This course is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of the issues that affect people who use social services and how to deliver those services so that they work for the people who need them. It provides a firm foundation to progress to the top-up programme and graduate with BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Management. Alternatively you may wish to begin a challenging and fulfilling career in the caring professions.
The delivery of primary care services is changing. Health and social care workers need to have up-to-date skills, knowledge and expertise and an awareness of the best available evidence to inform their practice and be able to work within an inter-agency culture. You will be encouraged to reflect on your work in terms of what you believe in and develop a moral framework for your practice. The course explores issues relating to group and teamwork, and collaboration across agencies.
You will complete core modules in: • Social Policy • Applied Human Development • Sociology • Values, Morals and Ethics • Interpersonal and Communication Skills • Protection and Vulnerability • Evidence in Practice • Researching Health and Social Care • Professional Practice and the Workplace
You will also complete up to two 8 week work placements that will give you valuable experience and insight into how the sector works. In your second year you will undertake a research project in a subject of your choice.
At interview and in your personal statement, we are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities and skills, although all will be further developed throughout your learning.
• An interest in social issues and working with people. • Communication Skills. Important in all health and social care settings. Your course could include oral presentations, formal report writing and in-depth research. • Group/Team Work. All jobs in health and social care require the ability to work in groups and teams. • Independent Learning / Study Skills. You will already have some of these skills, although your transition to higher education is supported by your personal support tutor and student support services. • Problem Solving. The new welfare agenda requires health and social care workers to take a more innovative and creative approach to how they work. • Occupation Specific Skills. If you have any prior work experience please tell us, although an integral element of the programme is supervised work experience placements.
Modules are assessed by written assignment. Teaching and learning is done through lectures, supervised discussion, small group work and presentations.
This course prepares you for practitioner and supervisory roles in a range of care settings. You could become a project worker or a senior social work assistant working in family centres, residential and day care settings. Many choose to undertake an additional year of study at Somerset College to gain a BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Management degree or join the third year of a recommended Honours degree course at the Univeristy of Plymouth.
Relevant National Diploma (PPP) or A Levels or Advanced New Diploma (120 points minimum) or Access Certificate.
We also require students to have GCSE English at grade C (or equivalent).
Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.
Please note: Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.
Interviews last approximately 15 minutes plus a group presentation. This is a valuable opportunity for you to discuss your application and demonstrate your personal skills.
This course may involve regular access to children and/or vulnerable adults (also known as regulated activity).
All students applying for this course will be legally required to register with the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) which is administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). The ISA has been established as a single agency to monitor all individuals who want to work or volunteer with vulnerable people. From the 6th of April 2011the fee for an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check will be £44. The College will send further instructions on applying for your CRB as part of the admissions process.
Full-time: To be confirmed per year (for 2012-13)
Part-time (assumes 3 years part-time study to complete): To be confirmed per year (for 2012-13)
Fees for 2013/14 will be confirmed in the 2013 summer term
Tel: 01823 366 331; Email: enquiries@somerset.ac.uk