FdA Professional Practice in Health and Social Care

Course outline

This innovative two-year (1 day a week) Foundation Degree, validated by the University of West London, will build on your skills and knowledge from prior experience of working in the adult healthcare sector and your previous training at Level 3 as a practitioner – as an employee, student or volunteer.

The course will raise your awareness of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that underpin your work as a healthcare practitioner. The emphasis is on the balance between taught elements and facilitated learning within the practitioner’s own workplace or voluntary work setting.

The course has been designed to develop individual knowledge through an active, student centred approach, which draws on the resource of your own experiences in line with individual research and study.

From the beginning, you will be actively developing study skills and extending the knowledge and understanding necessary to develop your skills when working with adult service users in the health and social care sector. 

The course is made up of a series of modules, which have credit points attached. 

Learners will achieve 120 credits at level 4 in year 1 and 120 credits at level 5 in year 2. There is a longitudinal 40 credit module in each year which will promote and assess practice skills linked to the theoretical learning.

Course details

Studying one day a week at Stanmore College, you will also access blended learning via the internet and access to the library and resources of the University of West London.

The teaching and learning strategies for this course will reflect a range of approaches in response to different learning styles and your experience. It is recognised that although you will have already attained a Level 3 qualification before starting the course, your previous experience of academic study and the professional context of your practice is personal to you.

You will be expected to carry out independent study preparing for seminars and assignments by doing background reading from recommended texts and personal Internet research.

Teaching strategies include the following:

Tutor-led learning (taught sessions, workshops, directed e-learning), group learning (group work, seminars), work based learning (mentors/practice teachers), Self-directed learning (action learning sets, learning contracts), E-learning (online resources and access to electronic resources) and working on an individual basis with a mentor who will help you to develop your reflective skills.

 

Entry requirements

A full level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or a related subject

English at GCSE grades C or 4 and above

Maths at GCSE grades C or 4 and above

OR

Equivalent level 2 qualifications in English and Maths i.e. functional skills, key skills

Employed or volunteering in a relevant health and/or social care related job role

A reference from their previous educational setting to demonstrate sufficient practical skills at level 3 have been gained

 

What can it lead to?

Opportunities to complete a one year, level 6 ‘top up’ Bachelor’s Degree course followed by post graduate opportunities.

BSc (Hons) Public Health (University of West London)

Employment opportunities:

For those who volunteer, employment opportunities as a health and social care practitioner.

For experienced practitioners, senior management posts within the health and social care sector or related areas.  

 

What are the course outcomes?

This course will encourage your participation in higher-level study

This course will encourage your participation in higher-level study by completing a Foundation Degree that will help you develop the skills necessary to be a reflective Practitioners at this level, providing progression to Level 6 study.

 

It will provide you with a supportive learning environment that will develop your interpersonal skills, enhance self-awareness, encourage personal and career growth and establish a foundation for lifelong learning.

 

The learning outcomes for each level include: -

 

Level 4:

• Recognise the established principles for working within health and social care settings and the way those principles have developed
• Develop knowledge and understanding of lifespan development theory and perspectives related to health and social care practice as well as factors that affect the health of individuals and communities.
• Demonstrate the importance of reflection in implementing policy in health and social care practice
• Explore opportunities to develop practice based on current theoretical, legal and ethical perspectives

 

Level 5:

• Analyse and demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the established principles for working within health and social care settings and the way those principles have developed
• Evaluate and apply underlying concepts and principles within health and social care settings and the application of those principles in practice
• Evaluate the different approaches to solving problems and applying these in a work context with reference to creativity and critical thinking skills
• Assess, review and evaluate theoretical perspectives relevant to leadership and management roles within health and social care settings
• Analyse the social, economic and psychological factors within individual and public health across the lifespan

Who the course is aimed at

This course has been developed as a local programme of study for practitioners who will be working or volunteering in an appropriate adult health and social care setting. You could be working in a variety of settings, for example residential care homes, nursing homes or domiciliary care. The course will enable level 3 practitioners to undertake the additional academic study and practice skills development required to work towards gaining graduate status.

Course content

Level 4 Module summaries

 Research skills in Health and Social Care (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to improve your skills in finding and using information which can then be used to enhance the quality of your essays, assignments and research. It will help you to develop search strategies using a wide range of sources, including the virtual learning environment (StudySpace), the internet, general and subject databases. Your navigation skills will be improved and you will become more adept at evaluating the quality of the information which you find and at presenting in your written work.

Using Evidence in Health and Social Care (10 credits)

This module introduces the use of evidence to inform and influence the nature of practice in health and social care settings. Also to introduce and develop the skills of using models of reflection to analyse critical incidents and scenarios, in order to seek solution to potential problems, or substantiation for best practice.

Applied anatomy and physiology (20 credits)

This aim of this module is to introduces anatomy and physiology of the human body from a practical perspective. The resulting knowledge will enable you to develop an appreciation of how the body functions and how practitioners can facilitate the optimum conditions for helping individuals to function as effectively as possible, in a range of differing environments and with a variety of health conditions. It will also enable you to observe and monitor basic bodily functions, applying the principles of anatomy and physiology to routine investigations conducted within the context of health and social care practice.  

Policy and practice in Health and Social Care (20 credits)

This module contains an overview of how policy, perspective and practice are integrated and the impact of this on your practice within the workplace. It enables the critical review of your role in the development, implementation, maintenance and review of policies within your routine practice.

Lifespan development (20 credits)

This module introduces the concept of lifespan development and the milestones that differentiate the differing stages of development. It will look at how theoretical perspectives can help promote understanding of the range of factors that influence development at different stages for individuals and society as a whole. The module will also place growth and development within the context of the health and social care role.

The Reflective Practitioner in Health and Social Care (40 credits)

This module will enable you to consider your personal skills and attributes and to plan, negotiate and undertake the learning activities you need to develop the specialist skills required. The module will enable you to develop self-evaluation so that you are able to determine your own personal development plan and specify your exact learning needs to gain the skills you require. You will work closely with a work-based mentor and compile a portfolio of evidence that charts your progress.

Level 5 module summaries

Play and recreation for health and social care (20 credits)

This module explores the role of play and recreation in health and social care practice. It will enable you to identify the characteristics of adult play, especially as a means of engagement and enjoyment. It will also challenge practitioners to think creatively about how play and recreational activities can enhance person-centred practice, which in turn contributes to positive experiences and outcomes for service users. 

Health and wellbeing through the life course (20 credits)

This module will explore the concepts of health and of wellbeing and how these concepts will change through the life course. You will investigate the principles and philosophy of health and social care along with the factors that contribute to healthy lifestyle choices and practice. Factors associated with a variety of physical and mental health conditions will be considered, together with the promotion of factors that contribute to positive health and wellbeing.

 Leadership and Management in care (20 credits)

This module contains an overview of leadership and management involved in working in health and social care that you will be able to apply to your own practice and work setting. This module clearly differentiates between leadership and management and promotes awareness of how the management of change can enhance provision within your practice.

Digital skills and technology for care (20 credits)

This module provides an overview of how digital skills have become an essential part of professional practice within health and social care. From documentation and recording assessment and monitoring of daily practice to the use of assistive technology for service users, this module will also explore ethical considerations linked to the use of technology in care, as well as issues such as data protection and keeping services users safe.

Research project for Health and Social Care (40 credits)

This module is work based that runs throughout the second year and offers you the opportunity to develop the understanding, knowledge and skills to undertake a of small scale research project based in your setting. The research will enable you to identify an area of development of practice or provision and to understand the role of change and how to manage it effectively. The module will give you the opportunity to develop your skills of reflection and analysis through a research diary or journal. This is an important feature of the learning process and will enable you to develop your capacity to be a reflective practitioner and improve your practice.

How will you be assessed?

Each module undertaken is assessed separately.

Coursework assessment takes a variety of different forms including case studies, reflective reports, essays, oral and poster presentations and group work.

You will be provided with clear assessment criteria for all your assignments and tutorial support to help you understand academic requirements, together with help to develop you academic study skills.

Is there an interview?

Yes

Equipment Required?

There are no specific resource requirements for this qualification. General costs: We recommend that you budget £75 a year for costs of photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

Fees

Course Fee: £6,165.00 per year

Upon full registration on the course, a bursary of £1,215 will be available on request.