Course overview
This is a one-year course run by Redcar & Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College in partnership with Teesside University and local health and social care employers.
The philosophy of the course is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of care, the care sector and concepts surrounding health and wellbeing. Developing underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for success/ enhancement in employment, future study or career advancement is also a feature of the course.
Professional and key transferable skills are embedded into the modules to enhance employability and facilitate lifelong learning and the majority of the academic team have industry experience to enhance and integrate professional skills. The concept of introduce, emphasise, advance is utilised with a focus on emphasise to encourage progressive learning and allows a gradual change in teaching strategies that decrease the degree of support needed, leading to independent learners.
Opportunity to continue development of higher-level academic skills as well as industry skills that are reflective of current best practice.
Academic research skills are also enhanced at this level with a focus on literature search strategy and the relevance of primary and secondary data.
There is significant vocational focus to the course and a range of work experiences and/or placement settings are available to you for development of learning in practice, such as working with older people, children and adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues and substance misuse issues.
Where you study
The course is delivered at Redcar & Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College where you attend two days a week. You also will need to complete 100 hours placement in a Health and social care setting.
Supporting information for applicants
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Develop knowledge and skills to promote care practices that support the best outcomes for service users. Reflect on the support and care provided for a range of typical client groups to ensure effective care practice is maintained.
Introduction to Medicines Management
You are introduced to the principles underpinning the management and administration of medicines in health and social care settings. Learn about the theoretical framework and policy/legislation framework and gain an understanding of ethical concepts, societal responsibilities, and the relevance of causality in medicines management, and its impact on health. Develop knowledge of ordering, storage, administration and disposal of medication, and gain an introduction to pharmacology, adverse drug reactions/side effects, and the avoidance and management of medication errors.
Introduction to Study Skills in Health and Social Care
Gain an introduction to the required study skills, such as organisation, planning, time management, self-reflection, academic writing skills, using feedback effectively, and the relevance of validity, credibility and reliability when carrying out research. Learn to research effectively using a range of sources and reference appropriately. Complete a self-analysis of your current academic and professional skills in health and social care and develop the skills to read, write and research at a university level.
Reflective Practice in Health and Social Care
Develop your skills through reflective activities in health and social care practice. This flexible module meets the interests and needs of a range of students. Cover content such as reflective practice, models of reflection and professional development. Develop your professional conduct in the health and social care workplace.
Safeguarding of Vulnerable Individuals
Develop your knowledge of safeguarding children and young people. Examine legislation, and national and local policies related to safeguarding. Learn about the risk indicators of abuse, types of abuse and monitoring risks to the individual.
The Psychosocial Context of Care
Understand and apply psychosocial theories and factors influencing lifespan development and subsequent care needs. Explore psychosocial constructs such as family, culture, community, care needs, stereotyping, changing societal norms and values and the relevance to health and social policy and care. You examine data sources to explore the changing nature of the UK population, socio-economic influences on policy and service provision.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You experience a range of different approaches to your learning from lectures, workshops, seminars (tutor and student-led) and electronic learning to independent study, group work and individual tutorials.
How you are assessed
Assessments include formative assessments to help develop your academic skills as well as several forms of summative assessment including assignments, examinations, presentations, portfolio work, case studies, workbooks and projects.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- Typical offer: 32-48 tariff points and interview. A BTEC Level 3 qualification in health and social care, Access to HE or other related Level 3 qualifications or a GCE advanced level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject.
- Supported with GCSEs grade 4 (grade C) or above, or equivalent. (Maths and English)
- Functional or Key Skills Level 2 maths and English if not included in the above GCSE qualifications.
- Related work experience is preferable but not essential
- A satisfactory DBS disclosure is required - please note that any warnings, cautions, allegations or convictions received in the last five years may have implications for any offer that may be made.
Because this course is taught at Redcar & Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College, we are not accepting applications from international students requiring a Student Visa.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements.
We cannot accept applications from international students requiring a student visa.
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Work placement
You are required to complete 100 hours placement in a Health and social care setting environment
Career opportunities
On successful completion of the course you can apply to the second year of the FdSc Health, Wellbeing and Social Support or seek employment in social care. There may also be an opportunity to access relevant pre-registration health or social work higher education programmes. The course may lead to eligibility for professional registration.
