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The Open University Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education provides a strong grounding in healthcare practice for those who wish to specialise within the health and social care profession. The course is offered in conjunction with the Western HSC Trust and offers a unique mixture of academic knowledge and vocational, work based learning at a higher level.
South West College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards. The Open University regulations can be found here
Download the Open University Student Guide
Two mandatory units. K102 Introducing Health & Social Care (60 academic credits) K104 Introduction to Healthcare Practice (60 academic credits. Unit K102 provides the important knowledge and theory of underlying Health and Social Care. It is delivered face-to-face one day per week and consists of 6 core topics. Unit K104 skills students for professional practice development whilst on placement. This unit involves the main aspects of professional practice to ensure safe and effective care. Subjects listed below.
In addition to these modules, students will also complete complete 770 hours of clinical practice. This will consist of Trust based healthcare settings along with other suitable settings. Students will be allocated a placement supervisor and assessor. This full-time course will involve attending the college for face to face delivery one day per week, along with at least two days per week on clinical placement. The college delivery will involve knowledge based learning and teaching along with opportunity to avail of the specialist clinical skills room. This will allow students to practice and develop their clinical skills.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
Applicants must attend an initial information and advice session.
This is a rigorous selection process but ensures that successful applicants have the academic ability and personal qualities to study at level 4 and the potential to progress to level 5.
Assessments include traditional essays, presentations, exams, online tests, assessed simulation exercises, observed practice and the completion of Northern Ireland Practice Assessment Document. (NIPAD)
The course is offered as a stand alone qualification but also provides the level 4 equivalence for the stage 1 of the Open University Nursing degree course. The College is currently working with other UK University’s to enable students to progress to year two of a 3 year Nursing degree and more information will be available on the college website in due course.
Enhanced Access NI disclosure is required, Students will be required to wear a formal Uniform for the duration of their programme both in College and in Placement.. During your course you may be required to purchase course text books and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £250 per year.
P4012OF10A
Session Code
1 Year(s)
Duration
Higher Education
Mode of Study
16.5
Hours per Week
30
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
24/25
Academic Year
02/09/2024
Start Date
Subject to Timetable
Day/s
Roisin.Bradley@swc.ac.uk
Coordinator(s)
Total Annual Fee £2,700.00
Total Concessionary Fee N/A
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
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