Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical practitioner learner might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
- Awarding Institution / Body
- Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
- University School/Centre
- External Accreditation
- Title of Final Award
- Modes of Attendance offered
- UCAS Code
- Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
QAA M Level descriptors
- Other external influences
- Date of production/revision of this form
- Aims of the Programme
- To enable practitioner learners to understand the key skills, knowledge and values underpinning the role of the Best Interest Assessor (BIA)
- To enable practitioner learners to develop skills and knowledge necessary to implement Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards effectively
- To enable practitioner learners to develop the skills necessary to collect and evaluate complex information in order to make decisions that are in the best interests of the service user
- Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Critically explore mental capacity and the impact of incapacity on service users, carers and their families
A2. Critically reflect on the application and context of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and other relevant policy, legislation and guidance
A3Critically evaluate range and suitability of available care options, balancing safety and risk
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching/learning strategies will be utilised in order to provide the best possible learning environment. Key lectures will be used to present theoretical concepts. Case-studies, group work, reflections on practice/placement and tutorials will be utilised to build on knowledge gained through key lectures. Supplementary module material will be available through e- learn. Provide an observational experience within the local area.
Assessment methods
Exam, presentation and case study
B.Subject-specific skills
B!. Demonstrate knowledge of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and critically evaluate these, drawing on a range of relevant research
B2. Critically reflect on the key skills, knowledge and values underpinning the role of the BIA
B3. Critically reflect on the significance of individual rights, independence, self-determination, choice and dignity within the context of the Mental Capacity Act
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching/learning strategies will be utilised in order to provide the best possible learning environment. Key lectures will be used to present theoretical concepts. Case-studies, group work, reflections on practice/placement and tutorials will be utilised to build on knowledge gained through key lectures. Supplementary module material will be available through e- learn. Provide an observational experience within the local area.
Assessment methods
Exam, presentation and case study
C.Thinking Skills
Practitioner learners on a post-graduate programme will be expected to:
C1 have a critical awareness of current problems/ new insights in their field of study/ area of professional practice
C2 show originality in their application of knowledge
C3 be able to deal with complex issues in a creative and systematic way
C4 tackle and solve problems in original ways
(QAA M level descriptors)
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching/learning strategies will be utilised in order to provide the best possible learning environment. Key lectures will be used to present theoretical concepts. Case-studies, group work, reflections on practice/placement and tutorials will be utilised to build on knowledge gained through key lectures. Supplementary module material will be available through e- learn. Provide an observational experience within the local area.
Assessment methods
Exam, presentation and case study
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1 communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of audiences
D2 develop qualities needed for employment in complex and unpredictable environments where sound judgment, personal responsibility and initiative are required
D3 development of and reflection on their own learning
D4 evaluate and review their learning
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching/learning strategies will be utilised in order to provide the best possible learning environment. Key lectures will be used to present theoretical concepts. Case-studies, group work, reflections on practice/placement and tutorials will be utilised to build on knowledge gained through key lectures. Supplementary module material will be available through e- learn. Provide an observational experience within the local area.
Assessment methods
Exam, presentation and case study
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 4 / SW4120 / Best Interest assessor / 20 / Target Award:
Certificate Best Interest Assessor
15.Personal Development Planning
PDP will be facilitated through group tutorials and practitioner learners will be required to complete a personal development section in their placement portfolio which is submitted at the end of the course.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
Admission to this programme will be in conjunction with the candidates’ employers who will nominate them to undertake this training. Employers can only nominate from the following as set out in
The Mental Capacity (Deprivation of Liberty: Standard Authorisations, Assessments and Ordinary Residence) Regulations 2008:
A person is eligible to carry out a best interests assessment if they are either
• an approved mental health professional or
• a social worker registered with the General Social Care Council or
• a first level nurse, registered in Sub-Part 1 of the Nurses’ Part of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 or
• an occupational therapist registered in Part 6 of the register maintained under article 5 of the Health Professions Order 2001 or
• a chartered psychologist who is listed in the British Psychological Society’s Register of Chartered Psychologists and who holds a relevant practising certificate issued by that Society
• is not suspended from the register or list relevant to the person’s profession and
• has at least two years post registration experience in that profession
17.Key sources of information about the programme
- Certificate Best Interest Assessorfact sheet
- UCLAN post graduate course prospectus
- School website
- Information provided to employers
- Publicity information
18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / B1 / B2 / B3 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
Level 4 / SW4120 / Best Interest Assessor / C / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X