Health and Social Care (Mental Health and Learning Disability)

FdSc

The programme will give students the opportunity to explore a range of skills and therapeutic interventions to assist the individual to optimum wellbeing within hospital and community settings. The aim is to enable students to appreciate the significance of service users' experience and the bio-psycho-social factors which contribute to effective and sensitive care. Students examine the concepts of mental health and learning disability; the fact that mental wellbeing and resilience is a key component in individuals attaining their full potential identifies the need for care across the life span, promoting mental wellbeing within the population, providing accessible services and reducing stigma. The programme will also develop students' knowledge and understanding of core concepts related to providing enabling and positive support for individuals with a learning disability. Working in collaboration with patients, their carers and other agencies and organisations there is a focus on priority areas identified in DH (2008) related to health, inclusion and the personalisation agenda and identifying practical application in the workplace within an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive framework.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding

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

School of Health

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. 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.

Stage one

Students undertake five modules which provide foundation knowledge with core modules in graduate skills, work-based learning and interprofessional learning. Students are also introduced to the concepts of mental health and learning disability.

Stage two

This stage provides detailed knowledge with core modules in evidence-based practice, advanced work-based learning and health and wellbeing. Students study five modules in total, with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in supporting people with both mental health and learning disabilities, or to concentrate on one area of specialism either mental health or learning disability.

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
Foundations of Mental Health
Foundations of Support for People with a Learning Disability
Inter-professional Working in Health and Social Care
Evidence Based Practice
Legislative Practice
Supporting People with Learning Disability
Contemporary Mental Health Issues
Approaches to Managing Mental Health or Behavioural Distress
Promoting Physical and Psychological Wellbeing for People with Learning Disabilities

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 mental health or learning disability across 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 involving support for mental health or learning disabilities.