Health and Social Care (Palliative and Supportive Care)

Two years full-time for the Foundation Degree or one year full-time for the Certificate in Health and Social Care or ten weeks per individual module studied.

This course provides a unique opportunity for support workers currently employed in a palliative and supportive care setting to achieve a relevant qualification that matches their own personal and professional development needs.

The course also aims to support students in developing their own higher level thinking skills such as essay writing, analytical and research skills.

The design of the course recognises the significant contribution of support workers in palliative and supportive care focusing on improving service delivery.

Stage one

Provides foundation knowledge with core modules in graduate skills, work-based learning and interprofessional learning. Students also study the principles and practices of palliative care.

Stage two

Provides detailed knowledge with core modules in evidence-based practice, advanced work-based learning and health and well-being. Other modules available include: symptom management, ethical and spiritual perspectives, responding to loss and communication skills.

The design of this course is highly flexible in terms of the study pathways and qualification routes that it offers. Students can choose to study for the Foundation Degree (FdSc), the Certificate in Health and Social Care or individual modules.

Palliative Care Pathway:

• Principles and practices of palliative care
• Symptom management
• Responding to loss
• Ethical and spiritual perspectives

A variety of assessment methods are utilised, including case studies, presentations, portfolios, examinations and essays.

There are a wide range of career and further study opportunities open to students depending upon the pathway chosen such as enhanced and extended skills in the workplace. Alternatively, they may enter into a career in social work, occupational therapy or nursing or employment within the charitable or voluntary sectors.