Higher Diploma in Health, Society & Development

Health & Social Care

Higher Diploma in Health, Society & Development (PSF0195)

What are the Course Details?
The Society, Health and Development Diploma is a one year course that is broadly equivalent to seven GCSE's at Grade A* - C. Learners study a number of core units that introduce the employment sectors of health, social care, children/young people and community justice. In addition they have the opportunity to complete a project, work experience and additional learning in their area of interest.


Is it the Course for Me?
The Diploma is ideal for learners who want to develop a broad understanding of the health and social care field, and are interested in careers as diverse as nursing, midwifery, social work, probation, policing, children/young people, and a multitude of allied health professions. The Diploma focuses on developing the skills that employers need. Learning will be based on discussion and understanding of relevant case studies and real life issues. Learners have the freedom to research and carry out a project in a specialist area. The aim is to develop skills that give a learner maximum possible employability, such as teamwork, independent inquiry and self-management.


What will I Learn?
The Diploma is divided into nine units of principal learning:

• Principles, values and personal development
• Working together and communicating
• Safeguarding and protecting individuals
• Growth, development and healthy living
• Needs and preferences
• Antisocial and offending behaviour
• Supporting children and young people
• Patient-centred health
• The social model of disability

Learners also undertake generic learning, which includes:

• Work placement
• A project
• Personal, learning and thinking skills
• Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT

Additional and specialist learning is an accredited qualification at the same level, such as Certificate in Nutrition and Health, Certificate in Personal Exercise and Nutrition, Award in Infection Prevention and Control or Certificate in Drug Awareness, plus the BTEC Award in Work Skills.


How will I Learn?
The Diploma combines theory with practical, hand-on experience. The learning is based on real life issues from the workplace, and is an interactive process. Typical strategies might involve group discussion or debate, independent research, presentation to a range of audiences, visits from professionals, or trips to view one of the sectors in action.


How will I be Assessed?
Most of the Diploma is assessed internally in controlled classroom conditions, where learners will undertake projects, assignments or practical tasks that are marked by the tutor. One unit is examined externally. All learners will take the national tests in Maths, English and ICT. Successful completion of the Diploma leads to award of a Grade A* - C.


Are there any Trips or Visits?
Visits to organisations involved in Health, Social Care and Community Justice are an essential part of the Diploma, and are used to reinforce and extend learning.


Is there any Work Experience?
Weekly work experience is undertaken as part of the course in a variety of relevant sectors, for example, residential care, primary schools, voluntary organisations or healthcare settings. Learners will need to pay for travel costs to and from placements (where applicable) but anyone experiencing financial difficulty may apply to the College for financial assistance.


What can I Progress to?
Diplomas are designed to support progression to further study, training or employment. On successful completion of the Higher Diploma, learners can progress to other Level 3 qualifications including BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies or Health and Social Care. Alternatively, they can progress to an Advanced Diploma in Society Health and Development. This attracts UCAS points, which is the current system of entry for University courses. They are also well placed to seek employment in one of the relevant sectors.


Please Note:
Acceptance onto courses may be subject to a satisfactory interview and references. For some courses learners may also be required to pay for a CRB disclosure


Course Code
PSF0195


Award Level
Level 2


AwardBody

Duration
1 years