Overview
This programme is being phased out and The Institute is no longer recruiting to it.
The BA (Hons) Health and Social Care Practice programme enables students, who will be predominantly Registered Health and Social Care Professionals, to achieve a post-qualifying degree. It has been designed with the needs of the local health and social services as a central focus. It is appropriate for a wide range of professional groups within health and social care and also related professional groups who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in this field.
This Programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and the student will receive a Middlesex University award on successful completion.
Students entering at Level 5 (diploma level) must achieve 120 credits at Level 5 and 120 credits at Level 6 to achieve a BA honours degree. These students are able to claim recognition of prior learning in relation to previous certified and experiential learning with regard to some of this credit requirement.
Students entering at Level 6 (degree level) must achieve 120 credits at Level 6 but may claim recognition of prior learning in relation to a Level 5 Diploma in a related field.
All students must complete the compulsory Evidence Based Practice and Dissertation modules.
Course content
What will you study on the BA (Hons) Health and Social Care Practice
A variety of modules taught and assessed at academic level 5 and 6, with a focus on topics related to health and social care.
Compulsory Modules
Evidence Based Practice (Levels 5&6): (20 credits)
This module aims to equip the student to deliver quality health and social care by enabling them to integrate their professional judgement with current best evidence. In order to do this the student requires information retrieval skills as well as the ability to critically appraise the range of evidence sources and consider its utility for practice.
At level 5, this module will enable the student to develop these skills and integrate theory with practice.
At level 6, this module will provide you with the opportunity to critically evaluate research derived from alternative paradigms and to consider the student’s utility for practice. Methods of disseminating research across the wider organisation will be explored and implemented whilst building on the knowledge and skills required to implement and disseminate evidence-based practice.
Dissertation (Level 6): (40 credits)
This module provides the student with an opportunity to demonstrate ‘graduateness’ by means of successful completion of a substantial piece of academic work. Completing the work will enable the student to demonstrate through a systematic appraisal of the literature, a sound understanding of research methodology and the ability to make recommendations for education and practice through synthesis of the findings.
Optional Modules
Anaesthetic Practice (Level 6): (40 credits)
The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA) state that ‘trained assistance for the anaesthetist must be provided wherever anaesthesia is administered’ (RCA 2010). This module is intended to prepare theatre-based registered nurses to undertake the role of an Anaesthetic Nurse, who as competent practitioners, will work with an anaesthetist to maintain the safety and well-being of individuals receiving an anaesthetic. It will also enable Operating Department Practitioners to extend their skills and knowledge in their role.
End-of-life care ( Level 5 & 6) (20 credits)
This module encompasses a range of conditions including cancers, dementia, heart disease and neurological conditions. This module is for all registered health and social care staff who support such individuals. Students will learn to use the key end-of-life care policy documents and will be encouraged to develop their existing knowledge and understanding of contemporary end-of-life care provision including holistic assessment.
Evaluating Quality in Health and Social Care (Level 6): (20 credits)
This module aims to enable students to develop leadership skills in relation to evaluating quality of service provision and identify areas for potential service development within the contexts of health and social care. They will gain insight into those structures and processes used to evaluate and improve the quality of services, and utilise these processes to evaluate an aspect of service provision within your own sphere of practice.
Facilitating Change in Health and Social Care (Level 6): (20 credits)
This module aims to enable students to explore the theoretical underpinnings which guide practice development, and to develop their leadership skills to facilitate a change in service delivery. Building upon the ‘Evaluating Quality in Health and Social Care’ module students will consider the theoretical and practical elements of service improvement. Exploring recent changes within health and social care, including the factors that have driven that change, students will analyse change management principles to plan implementation of change in their area of practice.
Health Promotion Policy and Practice (Levels 5&6): (20 credits)
To develop services in line with these reforms, students should understand the political, social and organisational influences in order to inform stakeholders, enabling them to develop their practice.
At level 5, this module will explore the relevance of health promotion interventions in a range of settings and enable the student to identify and evaluate health promotion interventions in practice.
At level 6, this module will outline the political, professional and ethical issues that impact on health promotion. It will also explore the relevance of health promotion interventions in a range of settings in contemporary professional practice, and enable you to identify and critically appraise health promotion interventions in practice.
Improving the Experiences of People with Dementia (Levels 5&6): (20 credits)
There are immense implications for society, especially in the funding of social care, but also the care needs for the person with dementia from a holistic viewpoint.
At level 5, this module will help the student to review their own and their colleagues’ attitudes and practices. It will also examine the needs of the service user’s carers.
At level 6, this module will provide a holistic view of dementia that considers a range of perspectives, and also help participants to review their own and colleagues’ attitudes and practices. It will also examine the needs of the service user’s carers.
Leadership in Health and Social Care (Level 6): (20 credits)
This module aims to enable students to critically examine the key concepts related to leadership of small teams within health and social care. Designed for those students who wish to develop a theoretical grasp of the issues encountered as a team leader or first line manager, it will explore theories of leadership, and individual and team performance development. It will also consider the key concepts of communication and the role of leadership in promoting equality and diversity within the workplace.
Promoting good practice in Mental Health OR Learning Disability (level 6): (20 credits)
This module aims to enable students to critically appraise contemporary guidance; identifying practice related developments that will enhance the care of people with a mental health condition OR the care of people with a learning disability. Theories of models of care will be explored, alongside change management principles and reflective frameworks. These will support the student to propose and reflect upon a development for practice that further promotes the care of service users.
Team Working in Health and Social Care (Levels 5&6): (20 credits)
Working collaboratively in teams with professional colleagues is recognised as essential to achieving best outcomes for effective delivery of health and social care, focused upon service user needs. The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity for the student to analyse the underpinning principles and theories of working within teams and demonstrate application to practice.
Teaching
How is the BA (Hons) Health and Social Care Practice taught?
Teaching is classroom based and via an electronic learning environment, with extensive independent study required
Additional features to this course:
- Group work will be used throughout the programme to enable students to share their experiences and perceptions, to share good practice and discuss challenges faced within set time frames
- Skills and Practical Workshops will focus on developing clinical skills and abilities utilising underpinning theory. You will have the opportunity to practice and rehearse within secure and safe environments such as skills laboratories
- Individual and Group tutorials may be used to provide individual or a small group tutorial to support you
- Lectures will introduce key information, concepts and theories. When used they will be followed up with seminars and group work to ensure clarity and understanding of the concepts introduced, and to maximise the integration of theory and practice
Dissertation
The course includes several workshops on different aspects of writing a dissertation from academics teaching on this programme who have produced high-quality, internationally-known research.
Assessment
All modules are assessed through coursework, which can be a combination of individual and/or group work and presentations.
Entry requirements
Most students wishing to apply will be expected to have completed a programme of study leading to a recognised qualification and registration with a professional body, normally within the field of Health & social Care. Students may be able to claim Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in relation to previous study with the aim of reducing duplication of study.
As this is a practice-focussed programme, students are normally expected to be working within the field of Health & Social Care or an associated role whilst undertaking this programme. They must have support from their line manager, as the assessment processes require students to integrate their learning and assessment tasks with the development of practice.
Consideration may be given to applicants seeking additional knowledge and skills that relate to the health and social care needs of the community they serve (for example police). These individuals will be able to seek alternative entry through the Institute’s RPL processes.
Fees and funding
The fees below refer to the 2022/23 academic year
£1,000 for a 20 credit unit
£2,000 for a 40 credit unit
Funding may be available for States of Guernsey employees. Please discuss with your manager.
Careers
How can the BA (Hons) Professional Practice support your career?
Experienced Registered Nurses and Allied Health Professionals, many of whom hold or are seeking more leadership/specialist focused roles, have identified the need to gain this level of academic qualification to enable them develop their practice. The programme aims to enhance the student’s ability to provide safe and effective delivery of service, and to undertake continuing professional development opportunities to enable them to fulfil the requirements of professional revalidation.
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The Institute
Princess Elizabeth Hospital
Rue Mignot
St Martins
Guernsey
GY4 6UU
Email: theinstitute@gov.gg
