UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care Practice
1. Awarding Institution/Body / University of Kent2. Teaching Institution / Canterbury College
3. Teaching Site / Canterbury College
4. Programme accredited by:
5. Final Award / Foundation Degree, Certificate
6. Programme / Health and Social Care Practice
7. UCAS Code (or other code)
8. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s) / Health Studies
9. Date of production/revision / July 2008
10. Applicable cohort(s) / From April 2005
11. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:
1. Develop practitioner skills to enable them to participate effectively in health and social care practice.
2. Equip students for a career in health and social care or further study and with a wide range of transferable skills for employment in the private, public and voluntary care sectors.
3. Foster a capacity in students to critically assess evidence from a range of social science disciplines.
4. Encourage students to appreciate how care policies are continuously reconstructed and changed.
5. Provide a broad spectrum of knowledge and understanding of issues, theories and concepts relevant to health and social care practice.
6. Develop the research and analytical skills of students.
7. Encourage the development of students’ interpersonal skills in communication, time management and team building.
8. Support the aspirations of the students in their learning targets.
9. Encourage students to reflect on and evaluate their own learning and achievements.
12. Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme outcomes have references to the subject benchmarking statement for Health Studies (SB).
Knowledge and Understanding / Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
A. Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. factors influencing the changing environment of health and social care practice in the public, private and voluntary care sectors (SB1.11) / Teaching/learning
A variety of learning and teaching strategies will be employed including: lectures; seminars; self-directed learning; problem-based learning scenarios; learner-centred mentoring; individual and group presentations; project work and workshops. The programme will be fully supported by a range of learner-centred activities including regular face-to face contact. Involvement of the employer will be sought in supporting work-based learning and a system of Work-based mentoring will also be developed recognising the significance of the workplace as a learning environment.
The learner will develop understanding of the practice, theories and issues, be able to reflect on them and apply knowledge to their work and studies.
Assessment
Progress and attainment of learning outcomes will be determined by formal and informal assessment of through a combination of written and oral methods, including discussions, assignments, presentations, project work, and work-based learning.
2. current professional practice within the health and social care environment (SB1.5, 1.2,1.7)
3. key ethical values underpinning health and social care practice (SB1.10)
4. the main concepts and principles in health and social care practice (SB1.5)
5. main methods of enquiry and an ability to evaluate evidence critically (SB1.3)
6. the diverse determinants of health and health status (SB1.4)
7. cultural and social diversity, in relation to health and social care practice (SB1.12, 1.9, 1.8)
8. health as a contested concept (SB 1.1)
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills:
1. Develop and enhance reflective skills in relation to practice (SB 2.4) / Teaching/learning
A variety of learning and teaching strategies will be employed including: lectures; seminars; self-directed learning; problem-based learning scenarios; learner-centred mentoring; individual and group presentations; project work and workshops. The programme will be fully supported by a range of learner-centred activities including regular face-to face contact. Work-based mentors will also be encouraged.
The learner will be able to reflect on the knowledge, understanding and work-based skills acquired and will be required to carry out analysis, formulate arguments and solve problems relating to the health and social care sector.
Assessment
Formal and informal assessment of progress and achievements will take place through a combination of written and oral assessments, including discussions, assignments, presentations, project work and work-based learning.
2. Examine and evaluate relevant legislation as it relates to health and social care practice (SB 1.4)
3. Examine and evaluate working practices and organisation performance in the context of current drivers for change in health and social care.(SB 1.13)
4. Be able draw on research and research methodologies in order to carry out effective research into a specified area of study and be able to use and present findings appropriately. (SB 2.6)
5. Analyse key issues, e.g. economic, environmental, political, and be able to evaluate changes and future pressures.(SB 2.2)
6. Ability to articulate a coherent argument from a range of theoretical perspectives relating to health and social care using appropriate academic conventions, including quoting from and acknowledging sources correctly. (SB 2.5)
7. Ability to synthesize coherent arguments from a range of contesting theories relating to health and social care issues. (SB 2.3)
C. Subject-specific Skills:
1. Developing the Ability to study effectively at HE level (SB 1.14) / Teaching/learning
A variety of learning and teaching strategies will be employed including: lectures; seminars; self-directed learning; problem-based learning scenarios; learner-centred mentoring; individual and group presentations; project work and workshops. The programme will be fully supported by a range of learner-centred activities including regular face-to face contact. Involvement of the employer will be sought in supporting work-based learning and a system of Work-based mentoring will also be developed recognising the significance of the workplace as a learning environment.
The learner will undertake analysis of case studies and scenarios to develop and expand their understanding of the work environment and their ability to solve health and social care-related problems. The learner will be expected to use a range of communication and presentation media.
Assessment
Formal and informal assessment of progress and achievements will take place through a combination of written and oral assessments, including discussions, assignments, presentations, project work and work-based learning.
2. Ability to incorporate an assessment of risk into the care planning process (SB 1.7)
3. Ability to recognise the rights of the individual in relation to equality and diversity and to be able to incorporate understanding into practice (SB 1.12)
4. Ability to understand the significant features of a professional relationship and to be able to be able to develop, maintain and disengage from a professional relationship (SB 1.7)
5. Understanding and an ability to apply in practice concepts of quality, governance and care values in a health or social care setting (SB 1.5, 1.10)
6. Ability to understand and implement research methods into practice including the audit process and to define a research problem that relates to a particular workplace (SB 2.2, 2.6)
7. Understanding of the socio-political influences on health and social care and how these impact on the individual (SB 1.6, 2.1)
8. An ability to understand the significance of factors influencing human growth and development across the lifespan and to use this understanding in the care of the individual.
9. An ability to fuse academic and work-based skills to develop and enhance their role as effective practitioners (SB 2.4)
D. Transferable Skills:
1. Managing and developing self - ability to manage own roles and responsibilities, to manage own time in achieving objectives, to undertake personal and career development, to transfer skills gained to new and changing situations and contexts (SB 3.6, 3.10) / Teaching/learning
Transferable skills will be taught as an integral part of all modules. These skills are considered essential in developing an individual’s personal effectiveness in the work environment and to develop the necessary academic skills required to undertake the programme of study
The programme of study commences with a Study Skills Module, which explicitly explores, develops and assesses skills ensuring that the learners are fully prepared for study at HE level. Further additional support (as required) will also be offered through tutorials/Personal Development Plans for the duration of their studies.
Assessment
Assessment methods will be designed to ensure the acquisition of transferable skills. These are an integral part of teaching and assessment; the learner will be able to see how these skills improve the quality of their performance both academically and within the work-based environment.
2. Working with and relating to others - ability to treat others' values, beliefs and opinions with respect, to relate to and interact effectively with individuals and groups, to work effectively as a team member, to develop negotiating skills (SB 3.3, 3.4, 3.7)
3. Communicating - ability to receive and respond to a variety of information, present information in a variety of visual forms, to communicate in writing, to participate in oral and non-verbal communication (SB 3.1, 3.2)
4. Managing tasks and solving problems - ability to use information sources, deal with a combination of routine and non-routine tasks, to identify and solve routine and non-routine problems (SB 3.5)
5. Applying numeracy - ability to apply numerical skills and techniques appropriately (SB 3.9)
6. Applying technology - ability to use a range of technological equipment and systems appropriately (SB 3.8, 3.9)
For more information on the skills provided by individual modules and on the specific learning outcomes associated with the Certificate award, see the module mapping.
13. Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards
The Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care Practice is a vocationally focused higher education qualification aimed at increasing the number of people qualified at higher technical and professional level. Successful learners are able to progress to programmes such as: BSc Health and Social Care Practice (University of Kent at Medway), BA Care Management/BA Social Care Management (Canterbury College), BSc Interprofessional Practice (Canterbury Christ Church University College)
The Foundation Degree has been designed in close collaboration with leading stakeholders in the health and social care sector. This collaboration will continue to enable the programme to respond to the developing needs of the health and social care sector.
Work-based learning and assessment is an integral part of this programme with higher- level knowledge and understanding reinforcing the development of vocational skills. A contract between Canterbury College, the student and the employer will be in place to ensure that the student is supported with their work-based learning. Those who successfully complete the Foundation Degree will have the potential to make an immediate contribution in the workplace and an early impact on corporate performance.
The programme will be offered on a part-time basis over 3 years and full time over two years. The programme will be delivered by blocks of study, which vary from between four to fifteen weeks. Students undertaking the full time model must not be employed above a maximum of 25 hours per week. The programme consists of two stages and students will need to meet University progression requirements before proceeding from stage one to stage two. Successful students will gain 240 credits (120ECTS) 135 at level C and 105 at level I.
Students successfully completing Stage 1 of the programme and meeting credit framework requirements who do not successfully complete Stage 2 will be eligible for the award of the Certificate.
Code / Title / Level / Credits(ECTS) / Term(s)
Part-time model
Stage 1KI301 / Study Skills in HE / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 1
KI302 / Health, Safety and Security in the Workplace / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 2
KI303 / Equality, Diversity and Rights / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 3
KI304 / Understanding Relationships in Care / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 4
KI305 / Personal and Professional Development Related to Workplace Practice I / C / 15 (7.5) / Over the year
KI306 / Quality and Governance in Health and Social Care Practice / C / 15 (7.5) / Block1
KI307 / Researching and Implementing Best Practice / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 2
KI308 / Socio-political Context of Health and Social Care / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 3
Stage 2
KI312 / Human Growth and Development / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 4
KI590 / Personal and Professional Development Related to Workplace Practice II / I / 15 (7.5) / Over the year
KI592 / Research Project / I / 30 (15) / Over the year
KI314 / Workplace Mentoring Skills / I / 15 (7.5) / Block 1
Positive ageing / I / 15 (7.5) / Block 2
Chronic Disease Management in Older Age / I / 15 (7.5) / Block 3
Mental Health in Older Age / I / 15 (7.5) / Block 4
Code / Title / Level / Credits (ECTS) / Term(s)/ Semester(s)
Full-time model
Stage 1/ Year 1
KI301 / Study Skills in HE / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 1
KI302 / Health, Safety and Security in the Workplace / C / 15 (7.5) / Block2
KI303 / Equality, Diversity and Rights / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 2
KI304 / Understanding Relationships in Care / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 3
KI305 / Personal and Professional Development Related to Workplace Practice I / C / 15 (7.5) / Over the year
KI306 / Quality and Governance in Health and Social Care Practice / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 3
KI307 / Researching and Implementing Best Practice / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 4
KI308 / Socio-political Context of Health and Social Care / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 4
Stage 2/year 2
KI312 / Human Growth and Development / C / 15 (7.5) / Block 1
KI590 / Personal and Professional Development Related to Workplace Practice II / I / 15 (7.5) / Over the year
KI533 / Research Project / I / 30 (15) / Over the year
KI314 / Workplace Mentoring Skills / I / 15 (7.5) / Block 2
Positive Ageing / I / 15 (7.5) / Block 3
Chronic Disease Management in Older Age / I / 15 (7.5) / Block 3
Mental Health In Older Age / I / 15 (7.5) / Block 4
14. Support for Students and their Learning
¨ Induction Programme at the commencement of the programme of study and which continues throughout the course via personal tutorials
¨ Preparatory Module at the commencement of studies to develop learners’ study skills
¨ Student Handbook provided to all learners at the commencement of studies
¨ Tutorial System/Personal Tutor, including a minimum of 2 individual sessions a term and open access to Personal Tutor