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A complete guide to healthcare degrees

Keep your career healthy and in good hands with a degree that gets you into the world of healthcare.

Healthcare is evolving fast—and so can your career within it. Whether you want to deepen your expertise, lead change, or explore new specialisms, the right degree can be your stepping stone. And flexible learning options mean you can study on your terms, without putting life on hold. In this guide, we’ll break down the healthcare degrees that match your ambitions, how to fit study around your busy life, and the career paths waiting for you once you graduate. Ready to make a difference? Let’s dive in.

Topics you’ll explore

Your healthcare degree will cover a range of essential areas to prepare you for a rewarding career, both in and out of the hospital. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

Patient care and safety

Healthcare systems and policies

Medical ethics and legal practices

Health promotion and disease prevention

Leadership and management in healthcare

Research method and evidence-based practice

Skills you’ll gain

Healthcare is a dynamic field that requires a mix of technical expertise and interpersonal abilities. While hard skills vary by the degree and expertise, here are the key skills you’ll develop during your degree:

Hard skills

Health data analysis
Medical research

Soft skills

Communication
Empathy
Teamwork
Stress management
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Adaptability

Degree routes available to you

Healthcare degrees come in a variety of formats, catering to different career goals and lifestyles. Whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your expertise, there’s a pathway to suit your needs.

BSc Nursing

Prepare to become a compassionate and skilled nurse, providing vital care in diverse healthcare settings.

BSc Midwifery

Train to support and guide women through pregnancy, childbirth, and early postnatal care.

BSc Biomedical Sciences

Explore the science behind human health, disease, and treatment through advanced biological and medical research.

BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences

Study the development, production, and regulation of pharmaceuticals to improve public health.

BSc Dentistry

Learn the clinical and practical skills to diagnose and treat oral health conditions.

MSc Healthcare Leadership

Develop leadership skills to drive positive change and innovation in healthcare organisations.

MSc Healthcare Management

Gain the expertise to manage healthcare facilities and teams effectively, ensuring high-quality patient care.

MSc Clinical Pharmacy

Specialise in the safe and effective use of medications, focusing on patient-centred care in clinical settings.

MSc Health Informatics

Combine healthcare knowledge with information technology to improve patient care through data management.

MSc Occupational Therapy

Learn to help individuals overcome physical and mental challenges, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives.

Common questions about healthcare degrees

A full-time undergraduate degree typically takes three years, while a master’s degree can be completed in one year. Part-time options are available, which extend the duration to four years for a bachelor’s and two years for a master’s.

For UK students, undergraduate tuition fees are around £9,250 per year. Master’s degree costs range from £12,000 to £25,000, depending on the university and programme.

Undergraduate degrees and typically one year of a master’s degree are covered by Student Finance in the UK, including loans for tuition and sometimes grants for living costs. There may also be scholarships, grants, or university-specific financial aid packages to explore, so it's worth checking your options carefully.

Undergraduate degrees usually require relevant A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Postgraduate degrees typically demand a bachelor’s in a related field and sometimes work or volunteering experience.

Entry requirements can vary, so it’s important to check the specific programme details. Emotional intelligence, passion for the subject, and the ability to manage stress are key traits valued alongside academic qualifications.

Yes, many universities offer online healthcare degrees, providing flexibility to balance studies with other commitments. These programmes are great for those with busy schedules or living in remote areas.

Assessment methods typically include essays, practical assessments, research papers, exams, and group projects. Online degrees will have assessments conducted digitally, offering convenience for remote learning.

Healthcare degrees, particularly at postgraduate level, are challenging and require dedication, drive, and focus. The field demands a strong work ethic as you'll be acquiring critical skills that impact people’s lives.

Despite the demanding nature of the coursework, the sense of fulfillment and the opportunity to make a real difference make it a highly rewarding choice.

For undergraduate degrees in the UK, applications are submitted through UCAS, where you can select up to five degree options and write a personal statement.

For postgraduate degrees, applications are made directly on the university’s website. Most programmes require a related undergraduate degree and may also ask for relevant work experience.

Why pursue a healthcare degree

Make impact

Make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by improving health outcomes and providing essential care.

Embrace flexibility

Choose from a range of degree options, including online programmes, to fit your lifestyle and career goals.

Job security

Enter a field with high job security, as healthcare professionals are consistently in demand across the UK.

Career growth

Advance your career with specialised skills and qualifications, opening doors to senior or leadership roles.

Sense of purpose

Experience the satisfaction of helping others while building a fulfilling and purpose-driven career.

Diverse roles

Explore a variety of roles, from clinical practice to healthcare management, tailored to your interests and expertise.

Where this degree will take you

A healthcare degree opens doors to a wide range of rewarding careers, from clinical roles to leadership positions. Here are some common paths you can explore:

Healthcare Manager

Oversee operations in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.

Nurse Educator

Train and mentor the next generation of nurses, combining clinical expertise with teaching skills.

Mental Health Nurse

Provide specialised care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, offering support and treatment.

Epidemiologist

Study patterns and causes of diseases, helping to develop strategies for prevention and control.

Clinical Specialist

Focus on a specific area of healthcare, such as cardiology or oncology, and deliver advanced patient care.

Public Health Professional

Work on improving community health through policy development, education, and disease prevention initiatives.

Find your healthcare degree

Explore now

Common questions about healthcare careers

Healthcare professionals often find their work highly rewarding due to the direct impact they have on people’s lives. While the job can be demanding, the sense of purpose and fulfilment is a strong motivator, with many professionals finding the work deeply satisfying.

Salaries vary by role and experience, with graduate nurses starting at £28,407, while senior healthcare managers can earn over £50,000. Pay in the NHS follows official pay bands, and those with specialist postgraduate qualifications or working in the private sector can expect higher earnings.

Healthcare offers excellent progression, especially with postgraduate qualifications. Roles in leadership, management, or specialised fields are common career advancement pathways, providing opportunities to take on senior responsibilities and greater influence.

Yes, healthcare professionals are in high demand, particularly in nursing, mental health, and public health, as staff shortages in the UK continue. The need for skilled healthcare workers remains strong across various fields.

While some healthcare roles require a degree, others, like healthcare assistants or support workers, may not. However, obtaining a degree opens doors to more specialised and higher-paying positions in the field.