FdSc Healthcare Practice

Standard entry requirements

You will meet the following criteria:

• Aged 18 years or older
• Hold a relevant Level 3 qualification with a minimum of 32 UCAS points (BTEC, A-Levels or a T-Level)
• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above
• A minimum of grade 4 in GCSE maths and English or Functional Skills
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with college policy

Non-standard entry requirements

For mature students (aged 21 by 31 December of the year of admission) or those with the adequate qualifications or experience to gain access to the course, you will also hold:

• Grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English or Functional Skills
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with college policy

International applicants

You will be required to provide evidence that your English Language ability is an overall IELTS score of 5.5 in speaking, reading, writing and listening.

All applicants will be required to attend an interview where you will be asked a series of standardised scenario-based questions to identify your knowledge, preparedness and aspirations. You will also complete a written test to assess your academic writing skills so we can make a student support referral if needed.

This can be completed remotely if needed.

You will be invited to attend a one-one interview, consisting of a series of standardised scenario-based questions to identify prior knowledge, preparedness, aspirations.

You will be asked a set of questions and will complete a written test to identify your academic writing skills ability.

Upon completion of the FdSc Healthcare Practice, you should have acquired a range of skills relevant to healthcare practices which would include:

• Analytical and critical thinking skills - to evaluate healthcare practices while applying evidence-based approaches.
• Assessment and clinical skills - specifically relevant to health practice in the acute and primary settings.
• Appreciating and demonstrating the importance of professional values and behaviours while promoting equality and diversity, and being able to identify, implement and monitor the available evidence in health care resulting in best practice.
• Management of heath challenges resulting in improvement of health outcomes while promoting health, preventing disease, and prolonging life.
• Ensuring supportive safe healthcare practice through effective partnership working and integration of care systems.
• Professional development and leadership skills necessary to facilitate effective healthcare, health promotion and public health interventions by implementing behavioural or service change.
• Participation in digital technology and evaluating the impact that this can have on emerging healthcare trends and improving quality of life.

Level 4

• Professional Study Skills
• Applying Anatomy and Physiology to Disease/Disorder/Injury
• Assessment and Clinical Skills in Healthcare
• Prevention and Control of Infection
• Health and Well-being Across a Lifespan
• Professional Values and Accountability

Level 5

• Professional Development and Leadership
• Promoting and Prolonging Health and Preventing Ill Health
• Effective Partnership Working and Integrated Care Systems
• Digital Technological Skills in Healthcare
• Health Inequalities
• Evidence Based Person Centred Care

You will be in class two days per week from 9am-4pm.

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

This programme is directly applicable to work situations and the theory is related to practical work-based situations, where possible. Each individual module will use different teaching and learning strategies depending upon the nature of the subject.

The teaching and learning methods will include a combination of different approaches including but not limited to:

• Lectures - to introduce the relevant theory and knowledge of the topic.
• Workshops and seminars - to develop your understanding of the theory from a lecture using case studies, role-plays, and practical workshops utilising digital simulation equipment for a valuable ‘near to real life’ experience.
• Academic Tutorials - to receive feedback that helps you to develop your study and academic skills, such as research. Academic Tutorials are embedded into each module so you can discuss your progress and aspirational targets, and receive the guidance and support needed to achieve.
• Pastoral Tutorials - you will be allocated a personal tutor. The programme covers all aspects of health including mental health and well-being, your personal tutor is there when issues explored cause direct personal impact. You can request to access further support when necessary.

Employment in the health sector is encouraged but not a necessity for this degree. You will benefit from employer contact which is linked to an employer set project.

You will take part in an innovative project set by employers. The project will be relevant to the sector and could include developing a plan for service improvement, quality assurance or a health promotion.

This activity will be embedded within the Professional Development and Leadership module, the results of which will be presented to employers as part of your assessment.

As a graduate, you could find employment in a range of higher-level roles within the healthcare sector, such as healthcare assistant, care escort, family support worker, residential warden, community health or development worker, health advisor, public health worker, senior care worker or a health care managerial role.

You could also choose to progress to study a top-up degree or degree qualification.