BSc (Hons) Working with Vulnerable Adults

Summary 2012/13

• Enhance your knowledge and skills to equip yourself to competently support clients who are seen to be vulnerable in society;
• Learn how to recognise abuse and what to do should the situation arise;
• Familiarise yourself with the Government's 'No Secrets' guidelines and discover how they coordinate roles, highlight potential dangers and develop local policy procedures for the protection of vulnerable adults.

This is a Level 6 conversion programme, giving you the opportunity to progress from a foundation degree (or equivalent) to an honours degree in a relevant subject.

The BSc (Hons) Working with Vulnerable Adults will offer the opportunity for you to enhance the skills and knowledge required to engage with individuals who, for reasons of health, ageing and dependence, require some level of health and social care.

The programme facilitates greater effectiveness in the workplace, meeting the needs of employers wanting a more knowledgeable and experienced workforce, able to empower the elderly, those with mental illness and disability or be capable of acting on their behalf.

2012 Entry Requirements

You are normally required to demonstrate 120 credits at level 5 or equivalent, i.e. have completed a Foundation Degree in Working with Vulnerable Adults.

Summary 2013/14

• Enhance your knowledge and skills to equip yourself to competently support clients who are seen to be vulnerable in society;
• Learn how to recognise abuse and what to do should the situation arise;
• Familiarise yourself with the Government's 'No Secrets' guidelines and discover how they coordinate roles, highlight potential dangers and develop local policy procedures for the protection of vulnerable adults.

This is a Level 6 conversion programme, giving you the opportunity to progress from a foundation degree (or equivalent) to an honours degree in a relevant subject.

The BSc (Hons) Working with Vulnerable Adults will offer the opportunity for you to enhance the skills and knowledge required to engage with individuals who, for reasons of health, ageing and dependence, require some level of health and social care.

The programme facilitates greater effectiveness in the workplace, meeting the needs of employers wanting a more knowledgeable and experienced workforce, able to empower the elderly, those with mental illness and disability or be capable of acting on their behalf.

2013 Entry Requirements

You are normally required to demonstrate 120 credits at level 5 or equivalent, i.e. have completed a Foundation Degree in Working with Vulnerable Adults.

Details

Who is this course for?

The BSc (Hons) Working with Vulnerable Adults will appeal to those who currently work, or who wish to work, within a variety of settings such as private nursing homes, the community, NHS Trusts and voluntary agencies. The programme is primarily for people employed in the health and social care sector, in organisations that provide services for those who are deemed to be vulnerable in society.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will further develop the knowledge and skills to equip you to competently support clients who are seen to be vulnerable in society. This includes those with learning disabilities or mental health problems, those from marginalised groups or individuals who are old and frail and dependent upon the health and social care sector for not only their survival but also their quality of life.

How we will support you

You and your learning will be supported by a personal tutor who will be allocated at the beginning of the course who will support academic development and progression as well as providing pastoral support when required. Further support is provided by learning support services specialising in academic development of undergraduate students.

What will I study?

There are two subject specific core modules on the programme, ‘Managing the Vulnerable Adult and Their Family’ and ‘Approaches to Care of Older Adults’.

These modules address the eight National Service Standards for the older person, together with the exploration of the concept of vulnerability and the variables which impact upon it. Empowerment of vulnerable adults is addressed in relation to local and national policies.

You will also study a compulsory research module, learning the research methodologies and skills required to complete a core dissertation.

The programme is completed with a 20 credit module chosen under the direction and guidance of the programme leader from across a range of faculty and institutional modules.

How will I study?

You will learn through a variety of methods. The course is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, work-based learning and tutorials.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a module team which consists of a core of senior lecturers with comprehensive experience of the elderly, mental health and learning disabled clients within a variety of health, community and other social contexts and services.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment techniques used include a literature review, assignments and a case study.

What are my career prospects?

This programme will provide you with the skills to work in a range of settings including nursing or residential homes, prisons, the probationary service and community centres. You will complete the programme with the ability to progress into senior roles as a more knowledgeable and experienced individual, one able to empower significant groups or be capable of acting on their behalf.

A Great Study Environment

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 fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

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 directly to Edge Hill University. Download the application form (pdf) and notes for guidance (pdf).

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

Fees and Finance

Full-Time Study

If you are joining this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 and will be progressing directly from a foundation degree without a break from studying (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), you will be classed as a "continuing" student provided you also studied the foundation degree on a full-time basis. The tuition fee for full-time continuing students is £3,465 for academic year 2012/13.

However, if you are joining this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 as a new student, have taken a break from education since completing a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), or you studied a foundation degree on a part-time basis, the tuition fee for full-time study is £9,000.

Eligible full-time 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 the threshold amount (£15,000pa for the £3,465 fee, £21,000pa for the £9,000 fee).

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time students on this programme in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/conversionfees2012.

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

Part-Time Study

If you are joining this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 and will be progressing directly from a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), you will be classed as a "continuing" student provided you also studied the foundation degree on a part-time basis. The tuition fee for part-time continuing students on this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 is £380 per 20 credit module and £570 per 30 credit module.

UK continuing students will be able to apply for an annual fee grant up to £1,230, subject to income level and intensity of study, and may also be eligible for a means-tested grant of up to £265 for books, travel and other course-related expenditure.

However, if you are joining this conversion degree as a new student, have taken a break from education since completing a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), or you studied a foundation degree on a full-time basis, the tuition fee for part-time study is £1,500 per 20 credit module and £2,250 per 30 credit module for academic year 2012/13.

New students, and those not classed as "continuing" 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 £21,000pa.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for part-time students on this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/conversionfees2012pt.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. A total of 120 credits must be studied (at level 6) to complete a top-up degree.

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 would like more information about this programme please contact:

• Mike Reynolds, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657070
• Email: reynoldm@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

HUG 3100 Undergraduate Dissertation (30 credits) will focus on the identification of an area of vocational interest or concern to be identified by you and agreed with your supervisor. You will engage in a structured review of the literature related to your specific area of study and then apply critical analysis to the existing literature and make recommendations that will improve service provision.

HEA 3012 Research Methods (20 credits) is designed to develop your understanding of the research process and the nature and variety of research methods. The module’s characteristic features are to encourage you to see qualitative and quantitative methods as equally valuable and often complimentary.

HUG 3107 Approaches to Care with Older Adults (20 credits). The majority of frail, older people would prefer to live in their own homes despite their disabilities, loneliness, problems of care and being ‘at risk’. This module focuses upon various service provisions within the eight National Service Standards for caring for the older person.

HUG 3108 Managing the Vulnerable Adult and their Family (30 credits) explores the concept of vulnerability and considers the variables which impact upon it. It will seek to empower people described as being vulnerable by utilising the local and national policies and thus develop your own capabilities.

You will also study a further, optional module, chosen from the undergraduate portfolio (20 credits).