FdA Social Care
About This Course
This programme will prepare you for a career in the field of social care and broaden your understanding of key topics. FdA Social Care has been designed to give you a holistic overview of the key skills and concepts needed to become a successful social worker. There has never been a more poignant time for those wishing to develop a career within the social care sector, or for those who already work within the sector, to undertake study which will provide them with the essential skills, knowledge and practical experience to gain formal qualifications in Social Care.
The FdA Social Care programme aims to equip students with knowledge surrounding contemporary issues within social care, interventions utilised and the importance of care delivery. The work-based learning element will allow students to gain practical experience within the sector, with opportunities to upskill and continuously progress during their learning journey, establishing links between theory and practice during study and within future employment.
Standard Offer:
The successful candidate will require 80 UCAS points in a related subject, or 60 Access to Higher Education Credits (of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3). You are also required to hold English and Maths GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade C/4.
Non-Standard Offer:
The non-standard entry pathway is intended to support students who may not meet the standard academic entry requirements of a HE programme, normally Level 3 qualifications which attract UCAS points (for instance A-Levels or BTEC Level 3 courses). You must be able to demonstrate recent work/experience in the relevant sector which would give you skills and knowledge comparable to applicants with Level 3 qualifications.
Year 1:
Across the programme, you will study modules covering social care practice, the changing social care sector and issues affecting social care with children and vulnerable adults.
Level 4 (Certificate Stage):
- Developing Professional Skills (WBL)
- Study Skills & Research in Social Care
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusive Practice
- Understanding Society
- Theories & Models of Social Care
- Developmental Psychology – The Early Years
Year 2:
Across the programme, you will study modules covering social care practice, the changing social care sector and issues affecting social care with children and vulnerable adults.
Level 5 (Foundation Degree (Diploma) Stage):
- Professional Practice (WBL)
- Working with Vulnerable People
- Contemporary Issues in Social Care
- Solution Focused Practice
- Developmental Psychology across the Lifespan
- Research Methods
There are various forms of assessment on this course; at Level 4 assessments will include a reflective skills log and organisational review, which will enable students to reflect upon opportunities presented within the work-based learning environment. There are also essays, individual poster presentations, reports, needs assessments and group publications will provide students the opportunity to apply skill sets they have developed within the research and study skills module and test effective partnership working, in addition to developing many other transferable skills such as; organisation, time management and communication – all of which are key components within the practice setting.
On completing the foundation degree students are qualified to Level 5, and are ready to enter the work force in a variety of social care settings within the private, public or third sector in roles such as support workers, mentors, children’s residential worker, family support worker or community/outreach workers.
Students studying on the programme may progress on to further study to complete a top-up in Health & Social Care or Childhood and Youth Studies within the University Centre. Upon completion of the programme, students could also apply to other HE providers to undertake a Social Work or Social Science degree.TEC Partnership is committed to offering a related top-up bachelor’s degree in this subject area which will allow graduates to top up to a full bachelor’s degree. It is likely that the top-up programme will be validated under new TEC Partnership Degree Awarding Powers.
