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
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Course details
You develop an understanding of the theory underpinning care practice, which will enhance the quality of care you provide for your clients either in work or on placement. The content of the curriculum is strongly influenced by the principles of wellbeing and prevention of ill-health - and the recognition that an individual, their family, and/or, carer must be enabled to make decisions regarding their own care.
You study a module at the beginning of the course, which develops your study skills and provides an introduction to learning at higher education level, as well as modules relating to theory and practice, such as Safeguarding and Health and Safety, Developing Effective Care Practice and Psychosocial Context of Care.
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
An Introduction to Study Skills in Health and Social Care
You are introduced to study skills such as organisation, planning, time management, self-reflection, academic writing and using feedback effectively. You also learn the relevance of validity, credibility and reliability when carrying out research. At the end of the module you are able to carry out research effectively using a range of sources and referencing appropriately. You undertake a self-analysis of your current academic and professional skills in health and social care. Through a series of lectures and seminars, you develop your reading, writing and research skills at university level.
Develop your knowledge and skills to promote care practices that support the best outcomes for service users. You reflect on the support and care provided for a range of client groups to ensure effective practice is maintained.
Introduction to Management and Administration of Medicines
Explore the principles underpinning the management and administration of medicines in health and social care settings. Learn about the theoretical and legislative frameworks that consolidate classroom learning activities.
You gain an understanding of legislation and policies as well as ethical concepts, societal responsibilities and the relevance of causality in medicines management and its impact on health. Develop your knowledge of ordering, storage, administration and disposal of medication. You are also introduced to pharmacology, adverse drug reactions and side effects, and avoidance and management of medication errors. This module is theory-based and is not relevant to practical competencies.
Reflective Practice in Health and Social Care
You undertake a range of reflective activities in relation to health and social care practice. The module is flexible to meet your interests and needs.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Develop your knowledge of safeguarding children and young people, exploring legislation, national and local policy. Learn about the risk indicators of abuse, types of abuse and monitoring risks to the individual.
You attend a series of seminars and other scheduled learning activities throughout the module. These cover legislation, policy and guidance, child safeguarding practice reviews, multiagency working and promoting positive outcomes. You also engage in research and reflect on reviews and failures in practice within the social care sector.
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
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.
