What Makes This Course So Special?
The Foundation Degree Community Health & Well Being course is providing both an alternative route for students unable to achieve entry requirements for the growing undergraduate Health programmes currently offered by the Department of Health and Sport and, those who seek a work based qualification. For those who wish to progress on to Professional undergraduate courses such as Nursing, Midwifery or Therapies, successful completion of this Foundation Degree will give you 240 UCAS points and over 300 hours in a supervised, healthcare related practical work placement. A key element embedded in all Foundation Degrees is workplace learning and this course offers development in the workplace providing opportunities for ‘upskilling’ the current workforce and practical placements in years one and two.
There are National Occupational Competences attached to the role of the Assistant Practitioner (non clinical) and these are embedded in to work based practice. This is a degree in its own right which meets the widening access agenda and the need for qualified community development personnel. For many students, the achievement of a Foundation Degree may fulfil vocational and educational needs, as the qualification is now nationally seen as developing the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary in preparing for work, enhancing existing employment or in preparation for career change.
Course Intro
Community Health focuses on interventions that health care workers provide outside of health care establishments. However there are generic study skills elements attached to the programme, along with Anatomy and Pathology modules which would suit both acute and community practice. Community Health Workers use strong personal skills to improve access and early diagnosis in communities.
You will explore each of the human body systems, their organisation and interaction within the Anatomy and Physiology module. The effectiveness and availability of disease prevention and treatment options will be studied in the Pathology module and you will also develop knowledge and understanding of what it is like to function in practice. You will also be able to study health promotion theories and examine health policy initiatives.
Additional benefits of this course include the chance to top-up your foundation qualification to a full BSc (Hons) qualification with just one additional year of study.
What you Study
Year 1:
• Introduction to Academic and Professional Skills
• Work Based Practice 1 (Work Placement)
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Project, Research and Digital Skills for the Workplace
• Health Promotion, Physical Activity and Lifestyle
+ 1 from 2 options below:
• Pathology and Treatment of Disease
• Introduction to Nutrition
Year 2:
• Work Based Project Skills and Strategies
• Work Based Practice 2 (Work Placement)
• Ethics and Values in Interprofessional Practice
• Promoting Community Health and Well Being
• Health Psychology
+ 1 from 2 options below:
• Leadership in Interprofessional Teams
• Public Health Nutrition (if you have studied Introduction to Nutrition)
Year 3
Optional Top-Up to BSc (Hons)
• Health Policy
• Health Promotion
• Applied Professional Projector Dissertation
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
After completing your foundation degree you can choose to progress to a relevant full degree programme. You can also choose to leave with a foundation qualification and pursue the career of your choice in a related area which may include the following:
• Community health work
• Social care
• NHS
• Rehabilitation work
• Private sector
• Application to Nursing, Midwifery or Therapy courses
Interview Required
No interview will be required if you meet the programme entry requirements. However, we would encourage you to use the opportunity to attend one of our Open Days to talk to the tutors about the course.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods including essays, group work, presentations and online applications. Assessments are both formative and summative.
Student Soundbite
“This course is unique in terms of its flexibility and links with relevant employers. On the course emphasis is placed on clarity of thought, knowledge of the possibilities and limits of community health provision and the capacity to explore issues.”