When applying for a health and social care degree it’s important that you can demonstrate skills you have already gained. This may include how you’ve worked with people before, and why you want to pursue a career in health and social care.

We also recommend attending an open day to find out more about courses and professions, our interview process and to ask staff and students any questions you may have.

Writing a personal statement

As part of the application process, you will need to submit a personal statement. You should cover your relevant qualifications, passion for the subject area and any experience you already have. You need to showcase the skills you have and how they apply to your chosen career and the NHS values.

Share your experience

Experience of interacting with people from different backgrounds and in different settings is essential. You should have a good understanding of the diversity of the population who access health and social care.

Examples may include:

• Volunteering – you could be working at a homeless charity, supporting the elderly, or working with people of different ages. All the interactions you have had will be unique to you, and offer a perspective you can use in your application.
• Family, friends, and your own experiences of health and social care. Think about how these interactions have helped to shape your view of health and social care professions.

You should try to cover what you have learned from your experiences, and how they relate to the course and profession you are applying for.

View the codes of conduct for your chosen profession:

• Nursing and midwifery
• Allied Health professions
• Social Work England's code of conduct.

Preparing for interview

Following your application, you may be shortlisted for interview. If you are shortlisted, the interview will take place online.

Things to consider for your interview include:

• your relevant areas of strength
• your experience of caring for others
• your understanding of equality and diversity
• your areas of interest
• your wider reading and research in the subject.

Sending a video submission

Paramedic Science, and Physiotherapy will request an online video submission before attending an interview, due to the volume of applications we receive. This will be an assessed task with a short video submission. If you are successful at this stage you will then be invited to interview.

View our interview guidance to ensure you understand the interview process and how you can prepare for this.

Support for applications and interviews

We run support sessions for people considering our health and social care courses. The sessions include advice and guidance on your application, and preparing you for your interview.

The sessions are open to anyone applying for an undergraduate or master’s health and social care course at Sheffield Hallam. If you're already a registered health or social care practitioner applying for continuing professional development courses, you don't need to attend.

Sign up for an application and interview session.

SHU Progress application support scheme

If your personal circumstances mean that you may face barriers to going to university, you may be eligible for the SHU Progress scheme.

The scheme provides additional support throughout your application, from the year you choose to apply to university through to becoming a university student.

Find out more about the SHU Progress scheme.