Overview
Course Summary
The course is available to all practitioners in the fields of health and social care, including adult, child, mental health and learning disability nursing, midwives, community nurses, practice nurses, social care staff, professions allied to medicine and assistants to professional health and social care staff. It is designed to provide their needs for continuous professional development.
This course provides an update on knowledge and skills to established Health and Social Care practitioners, who require to study for an award at Diploma level. The content builds on previous learning and prepares the practitioner for further study at degree level. The subjects studied represent a broad perspective on contemporary health and social care. Practitioners will be able to apply their learning to their area of practice. A practitioner should be able to complete the course in 3 years of part time study, but registration can last to a maximum of 5 years.
The Dip HE Health & Social Care Practice programme aims to achieve the following:
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To equip students to build on their knowledge and understanding of the principles of health and social care.
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To enable students to search for, analyse, interpret, utilise and apply relevant information in their field of practice.
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To promote the ability to evaluate and problem solve in their area of practice.
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To develop existing knowledge and competences and acquire new competences in their field of practice
Core Skills
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Demonstrate an understanding of the issues facing health and social care providers and practitioners in contemporary practice.
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Utilise research and available information in order to achieve improved care through evidence based practice.
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Develop an improved level of knowledge that can be applied to their area of practice.
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Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the use of information technology in searching for information and preparing assessments.
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Apply reflection and flexible approaches to work situations.
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Utilise relevant knowledge and problem solving skills to benefit the working environment.
Content and Modules
Module Framework and Module Description
In order to complete the DipHE Health & Social Care Practice course, the student needs to have completed 120 level 5 credits from the following modules:
Mandatory Modules
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Contemporary Health and Social Care (40 credits)
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Application of Research to Clinical Practice (20 credits)
Optional Modules
Any three of these 20 credit modules, depending on their availability.
Examples of modules that are applicable to all students are:
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Leadership in Health & Social Care
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Counselling Skills
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Ethics, Philosophy and Law in Practice
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Enhancing Clinical practice in Health & Social Care
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Work Based Learning
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Contemporary Perspectives in Health Promotion & Public Health
Further Information
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
A variety of teaching and learning methods are employed on the programme. Standard teaching is augmented by student participation and interaction. The use of the ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ is encouraged, although this is always supported by learner teacher contact. Group discussions, debates, seminar presentations and reflective exercises will be utilised. Tutorials are available for all students.
Assessment is a mixture of formally, university led essays, examinations and presentations. Student involvement is sought in some modules with peer assessment being used in order to involve and develop student skills. Written assignments with the exception of dissertations and portfolios, are submitted and marked on-line.
Timetabling
The teaching is divided into two semesters, semester one runs from September to January and Semester Two from February to June. Students would normally take one module each semester. Each module requires an attendance of six days, usually spaced at intervals of two weeks across a 12 week period. Some modules may be delivered through open learning, where attendance is negotiated with the module leader. Students will be provided with timetables when they attend the module.
Students will be given a maximum period of 5 years to complete their Diploma, from the date of their first enrolment.
Work Experience
It is expected that students will be working in care areas. Although all modules will require students to apply their learning to their work, some modules (e.g. work based learning) will consist of activities that can only be achieved in the workplace.
Tutorial and Study Support
Each module has timetabled opportunities for tutorials. Module Leaders will always be available to respond to student needs and concerns. All students will be allocated a personal tutor to help guide them through the course and act as advisors.
The University offers Learning Support which includes study skills, numeracy, essay writing, researching, referencing and support for any student who has problems with learning.
Opportunities on Completion of the Course
The University offers further progression of studies to degree level programmes. Details are available from the Course Leader.
If you require further information
For further course information, please contact the course leader:
Harry Waterman
E: h.watermanucs.ac.uk|
T: 01493 334206