Program Overview
This two-year foundation degree in Health and Social Care provides practical skills and knowledge in the field. It combines academic study with work-based learning, preparing students for careers in health and social care. The program covers topics such as health and social care policy, practice, and research methods, and offers opportunities for specialization in areas like young people, mental health, and drug and alcohol abuse support.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
- Develop practical skills and knowledge in health and social care.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of health and social care policy and practice.
- Prepare for a career in health and social care.
Description:
- The program combines academic study and work-based learning.
- You will learn about health and social care policy and practice, including understanding health, social care, and wellbeing.
- You will develop key skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- The program is designed to be flexible and meet the needs of individual students.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Work-Based Learning in Health and Social Care Settings 1 (20 credits): Explore the central concerns of health and social care in a practical setting. Examine the complexities surrounding the understanding of knowledge, theories, issues, and skills required when working within health and social care practice. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills through work-based learning to increase your employability when you graduate.
- Applied Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits): Gain an understanding of the theory and practice of qualitative research methodologies and methods in social science. Discover the history of social science research and the philosophical and methodological debates which have underpinned the emergence of contemporary social science. Carry out your own research, investigating an aspect of contemporary social life, learning how to think about, organise, manage, and report on social scientific research.
- Understanding Health and Social Care (20 credits): Explore the central concerns of health and social care knowledge, topics, issues, and service users from the origins of the Welfare State through to contemporary society. Examine the complexities of what we mean by health and how inequalities in health are endemic.
- Exploring Psycho-Social Theory (20 credits): Consider the roles that biology, psychology and sociology may play in inherent individual behaviour, in order to understand the complexities of individual and collective behaviour in contemporary society. Interpret and apply these theoretical perspectives to specific issues within different areas of social sciences.
- Developing Independent Learning and Professionalism in the Social Sciences (20 credits): Develop your study skills and personal qualities required in an academic and professional context. Explore the social contexts in relation to the practical and emotional effects of transitioning into Higher Education and the impact of this on your learning. Reflect upon this, learning strategies and mechanisms of support to facilitate the transition.
- Dimensions of Health and Social Care (20 credits): Explore what we understand health to mean and the multifactorial perspectives which contribute towards this understanding. Examine biomedical and social understandings of health and illness and the impact of social class, gender, ethnicity, and place, as well as the impact of the media and how health and illness is represented therein.
Year 2:
- Contemporary Challenges in Health and Social Care (20 credits): Examine the contemporary challenges in health and social care and consider the implications these issues have for policy and practice. Learn about how and why these challenges have emerged and the complexities of dealing with them. Analyse the ways in which the challenges covered have been informed and developed as a result of global and local social changes, culture, politics, ideology, and economics converging as current social problems. Investigate a range of empirical sources and use theoretical models to explore some of the possible wider sociological causes of the issues covered.
- Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (20 credits): Learn about the theory and practice of quantitative research methodologies and methods in social science. Apply the principles underpinning quantitative research to the analysis and interpretation of statistical data. Carry out your own research, investigating an aspect of contemporary social life, learning how to think about, organise, manage, and report quantitative research.
- Work-Based Learning in Health and Social Care Settings 2 (20 credits): Build on the knowledge gained throughout the course to develop your own practice, reflection, and ability to apply theory to practice. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills through work-based learning to increase your employability when you graduate.
- Health Improvement and Healthy Lifestyles (20 credits): Study the concepts, theories, and models underpinning contemporary health promotion and lifestyle behaviour change. Examine biopsychosocial theoretical approaches, values, and beliefs in relation to the application of models of health promotion and behaviour change.
- Working Together to Safeguard Vulnerable Children, Young People and Adults (20 credits): Study what lessons can be learned by partner agencies about the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, through the analysis of real serious case reviews.
- Early Life Course Approaches to the Health and Social Care of Children, Young People and Families (20 credits): Develop knowledge of life course approaches towards health, incorporating biopsychosocial theoretical perspectives. Gain knowledge and a critical understanding of each early life stage from before birth through to young adulthood, including contemporary challenges which are compared to different historical periods and different geographical places.
Assessment:
- **Your progress will be assessed with evaluations of work experience, reports, presentations, and time-constrained tests.
- **Throughout the course, you'll have one-to-one support from academic staff.
Teaching:
- **The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study.
- **You will have access to a team of experienced and qualified academic staff.
- **The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including interactive learning, case studies, and problem-based learning.
Careers:
- **Health and social care is a diverse field with opportunities to specialize in areas such as young people, mental health, or drug and alcohol abuse support.
- **Academic qualifications in Health and Social Care allow you to work in the NHS, charities such as Age UK and MIND, social care organisations such as Turning Point, and other public, private, and voluntary sector health agencies.
- **Some careers, such as social work, nursing or occupational therapy, require additional academic and professional qualifications.
- **When you've completed this Foundation Degree, you'll have the opportunity to 'top-up' to the full undergraduate BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree.
Other:
- **You'll need a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before you can start this course.
- **If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.
- **The program is taught at East Durham College.
- **Please contact East Durham College for more information about facilities and location.
University of Sunderland
Overview:
The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.
Services Offered:
The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.Student Support:
Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options.Career Services:
Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Student Life:
A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Quality Facilities:
The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.Inclusive Culture:
The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.Vibrant City:
Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.Strong Industry Links:
The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.Academic Programs:
The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Arts and Design:
Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.Sciences:
Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.Business and Law:
Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.Computing and Engineering:
Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.Education and Social Sciences:
Education, Psychology, and Social Work.Other:
The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Entry Requirements:
UK/Ireland/EU applicants:
- Academic qualifications:
- One of the following qualifications in a relevant subject area:
- Level 3 Diploma or NVQ
- 104 UCAS points (for older Level 3 qualifications)
- Access to Higher Education Diploma or Certificate (pass grade) with at least 45 credits at level 3
- A pass in English Language GCSE grade C or above
- Work experience:
- Experience in health and social care. This can be gained through paid or voluntary work.
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check:
- Required before starting the course.
International students:
Additional notes:
- You may also be eligible to apply if you don't have formal qualifications but have at least two years' relevant work experience. However, the context suggests that the program is likely taught in English, and therefore, a certain level of English proficiency would be necessary. It's recommended that potential international applicants contact the admissions team for specific details on language requirements.