FdSc Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner)

Summary 2012/13

• Experience an innovative programme that broadens the skill base of health care workers and prepares you to take on additional responsibilities;
• Develop and promote the skills of critical, analytical and reflective thinking and understand how education and practice are related in terms of evidence-based care;
• Benefit from opportunities to extend your current role, develop additional skills and respond to the changing context within the health and social care sector - therefore, ideally, you should be seconded from your workplace.

The Assistant Practitioner role is seen as a key position within future workforce developments in health and social care. The aim of this foundation degree is to enhance your cognitive skills, strengthen interpersonal skills, establish competencies in practice and develop more effective inter-professional working through both academic and work mediums. You will graduate equipped to succeed within your chosen area of practice, with the essential key transferable knowledge and skills of all graduates.

2012 Entry Requirements

Typical offer is a minimum of 40 UCAS tariff points from one A level, or equivalent Level 3 qualification, in a related subject. Exceptionally, five GCSEs at grade C or above, or equivalent, will be accepted. Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate your ability through accreditation of prior learning/experiential learning (APL/APEL).

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme is primarily aimed at those individuals currently working as health care assistants in health and social care settings

What will I gain from this programme?

The programme will broaden your skill base, prepare you to take on additional responsibilities and underpin a collaborative approach in care provision.

You will develop and promote the skills of critical, analytical and reflective thinking and understand how education and practice are related in terms of evidence based care.

How we will support you

You will be allocated a personal tutor for the duration of the programme and also a named work based learning facilitator who will act as mentor and be responsible for the support, guidance and assessment of you whilst in the practice area. You will also have access to the range of support services irrespective of study base.

What will I study?

The programme consists of compulsory modules to enhance the generic knowledge and skills expected with any health care setting as well as in preparation of academic study. There are also a range of optional modules matched to meet the needs of specific health settings.

Examples of compulsory modules are: An Introduction to Psychology and Sociology in Context; Study Skills Using Evidence Base and Reflection; Principles of Care Practice and the Biological Basis of Health.

In Year 2 there are further compulsory and option modules to further develop your understanding and competence and give you a greater insight into health and social care provision.

Examples of compulsory modules for Year 2 are Public Health and Health Promotion in Practice; Leadership, Management and Learning in Practice; Legal, Ethical and Accountable Practice.

How will I study?

Teaching methods include tutorials, lectures, professional seminars, group learning and work based reflection.

Online support is through the use of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and will offer you remote access to all course, module and assignment information.

Online forums related to specific modules and one-to-one and online tutorials are also provided. Attendance is one day per week plus four days per week in your own workplace setting.

Each module is applied to your own work area by the use of reflective accounts which create your Professional Development Portfolio.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme is led by senior lecturers in adult, child, mental health and learning disability nursing as well as other allied health professionals from within the Faculty of Health and Social Care. Members of the team include researchers with backgrounds in health and social care. Collaborating with the programme team are a number of visiting lecturers, some specialist practitioners and other experts in the health and social care sectors

How will I be assessed?

Work-based learning is integral to the programme, comprising a significant proportion of the overall assessment. All modules within the programme have a theoretical assessment component with the majority also assessed in practice as competency statements.

What are my career prospects?

A higher education qualification and the development of a Professional Development Portfolio is evidence to employers, of your continued personal and professional development and may lead to career advancement.

Further study at Edge Hill University

On successful completion of this programme you will be able to progress to a full Honours degree by studying our BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS. Visit www.ucas.ac.uk.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £6,000pa for full-time foundation degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/foundationfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Angela Whelan, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657088
• Email: whelaa@edgehill.ac.uk