Health and Social Care (Dementia Support)

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).

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. The programme 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 for people with dementia.

Stage one

This provides foundation knowledge with core modules in graduate skills, work-based learning and interprofessional learning. Students are introduced to living with acute and chronic conditions with emphasis on dementia.

Stage two

This stage provides detailed knowledge with core modules in evidence-based practice, advanced work-based learning and health and well-being. Students examine the concept of the person-centred care approach to dementia, and the knowledge and skills to support people living with dementia.

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.

• Graduate Skills
• Effective Work-based Practice
• Inter-professional Working in Health and Social care
• Evidence Based Practice
• Living with Acute and Chronic Conditions
• Introduction to Dementia
• Promoting Health and Well-Being
• Person Centred Care of People with Dementia
• Living with Dementia

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

Library facilities and information services support.

A variety of study approaches are utilised within this programme: lectures, self-directed learning, seminars, group work, clinical study, e-learning. 

The programme provides students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to undertake Assistant Practitioner Roles involving caring for people with dementia 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.

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 involving dementia support.

Do students need to be employed?

Yes as placement learning is undertaken within their work setting. They will also need access to people with dementia in health or social care provision to undertake the required assessments.