Do you want to gain a well-respected qualification to open doors for you in the field of health and social care?

 

The BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care is a reputable qualification which will develop your understanding of the key issues that exert influence on health, social care and wellbeing. This is a blended learning degree programme, which is run in a joint franchise collaboration between Chevron Training and the University of Sunderland. This programme will furnish you with a comprehensive understanding of:

• health and social care policy
  &
• health and social care practice

During weekly voiceover lectures, discussion forums and fortnightly webinars you will explore the key contemporary issues that influence health, social care and the wellbeing of individuals and communities, from theoretical, policy and practical perspectives.

Furthermore, BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care combines

• academic rigour
  with
• practical experience;

you will have the opportunity to critically reflect upon and assess your new knowledge and skills in a 60-hour work placement in your final year.

 

Course Structure

 

This degree programme consists of three stages. University of Sunderland describe them as stages rather than years, as, if a student takes a leave of absence, repeats modules, or studies part-time, their year of study will differ from their stage of study. For example, a student who studies part time may be on their second year of study but be engaging with modules at Stage One. Modules are also categorised according to levels. Levels identify modules within the UK national qualifications framework. Modules on the first stage of the degree are at Level 4 (equivalent of level 6 on the Irish qualifications framework), the second stage at Level 5 (level 7 on Irish framework), and the final stage at Level 6 (level 8 on Irish framework). All modules on the course are each worth 20 academic credits, with the Health and Social Care dissertation in Stage 3 carrying a weighting of 40 credits. Each stage is worth 120 credits. Degree award classification calculations are based on Stages, not Level of modules studied. For example, 80% of your degree classification is based on what you study at Stage 3.

 

Outline of  Stage 1 Modules

Stage 1 is comprised of 6 core 20 credit modules. All stage 1 modules are assessed at level 4 on the UK National Qualifications Framework (equivalent of level 6 on the Irish framework). The 6 core stage 1 modules are outlined in the Table that follows. All students are strongly encouraged to attend the face to face induction session at the beginning of each semester. It is strongly advised that all students begin their programme of study with the Independent Learning and Professionalism in the Social Sciences module (SSC114). Copy this link into your web browser:

 https://prezi.com/view/2D8RnzTaaDBepKB2T95B/ 

for an outline of the module including a week by week synopsis. Each 20 credit module requires a total of 200 notional hours of learning across the duration of the module; this time is made up of engagement with tutor-prepared material through access to the LearnUpon VLE, participation in discussion forums, online presentations, specific webinars, directed reading and reflection, collaborative activities and formative assessment tasks.

 

Outline of Stage 2 Modules

Stage 2 is comprised of 4 core 20 credit modules. Individual students, in consultation with their Studies Advisor, choose 2 out of 3 option modules to complete the final 40 credits for this stage. The core and option modules are outlined in the Table that follows. All stage 2 modules are assessed at level 5 on the UK National Qualifications Framework (equivalent of level 7 on the Irish framework).

 

Outline of Stage 3 Modules

Stage 3 is comprised of 3 core modules. Health and Social Care dissertation (SSC302) is a 40 credit module while the other two core modules are each worth 20 academic credits. Individual students, in consultation with their Studies Advisor, choose 2 out of 6 option modules to complete the final 40 credits for this stage. The core and option modules are outlined in the Table that follows. All stage 3 modules are assessed at level 6 on the UK National Qualifications Framework (equivalent of level 8 on the Irish framework).

The strengths of the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care blended learning degree programme lie in the way in which academic theory and real life practice are integrated to combine a solid foundation for a career in the world of Health and Social Care. Sunderland’s graduates have taken a variety of career paths following their degree, including as Health Service management, social work, teaching, palliative care, nursing, drug and alcohol work, community and youth work, mental health and counselling work, working with the elderly, with children, and with those with special educational needs. Research and further academic study is also included in Sunderland’s list of graduate destinations.

 

Chevron will provide all learners on the BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care with a Personal Studies Advisor. The role of the Studies Advisor is to support online students to become independent learners. Learning independently can be challenging, even for the most motivated learners.  There are four key stages to independent learning, known as self-directed learning. These include:

As a third level student you will require various skills and attitudes towards learning for successful independent study. Your studies advisor will support you to conduct a self-evaluation and will support you to examine your study habits and support network both online and at home. This process also involves evaluating past experiences with independent learning. Signs of readiness for self-directed learning include being:

• autonomous
• organised
• self-disciplined
• able to communicate effectively
• able to accept constructive feedback
• engage in self-evaluation and self­-reflection.

In collaboration with your Studies Advisor each student will complete a personal SWOT and Training Needs Analysis. This will support students with their Personal Development Planning (PDP). PDP lies at the heart of assessment, learning, support and achievement. It helps students to become active and motivated learners.

A PDP is:

• a personalised, flexible route map to guide your journey through each module
• a dynamic working document owned and used by you, the learner, supported by your Studies Advisor
• a record of learning goals and progression routes, initial and diagnostic assessment information, learning targets, progress and achievements within different contexts for learning
• a communication aid between the learner and the Studies Advisor
• a way of making and reinforcing links and connections between topics, subject and personal, learning and thinking skills.