human sciences is the study of public health issues. It encompasses public health, social care, health policy, health management and related areas. Careers in health and human sciences can be hugely rewarding, because your expertise can help those struggling with the impacts of illness, disability or ageing.

You can study a degree in health and human sciences at university. You will need to meet certain entry requirements, such as having good grades in your A Levels or the equivalent. If you’re an international student looking to study health and sciences in the UK, you can study the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering to meet the degree requirements and prepare to study at the University of Sheffield.

With a degree in health and human sciences you can pursue a range of careers in health care practice with a variety of salaries. You could be an adult nurse, starting on a salary between £24,000 and £30,000, rising up to £72,000 once you reach senior level, such as a nurse consultant or modern matron. You could also follow a career as a dental hygienist where you could earn up to £43,000 at senior level.

An undergraduate degree in health and human sciences typically lasts three years.

To study a health and sciences degree at university you typically need Chemistry and Biology. There are a number of subjects that will also be highly beneficial to your studies. These include Physics, Maths, Human Biology and Psychology.

Typically, you do not need maths to study health and human sciences. Math is used for health and human sciences but generally the only instances it will be used is for statistics.

Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.