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.

Students 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 the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice 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 the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants should normally have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points and must have attained five subjects, two of which must be at A-level (grades A-E) and three at GCSE level (grades A-C/4-9) four subjects, three of which must be at A-level (grades A-E) and one at GCSE level (grades A- C/4-9)
OR
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or an Access to Higher Education qualification
Applicants must have attained a GCSE Grade C or Essential Skills L2 in both English and Maths.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. 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. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

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) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

This 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.

Year 1 Modules include:

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

Year 2 Modules include:

Evidenced Based Practice
Introduction to Public Health
Work Based Learning
Innovative Practices to Support Health and Wellbeing
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 25/26. 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 also applicable for those wishing to apply to university.

On successful completion of this course, students 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 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
Paramedic Science
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 in roles such as: