Health and Social Care - Foundation Degree (FdA)

The Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care was originally developed by the Faculty of Health at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in response to the needs of health and social care providers in the voluntary, private and public sectors. It aims to enhance staff training and qualifications to meet service quality and performance agendas. It combines academic understanding and skills, with generic and specific work-related skills, and incorporates occupational standards for health and social care workers. It aims to equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills, as well as addressing your continuing professional development needs.

Within their placements, undergraduates will develop key skills such as communication skills, empathy, time management, team work, ownership and leadership styles. The course will also provide students with the understanding of how to meet the needs of a range of clients from a multitude of cultures and backgrounds. The importance of providing a patient centred approach, promoting healthy lifestyles, empowering and encouraging independence and maintaining the dignity of all individuals will be embedded throughout the course. Key legislation and policies that underpin health and social care practice will be drawn upon and undergraduates will apply a variety of theoretical perspectives to practice.

The course will be relevant to those working, or intending to work, with individuals, families, groups or communities in residential and community-based health and social care related settings, for example, families and children, older people, people with physical or learning disabilities, young people or those with mental health or drug related problems.

Assessment will take the form of essays, case studies, presentations, reports, research activities and group work. You will have access to learning resources at the Hugh Baird University Centre and at the University of Central Lancashire. Delivery of modules will include seminars, presentations, group discussion, debate, case studies, reflective journals, portfolio building and independent study.