Social Care
Cert HE
Course overview
The course is ideal if you are seeking a career working in health and social care, and looking to develop your skills in a hands-on way. 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. You are required to source your own placement within a health or social care setting which should be agreed with the course leader.
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. Course content matches that of the first year of the FdSc Health, Wellbeing and Social Support.
Where you study
The course is delivered at Redcar & Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College where you attend two days a week. You also have with a minimum of one day a week placement in a 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
Developing Effective Care Practice Using a Work-related Project
You undertake work-related learning in a formal care setting and develop the core knowledge and skills to enhance the quality of care you deliver. For example, effective communication, legal and ethical issues and consent, professional issues and scope of practice, infection control, team-working, health improvement, value-based practice, holistic approaches to person-centred care, service users' perspectives and reflective skills.
Learning to Learn: An Introduction to Academic Study Skills
This module runs over three days in the first few weeks of the programme. You are introduced to the skills required for academic study including IT skills, academic writing, study habits, searching literature and using evidence.
Maintaining Safety for Vulnerable People and Staff in Care Settings
You examine legislation and national and local policy related to safety in the workplace and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals. You explore the importance of working in a safe environment, monitoring risks to the individual, including actual and potential harm and abuse, and reviewing health and safety in the workplace.
The Psychosocial Context of Care
You gain an understanding of key theoretical concepts from psychology and sociology that pertain to lifespan development, wellbeing and life chances. You explore psychosocial constructs including family, culture, community, deviance, changing societal norms and values and the relevance to social policy and social care. You examine sources of data to explore the changing nature of the UK population, socio-economic influence on life chances and the influence of these on policy and service provision. You analyse historical development of service provision and contemporary social and health policy and apply it to social care 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. 50% of the Developing Effective Care module is assessed through a work-based e-portfolio demonstrating practice development achieved within the workplace/placement.
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
- 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 150 hours placement in a 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.
Full-time
Entry to 2021/22 academic year
Fee for UK applicants
£6,150 a year
What is included in your tuition fee?
- Length: 1 year
- UCAS code: 105L CertHE/SC
- Start date: September
- Semester dates
- Typical offer: 32-48 tariff points and interview
Part-time
- Not available part-time