BSc (Hons) Learning Disabilities Nursing and Social Work

Summary 2012/13

• Pre-registration Nursing ranked in the top five in the UK and Social Work ranked second in the North West for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2011;
• Enables you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and to apply for registration on the GSCC's Social Care Register as a qualified social worker;
• Gain the academic knowledge and clinical skills to work within a range of social work and learning disability nursing services;
• Study a programme with a distinct inter-professional emphasis while undertaking placement opportunities in nursing, health and social work settings.

If you want to make a positive and creative contribution to the health and social welfare of individuals with learning disabilities in our society then you should consider this degree. It will enable you to develop the skills and become confident in learning disabilities nursing and social work.

This degree will enable you to register with the NMC as a qualified nurse and to apply for registration on the GSCC’s Social Care Register while equipping you with the professional knowledge, skills and values required to work within your discipline, across professional and organisational boundaries, and most importantly, with individuals, families and groups with a range of health and social care needs. Placement opportunities are a key learning feature of this degree.

2012 Entry Requirements

Typical offer 280 points overall including 160 points from two A levels, at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications. You should also have a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C or above, to include English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent) as well as evidence of academic study within the last five years. Applicants will also be required to attend an interview.

All applicants have to meet the respective Professional, Regulatory and Statutory Body (PRSB) requirements for good health and good character.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Summary 2013/14

• Pre-registration Nursing ranked in the top five in the UK and Social Work ranked second in the North West for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2011;
• Enables you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and to apply for registration on the GSCC's Social Care Register as a qualified social worker;
• Gain the academic knowledge and clinical skills to work within a range of social work and learning disability nursing services;
• Study a programme with a distinct inter-professional emphasis while undertaking placement opportunities in nursing, health and social work settings.

If you want to make a positive and creative contribution to the health and social welfare of individuals with learning disabilities in our society then you should consider this degree. It will enable you to develop the skills and become confident in learning disabilities nursing and social work.

This degree will enable you to register with the NMC as a qualified nurse and to apply for registration on the GSCC’s Social Care Register while equipping you with the professional knowledge, skills and values required to work within your discipline, across professional and organisational boundaries, and most importantly, with individuals, families and groups with a range of health and social care needs. Placement opportunities are a key learning feature of this degree.

2013 Entry Requirements

Typical offer 280 UCAS tariff points overall to include 2 GCE A level grades BB or equivalent. Relevant natural and applied science subjects preferred but not essential. In addition, candidates are expected to have a minimum of five GCSE passes (or equivalent) at grade C or above to include English Language and Mathematics, together with evidence of academic study within the last five years. BTEC and Access to HE Diploma candidates should refer to the UCAS website for specific entry requirements. The selection process includes an interview.

All applicants have to meet the respective Professional, Regulatory and Statutory Body (PRSB) requirements for good health and good character.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme will meet the needs of those who wish to study for both a nursing and social work qualification in preparation for the challenge of working in the health and social care sector.

What will I gain from this programme?

Integral to the programme is the acquisition of the essential skills, knowledge and values of learning disabilities nursing and social work. You will develop the personal skills needed to be a successful professional and be introduced to the academic knowledge, practice and clinical skills required to apply for registration as a qualified learning disabilities nurse and as a social worker.

The inter-professional emphasis of the programme will prepare you for the real world of health and social care practice, where professionals work alongside colleagues from other professions.

How we will support you

You will be supported both academically and pastorally through the personal tutor system both whilst in University and whilst on practice placement. You will have access to technology enhanced learning opportunities.

Learning resources for health and social work students include over 23,000 books, journals and electronic resources, with access also available to facilities at several NHS study centres. A wide range of support is offered by Student Services - from an award-winning Careers centre to trained counsellors and finance and welfare advisors.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will be introduced to foundation knowledge which includes an introduction to nursing and social work.

In Year 2 there is a focus on the care and support of people with learning disabilities with complex health and/or social care needs and on social work practice with other service user groups (e.g. older adults, children).

Year 3 will see you preparing to be an automonous practitioner, ready to deal with the complexities of current health and social care practice but also as a practitioner with a distinct identity as a learning disabilities nurse and social worker.

How will I study?

The programme is delivered through varied activities including lectures, lecturer/student led seminars, practice/clinical skills workshops, simulated learning, personal study, action learning and technology enhanced learning.

Theory takes place during the hours of a normal working week (Monday to Friday) but placements include day shifts, weekend working, evening and night work to ensure access to a full range of practice experiences.

Placement

Central to the programme is the opportunity to undertake a range of placement opportunities in both nursing/health and social work settings across the three years of study, including community and residential services for people with learning disabilties and social services for children, older adults and people with mental health issues.

Learning from practice and practice assessment is an essential feature to developing yourself as a competent and confident professional. Consequently, learning in practice is a central and compulsory element of the programme and is required by the nursing and social work professional bodies.

Who will be teaching me?

The teaching team represent a range of qualified, research-active professionals with extensive experience of working in the health and/or social work sector.

Additionally you will be taught by professionals from current practice, employers and, perhaps most importantly, carers and their families who receive such services.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed using a range of formative and summative assessments including essays, exams, presentations, a practice learning portfolio and the compilation of a personal development portfolio. You will also be assessed in practice which comprises 50% of your programme.

What are my career prospects?

The programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a proficient and confident health and social care professional. Once qualified, you will be well placed to take up posts in a variety of health and social care settings, especially within integrated care.

Professional Accreditation

Successful completion of the programme enables you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a qualified learning disabilities nurse and to apply for registration on the General Social Care Council's Social Care Register as a qualified social worker.

Related Programmes

Pre-Registration Undergraduate Professional Portfolio

This programme is part of the Faculty of Health and Social Care's pre-registration undergraduate professional portfolio. Other courses in the portfolio are:

• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Children)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)
• BSc (Hons) Midwifery
• BSc (Hons) Children's Nursing and Social Work
• BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice

For a comprehensive list of all undergraduate programmes offered by the faculty, including DipHE Paramedic Practice, BA (Hons) Social Work, and a range of applied health and social care awards, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/health/courses.

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University's new £14 million purpose-built teaching accommodation for the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the Ormskirk Campus houses some of the best facilities for health and social care undergraduates in the country. Our learning resources are second to none, with leading-edge clinical skills facilities including ward simulations with industry standard equipment. You will benefit from learning spaces including teaching rooms, an 860-seat lecture theatre, social learning spaces and several rooms recreating hospital environments.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,400 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

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

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

If you are joining this programme in academic year 2012/13, you can expect your tuition fees to be paid by the Department of Health.

As a BSc (Hons) Learning Disabilities Nursing and Social Work student, you may be entitled to receive a means-tested NHS-funded bursary which for academic year 2012/13 is up to £3,351pa if living at home with parents or up to £4,395pa if living elsewhere. The bursaries are usually paid monthly by the NHS Business Services Authority. Additional means-tested payments may be made, for dependants for example, but each case is viewed on an individual basis.

For academic year 2012/13, BSc (Hons) Learning Disabilities Nursing and Social Work students may also be entitled to apply for a £1,000pa non-means tested grant and a non-means-tested student loan. The loan amount for the first two years of the programme is £1,744pa if living at home with parents or £2,324pa if living elsewhere. The loan amount available in year 3 is £1,324pa (living at home) or £1,811pa (living elsewhere).

Entrants with outstanding grades may wish to apply for a High Achievers Scholarship worth £1,000. Prospective full-time undergraduate students can also apply for Entrance Scholarships worth £2,000 over the length of the programme. Entrance Scholarships recognise determination, commitment and achievement in sport, performing arts, creativity and volunteering.

For further information on the financial support available for students joining this programme in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/prereghealth2012.

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

Not got the entry requirements?

If you do not have Mathematics or English GCSEs, or lack the required grade, you can sit Edge Hill equivalency tests to gain the equivalent qualification.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

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:

• Julie Toms-Ashcroft, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk Campus, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657082
• Email: tomsj@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

Year 1

Inter-professional: Understanding Professional Roles, Interaction and Collaboration will enable you to consider the role of different professionals, professional identity and values. You will work and learn with a range of other professionals within health and social care developing knowledge and skills to work in teams, such as effective communication and collaboration.

Practice Learning: Developing Proficiency enables you to learn and apply skills and knowledge within the University setting and on practice placements where you will experience direct work with people and other professionals.

Stepping into Nursing and Social Work introduces you to the nursing and social work professions. You will develop your knowledge of social work and social problems, anatomy and physiology. You will also learn about essential clinical skills, be introduced to human growth and development and enhance your understanding of the experiences of individuals, families and communities in using health and social care services.

Understanding Contemporary Social Work and Nursing Practice lets you discover the health and social sciences which underpin an individuals, families and communities experience of health and social wellbeing, including sociological and psychological perspectives. You will also be introduced to the legal and social policy context of social work and nursing.

Year 2

Inter-professional Learning: Understanding Service Governance develops a wider understanding of your own and other professional’s roles in health and social care provision including the causes of tensions and conflicts and how to prevent or resolve them. You will be guided in developing basic skills of management and leadership. There will be a continuation of the Personal Development Planning (PDP) to support your professional development.

Practice Learning: Enhancing Proficiency gives you the opportunity to apply evidence based approaches to working with a range of people who require health and social care services in a range of settings.

Appraising Research in Health and Social Care is about discovering the core methods that underpin quantitative and qualitative research designs and the application of research evidence to practice. You will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the research process and the need for an evidence base to guide decision making in health and social care practice.

Philosophy of Care Working with People with Learning Disability explores the ethical and value base and philosophy of care which underpins the care of people with learning disabilities. You will learn about the historical context as well as contemporary practice in order to understand the advances in care and empowerment of people with learning disabilities through various models of disability, including principles of “rights, independence, choice and inclusion”. You will also consider professional dilemmas and issues within health and social care such as exclusion and discrimination.

Principles of Health and Wellbeing within Social Work and Nursing examines the socio-political and cultural context of public health and social care, current legislation and policy to promote the health and social wellbeing of recipients of care services. You will also explore the factors which impact on our health and wellbeing and how working in partnership is necessary to address issues such as inequality and social exclusion.

Nursing and Social Work Law considers legal systems and key legislation relating to nursing and social work practice with vulnerable individuals and groups. It will enable you to explore the complex and challenging duties and responsibilities of nursing and social work when working to protect those deemed vulnerable and at risk but also to empower people. You will also be encouraged to consider the perspectives of service users and carers when legislation is used to protect, safeguard and promote their health and social wellbeing

Year 3

Inter-professional Learning: Preparing for the Professional Role ensures you can work safely and competently in practice to meet the needs of various service users across different care settings. You will advance both your clinical and professional social work skills to work in increasingly complex and challenging situations to prepare yourself for professional registration.

Practice Learning: Achieving Proficiency prepares you to work safely and competently in practice-based professions and in preparation for professional registration. This module enables you to achieve proficiency and competence in practice to meet the needs of various service users across different care settings.

Integrated Health and Social Work Practice enables you to further develop and integrate your knowledge and skills in nursing and social work through a range of taught and independently-led study. This module will engage you in reflective practice and further develop your ability to apply theory to practice in current health and social care delivery.

Holistic Care of the Individual with Complex Needs and Learning Disabilities develops your understanding of complex needs which may arise in assisting some people with learning disabilities. This includes social issues, medical interventions and behavioural challenges to the delivery of services, considered in conjunction with current themes and debates regarding the legal and ethical implications of care and the complexities it generates in practice.