Year 1 core modules

• Higher Education & Work 30 credits

  As a student entering Higher Education on a Foundation Degree pathway you will need specific study skills to enable you to maximise your learning potential and take advantage of opportunities available both in the academic setting and the workplace. This module is therefore intended to be both preparatory and supportive; building a strong foundation for learning and later development. During your study of this module you will learn a variety of skills which you can apply to your role in the work environment; these are called 'transferable skills'. These skills include the development of reflective practice, as well as understanding and developing your communication skills in relation to patients/clients/service users and the multidisciplinary team. In addition to this you will explore your personal development needs in relation to relevant regulatory, professional body or occupational frameworks, as well as your need to develop academic skills for future study. So whilst the focus of this module is to help you develop and underpin Level One study skills, it is important that you also apply this learning to your own work environment. For this reason, you will be able to contextualise the module assessment to meet your own role within the work place.

• Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology for Practice 30 credits

  This module runs across two trimesters and provides a sound foundation of knowledge of how the body works to underpin quality care delivery.The focus is on the normal function rather than pathology.You will develop knowledge of how the systems work and inter-relate. The knowledge gained will then be built on in the second year through application to client care.

• Valuing People and Fostering Dignity and Respect 30 credits

  This module helps you to understand and respect the uniqueness and strengths of all individuals including those they care for and those they work with. The essence of the module is to explore your own values and attitudes and consider how they apply to and may impact on your own development and practice. Developing an understanding of the underpinning ethical principles helps to inform decision-making. Academic and transferable skills are developed by contributing to group work; exploring the principles of communication skills; reflective practice and delivering presentations. Assessment of the module is made by a poster presentation. The subject is a scenario from your practice or working environment that presented a dilemma. You are given guidance in selecting a personal experience, either lived or observed. This allows you to reflect more effectively as it invokes a number of feelings and presents potential dilemmas and conflicts to address. Examples of students work are the dilemma faced by a student caring for a client in end of life care who refuses to eat; a case of bullying in the workplace and the impact of e-mail communication on an individual's self-esteem. The student analyses the scenario, identifying the key elements relating to the module content. Ethical principles and module concepts are adapted to the context and applied to the scenario to demonstrate the decision-making process. The student synthesises the information from all stakeholders in the scenario and is required to communicate the findings clearly with the use of reliable supporting literature. The presentation is assessed in small groups and students participate in the question and answer session.

• Work-based Learning one 30 credits

  This modules emphasis is on your own practice within the work setting and includes: Learning about work - relates to further developing the learners' knowledge and understanding of their workplace; Learning through work - examines the acquisition of skills in a real working environment, for example on a work placement, or through current employment; Learning for work - the learner' knowledge and skills are developed in a way that is directly relevant to the workplace.You will be assessed in the work place through a competency and skills pack. This will include core competencies relevant to all students regardless of area of practice and other competencies which will be developed relevant to your own work setting. The written assignment consists of a reflection on your own development in the work setting.

Year 2 core modules

• Health Awareness 30 credits

  This module focuses on Health Promotion and Health education from both a population approach and that of the individual. You will explore health needs assessment, health promotion and education strategies and relevant Policy. Assessment is a Poster presentation and an essay linked to a specific health issue.

• Research and Critical Thinking 15 credits

  The module is designed to develop your awareness of the need to underpin practice by the use of published and up to date evidence. It is an important skill for both students and emergent practitioners within health and social care as they develop their knowledge and skills. The module develops an understanding of different approaches to research and how to look at an article critically. The assessment is a critique of a chosen research article which is agreed with the module leader.

• Effective Care Planning 30 credits

  This module develops skills in assessing, planning, implementation and evaluation of client care. Emphasis includes understanding of underpinning theory and research to ensure clients receive high quality care. You will explore general principles of care delivery and also more specific aspects of care relevant to own sphere of practice. The module also brings in understanding of team working and develops knowledge of the main health and social care issues in today's society. The assessment is a case study of a client you have cared for.

• Work Based Learning two 45 credits

  Building on the experience of Work Based Learning one, you will be encouraged to continue your exploration of your professional/occupational practice. The module allows you to explore your own occupational practice in the context of your particular work setting and develop your own project work related to a particular area of your own practice. The activities for this module will include some indication of how the following elements are dealt with in the work setting: Organisational culture and goals; Evaluation of professional/occupational practice/procedures; Effective team working; Review and development of own professional/occupational practice The written assignment consists of implementing a project in the work setting agreed by the manager and the university. This develops skills in managing a project and understanding of change. Both the work based modules will be assessed in the work setting through a competency book. This will include core competencies relevant to all students regardless of area of practice and other competencies which will be developed relevant to your own work setting.