FdSc Assistant Practitioner

We consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experience, and each application is assessed on its own merit.

To enrol on this course, you will be required to have:
Maths and English at GCSE Grade 4 (C) or equivalent and a minimum of 48 UCAS points, from at least one of the following: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access to Higher Education Diploma, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualifications.

There is a two-stage interview process, which involves representation from local Healthcare providers and representatives from our Patient, Carer and Service Users Advisory Group, where you are required to demonstrate the necessary motivation, potential, experience and/or knowledge to follow your chosen programme successfully.

As you will be working with the public you will be required to complete an online enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to the start of the academic term and this must be renewed as required throughout the duration of the course. An enhanced DBS check covers all previous convictions, including spent ones.

You will be required to undertake a confidential online Health Check prior to the start of the academic term and further occasional health assessments may also be required.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading , Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you take a combination of compulsory (and if available optional modules) enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year.

Year 1 Modules

• Principles of healthcare with academic skills– 20 credits
• Clinical practice (1) – 40 credits
• Anatomy and physiology – 20 credits
• Person centred care and communication- 20 credits
• Therapeutic interventions – 20 credits

Year 2 Modules

• Approaches to mental health and equality – 20 credits
• Clinical practice (2) – 20 credits
• Evidence and application of research – 20 credits
• Public health and equality – 20 credits
• Principles and skills for assistant practitioners – 20 credits

Plus an optional module from one of the following*:

• Long term conditions
• Acute and critical care: foundations for practice
• Podiatry
• Occupational therapy
• Perioperative practice
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Speech and language therapy
• Advanced holistic mental health practitioner
• Intensive care practitioner
• Integrated therapies
• Specialist residential practitioner

* Please note, optional modules are dependent on demand and placement availability and may not run every year

The programme will have a blended approach to delivery, with modules being either taught or delivered online by distance learning. The taught sessions will take place in block weeks across the academic year. The practical element of the programme will utilise a combination of both work and practice based learning, as well as fully utilising digital, simulated and clinical practice to enhance students understanding.

Work based learning is a fundamental component to this programme. You must complete 1024 hours across the full programme. This placement will be supported by your academic and clinical education team and is a requirement to achieve module credit and achieve the Skills for Health Competency Framework for Assistant Practitioners. University Centre South Devon can support you if required in locating you a work placement. Please note all placements are subject to full clinical audit before you will commence placement and you may be placed in any of our placement partners across the peninsula. Associated costs relating to travel to your placement is your responsibility and can be supported by your first year bursary.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The balance of assessment by examination/test, coursework and practical depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

Year 1 – 30% coursework, 37% exams/test, 33% practical
Year 2 – 45% coursework, 33% exams/test, 22% practical

We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development as an effective Assistant Practitioner. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway, and helps ensure your success.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the UCSD Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 4 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 14 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 4: 16% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 44% is spent on independent learning. 40% formalised placement activity.
Level 5: 15% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 45% is spent on independent learning. 40% formalised placement activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

As an Assistant Practitioner (NHS Band 4) you will have skills and experience in a particular area of clinical practice. Assistant Practitioners work in hospitals, clinics or in the community e.g. GP surgeries or you may visit patients in their homes or in residential care. Assistant Practitioners work at a level above that of Healthcare Support Workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health.

Upon successful completion of this foundation degree you may progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Enhanced Integrated Care degree at University Centre South Devon.

Or apply to progress into the second year of the BSc (Hons) Nursing degree at the University of Plymouth.

Please note that there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability.

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Equipment to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning
Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning
Annual £10 printing allowance
Access to e-books and e-journals rekating to your programme of study

Additional printingover the initial allowance
Personal protective equipment related to practical modules
Optional overseas and UK based field trips
The cost of books you may wish to purchase
An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to UCSD