Professional Practice

FdA, FdSc

Intermediate award(s): CertHE
Part-Time

"Please note that this Foundation Degree is constructed for Employer engagement and that at the moment it is not available to individual candidates. "

Course overview

These work-based foundation degrees offer an exciting opportunity for you to develop your professional abilities and intellectual capacity, and to enhance and enrich your daily work experience.

Suitable for candidates working in a range of fields, all study is related to the individuals' work role. Importantly, the content of this course can be personalised to suit your work context, allowing you and your organisation to gain maximum benefit from the experience.

The FdA and the FdSc have common core modules with different optional modules, which differentiate between the two awards.

Additional course information

The main aims of this course are: to enable you to take charge of your own professional development and to deliver strategies to achieve this; to develop skills of problem solving and enquiry-based learning, giving you the capability to commit to lifelong learning; to maintain a flexible approach to change, and to provide an awareness of your capacity to influence change.

When you graduate you will be able to: analyse and evaluate your own learning experiences and requirements;
research appropriate sources to gain knowledge and skills appropriate to your chosen field; develop, plan and implement projects; communicate effectively at a range of levels within the workplace.

This course is about developing the skills that you need to succeed in your work environment. It is also about enhancing the experience you take from the workplace, and giving you the ability to continue to develop after you graduate.

Course detail

There is a balance of core modules and optional specialist modules from other faculties. Students completing the Foundation degree can progress to Honours.

At each level there are a range of optional modules that are designed to offer specialist workplace skills and knowledge. These modules are delivered by the specialist faculty. The choice is extensive and an indication of the range is given here under optional modules.
Core modules
  • Introduction to Online Communication and Technology

    This module aims to enable you, to understand how to use the online learning community environment. You will learn how to confidently participate in online conversations with your tutor and peer group.

  • Investigating the Work Setting

    You will deepen your understanding of your role in the workplace looking at it from a range of perspectives. You will begin to explore the complexity of your workplace and the influences on your role and how these impact on you and your colleagues.

  • Reflective Practice in the Work Setting

    This module introduces the concept of systematic and critical reflection. You will explore your role in your work place by reflecting on specific critical incidents that provide an opportunity for learning - what, when, and why you do things and how this affects you and those around you.

  • Work-based Learning 1 Professional Practice

    As part of this module, the student will be required to devise a suitable programme of work-based activities that are intended to develop both the students' practical competence and their understanding of the principles that underpin such practice.

  • Work-based Project 1

    During this module, you will identify a specific aspect of your practice to develop. Using an 'Action Inquiry' model, you will plan a change strategy, implement the change and evaluate its effectiveness.

  • Work-based Learning 2 Professional Practice

    Building on the experience of Work Based Learning 1, students will be encouraged to continue their exploration of their professional/occupational practice, along the strands developed previously, as a source of learning.

  • Leading Teams

    The module aims to enable you to develop an awareness of teamwork theory and literature and encourage them to apply this to your own work context and reflect on their leadership skills.

  • The Developing Practitioner

    This module aims to enable you to develop an understanding of learning in the context of the organisation as a learning body moving forward in an ever-changing world. You will consider the way your personal learning integrates/links with the learning of your workplace organisation.

  • Work-based Project 2

    Many learners relish the opportunity to broaden or deepen their understanding of a given relevant topic through undertaking a programme of negotiated learning. This module is intended to provide a means by which you have such an opportunity in a manner that is supported and rigorous.

Assessment

Assessment will be through a variety of methods including: electronic portfolios, reports, essays, presentations and reflective learning journals.

At the end of each core module, students will be required to produce an electronic portfolio that demonstrates the achievement of their learning targets and the delivery of some benefit to their workplace. The portfolio may take the form of a formal report, a video or audio report or use any appropriate medium.

Associated careers

This course is designed to meet the requirements of people already working in a professional or voluntary environment. It is about enabling individuals to take charge of their own personal and professional development and is of most value to people looking to progress within their current field.
Entry Requirements: An appropriate level 3 sector qualification and/or prior experience in the work sector plus GCSE English grade C or above or equivalent. Access to a stable work environment is also a requirement. Commitment to study and work in the sector (minimum of 400 working hours in the sector). GCSE(s) Required: GCSE English grade C or above, or equivalent
Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

How to apply

Online application will be available shortly

Location

  • Distance Learning

Duration

Up to 4 years

Teaching times*

Flexible Distance Learning

Available starts

September, January

Student finance

Faculty

Health, Social Care & Education

Department

Education

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:

 

*Teaching days and times are for guidance only and are subject to change each academic year. We advise all applicants to wait until they are in receipt of their timetable before making arrangements around their course times.

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