Health and Social Care (Acute and Community Care)
FdSc
The development of this pathway has been in response to a specific Assistant Practitioner development need identified within the local NHS Acute and Primary Care Trusts. The Acute and Community Care Pathway has utilised the competencies identified for the Assistant Practitioner in the development of its educational programme. The programme aims to develop knowledge and skills in both health and social care and to prepare Support Workers who are able to work effectively across the traditional professional boundaries. The skills obtained will be applicable in acute and community services in local authorities and between hospitals and practices.
Course level
Undergraduate
Modes of study
Full time
Attendance
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. Students attend University for two days per week, for the remainder of the week study takes place in the practice setting (minimum 15 hours).
Location
Park Campus
Entry requirements
Applicants must have 80-120 UCAS tariff points, for example one A level at grade E or above or NVQ level 3 (or equivalent qualification) plus GCSE English grade C or above (or equivalent qualification).
Length of study
Two years full-time for the Foundation Degree or one year full-time for the Certificate in Health and Social Care.
Start date
Intakes in September and March
School
Course content
This programme provides a unique opportunity for support workers currently employed in a health or social care setting to achieve a relevant qualification that matches their own personal and professional development needs. It also aims to support students in developing their own higher level thinking skills such as essay writing, analytical and research skills.
This is a two-year programme designed to formalise and accredit the significant contribution of support workers in both health and social care settings, focusing on improving service delivery.
Stage one
This provides foundation knowledge with core modules in graduate skills, work-based learning and interprofessional learning, and specialist options such as Living with Acute and Chronic Conditions.
Stage two
This stage provides detailed knowledge with core modules in evidence-based practice, advanced work-based learning and health and well-being. Pathway-specific optional modules are available in areas such as brain injury awareness, rehabilitation and expansion of practice.
Special course features
The design of this programme is highly flexible in terms of the study pathways and qualification routes that it offers. Students have the option to study for the full Foundation Degree or the Certificate in Health and Social Care. Alternatively, they may study for individual modules.
Typical modules
- Graduate Skills
- Foundations of Effective Work-based Practice
- Living with Acute and Chronic Conditions
- Inter-professional Working in Health and Social Care
- Perspective on Human Behaviour
- Human Health
- Promoting Health and Wellbeing
- Rehabilitation
- Expansion of Practice
- Evidence-based Practice
- Dementia Care
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are utilised including case studies, presentations, portfolios, examinations and essays.
Facilities available
The School has a range of clinical skills laboratories, library facilities, and information services support.
Methods of study
A variety of study approaches are utilised within this programme: lectures, self-directed learning, seminars, group work, clinical study, e-learning.
Career opportunities
The programme provides students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to undertake Assistant Practitioner Roles in both Acute and Community settings. 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. In addition students have the opportunity to enter a career in social work, occupational therapy or nursing, or employment within the charitable or voluntary sectors.
Work placement opportunities
Students will be expected to mainly undertake placement activities within their own area of employment, there are however opportunities to experience a range of health and social care placements.
FAQ
Do students need to be employed?
Yes as placement learning is undertaken within their work setting.
For undergraduate application information please see our how to apply page.
Full time fees
For information on fees and funding for this course, please contact Teresa Bayliff on 01604 893469Scholarships and bursaries
The following scholarships may be applicable:










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