Leeds City College

About the course

The Diploma is a one year full time programme which is recognised by universities as an alternative to “A” levels for entry to many degree courses.
This course will give you the confidence, skills and academic knowledge to study at university for a career in one of the health and social care professions. These include nursing, mental health, social work, youth and community work as well as careers in the clinical physiology or paramedic sectors. The Access course is ideal for those returning to learning after a break as you will be given plenty of support with all aspects of study skills including research, ICT, essay writing and interview techniques.

This is an intensive programme and students where necessary take GCSE English and/or maths as part of the course in order to progress to university. Interviews are held after January up to the start of the course which is usually in September.

What will I learn?

Over the year you will study a combination of compulsory and optional units. The compulsory units at level 3 are:

• Communications in health & social care.
• Psychological approaches to health and social care.
• Sociological approaches to health and social care.
• Research methodology for  health and social care.
• Research project for health and social care.
• Physiology and health sciences.
• Using ICT in health and social care (also offered at level 2).
• Career opportunities in health and social care (also offered at level 2).

The following units are optional and you will be guided by your tutors in selecting units to meets your needs:

• Life sciences for health and social care (level 3).
• Physical science (level 3).
• Physiological science (level 3).

Skills you will develop

You will develop the academic skills, knowledge and understanding to enable you to progress to University and pursue a professional career of your choice.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment includes a combination of coursework and exams in two semesters over the year. Some units may also include presentation elements – but don’t worry – you will be fully prepared to manage your workload and time.

Through the range of support we offer, students discover a route to new found confidence and skills! All work is internally moderated and externally moderated by AQA assessors.

What are the entry requirements?

You must be 19 years of age by 1st September in the year the course starts.

Formal qualifications are not always required but you must be able to show by your application and interview that you are able to benefit from studying at Level 3 (“A” level standard). You need to have a good standard of written English and all applicants will be required to take a written assessment. It is also preferred that you have relevant vocational or life experience.

It is desirable that you will have attained a suitable qualification in English and maths, as most universities require these at a minimum of GCSE grade C. Dependant on the university other qualifications in English and maths may be accepted. You will need to show that you are capable of achieving these qualifications.

Interviews are held after January up to the start of the course, which is usually in September.

About the tutors

All tutors are fully experienced and qualified in their subject areas. Many have also lectured and tutored in Higher education as well as Further education, and also have a wealth of practical experience in their field. The majority of our tutors have a health and social care background and have previously worked for many years in careers such as mental health nursing, general nursing and sport and health sciences.

Future Opportunities

The Diploma is designed prepare students for access to many Higher Education courses both locally and nationally. Advice on careers and further study will be given during the course. After successful completion of the course you may:

• Progress to Higher Education to study subjects such as Nursing, Social Work, Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Youth and Community Work.
• Seek relevant employment in care work.

Further information

Curriculum Area Manager – Declan Groves
Curriculum Leader – David Cross
Curriculum Leader – Joan Ruddock

Case Studies

`I found the course immensely rewarding. When I started I was apprehensive about returning to education. Through the support of understanding staff I realised my goal and now I’m following my vocation’

How to apply/enrol

You can find out about all the options on our How to Apply page.

Contact

(Technology Campus) 0113 386 1700 / technologycampus@leedscitycollege.ac.uk

More details

Fees: Fees vary on entitlement
Start Date: September 2012
Run-Day: 3 Days per week
Concessions: TBC
Guided Learning Hours: 13