HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Level 5 Foundation Degree

Level 5
Higher Education
Banbridge Campus
Ulster University

Overview

Subject to Revalidation

The Foundation Degree in Science (FdSc) in Health and Social Care is an innovative and contemporary course from Ulster University, which will be attractive to both employees and employers in the health and social care sector. It is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the knowledge, skills, and values required for a career in the health and social care sector and prepare students to work effectively in a wide range of settings, such as hospitals, residential care facilities, community organisations, and social service agencies.

Throughout the course, students will explore various aspects of health and social care, including healthcare systems, public health, social policy, and the ethical considerations that underpin professional practice. They will develop a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence health and well-being, as well as the impact of social inequalities on access to care.

The programme covers a wide range of topics relevant to health and social care practice. Students will study anatomy and physiology, health promotion, communication skills, and person-centred care. They will also examine the principles of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. The curriculum will address the legal and ethical frameworks within which health and social care professionals operate.

The aim of this Foundation Degree is to address the needs of the local job market by preparing graduates to gain the range of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to meet the current and future evolving needs of health and social care services in NI.

You will study 16 hours in College per week with additional independent study of approx. 60-160 hours per module,. Second year students are required to complete 240 hours of work-based learning in an appropriate health and social care facility.

All tutors delivering these modules have relevant vocational and academic experience and qualifications.

Course information and entry requirements are subject to change by the University.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to this course, is evidence that the learner is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in place allocation.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July 2024.

Applicants must have attained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).
Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Policy.

Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/ A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

Please note that for Ulster University qualifications, the general entry requirements for Ulster University must also be met in addition to those listed below. Each applicant will also be subject to satisfactory ACCESSNI checks.

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each university’s admission and progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The course is currently being revalidated to ensure that its structure, content, delivery and student learning experience remain at the highest standard and some of the details below may be enhanced or changed.

Modules Year 1

Effective Communication in Health and Social Care
Safeguarding and Managing Risk
Psychology Theory and Application
Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice
Social Theories and Concepts
The Effective Learner

Modules Year 2

Evidenced Based Practice
Introduction to Public Health
Work Based Learning
Innovative Practices to Support Health and Well-being
Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
In addition, all students in year 2 must complete 240 hours of assessed Work Based Learning (placement)

The pass mark for each module is 40% and students will be assessed using a variety of the following assessments activities including:

Examinations
Academic essays
Presentations
Recorded skills sessions
Case studies
Class tests
Work based learning assessment

Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC in the full fee breakdown, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 24/25. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Fees displayed for each course represent fees to be charged for year 1 of each programme. Please note that fees may increase in year 2 or 3 of the course. Read more in our Fees Policy at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...

Educational enrichment activities to local health and social care, university and other course relevant facilities will accrue travel expenses of approx. £5-10, three times a year. UCAS fees of approximately £24 are applicable for those applying to University.

On successful completion of this course, you can apply to be considered for entry to the final year of the BSc (Hons) in Health and Wellbeing at Ulster University. Please check the Ulster University prospectus or website for further details.

In addition, upon successful completion of the FdSc in Health and Social Care, students can also apply to be considered for admission to year 1 or year 2 of a range of Allied Health Profession Degree programmes including Nursing, Social Work, Teaching, Occupational Therapy, and Paramedic Science as well as a range of Social and Life Science Degrees in other local and UK Universities

Please Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission and progression requirements and the implications of using student finance for future courses before enrolling on a course at the College.

Upon successful completion of the Health and Social Care Level 5 Foundation Degree, graduates will be well-prepared for a variety of roles in the health and social care sector. They may find employment as healthcare assistants, support workers, community outreach workers, or care coordinators in hospitals, residential care facilities, community organisations, or social service agencies.