Course summary
Do you wish to work in an environment which supports the needs of others in one of West Yorkshire’s largest growing sectors? Do you possess personal qualities that are ideal for a patient-centred workforce? If you would like to join like-minded people in their journey towards becoming an assistant practitioner, this is the foundation degree for you. Demands for the healthcare workforce are rapidly changing and new policy initiatives have been introduced that aim to modernise health and social care services, and improve quality, productivity and efficiency (Department of Health, 2016). As part of this, assistant practitioner posts have been introduced to meet increasing capacity and there are over 54,000 assistant practitioners currently working within Healthcare (NHS England, 2021). Assistant practitioners work across most departments in the NHS and are integral to our healthcare sector. The role’s purpose is to assist organisations and registered practitioners in the delivery of high-quality care in settings such as hospitals, clinics, residential care and GP surgeries. Assistant practitioners often manage their own caseloads and may delegate to, supervise, teach and mentor others including healthcare support workers and students. This two-year foundation degree will provide you with required skills and behaviours. You will gain the training and experience needed to be proficient in the day-to-day role of an assistant practitioner including assisting in patient assessment, coordinating care, carrying out referrals and undertaking clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for the local population and care services. This course will guide and enhance your knowledge of this role and the requirements outlined by the occupational standards. By enrolling on this programme, you will be helping to address a growing need for care workers and practitioners within the NHS. The course offers a clinical and therapeutic focus, including applied practice and a theoretical underpinning in accordance with occupational standards governed by the NHS, Skills for Health and Health Education England. As such, you will participate in class-based learning and an extensive work placement (460 hours). You will develop all the skills and capabilities required to be a competent practitioner and gain the confidence to administer high-quality care. Assistant practitioners must have personal qualities such as kindness and empathy and this course is ideal for anyone who is conscientious and possesses effective observational, communication, problem-solving and methodical skills. You will need to be able to follow complex instructions and procedures. You will be provided realistic practice for developing your proficiency in patient care, through consistent simulation scenarios throughout the programme. You will be able to learn through trial and error, allowing you to make and correct your clinical errors without adverse consequence and so improving your capabilities to ensure you are ready for the workplace. Our pre-programmed manikins are designed to train you in the care and management of a variety of patients providing you with deliberate clinical training. When a manikin is perceived as a patient, it provides you with a realistic experience of what it means to behave like a healthcare professional. Consequently, this realism allows you to practice and acquire relational, communicative, and collaborative skills. The experience of learning using a manikin can facilitate the development of your professional identity. The programme is designed for students who have some healthcare experience and a healthcare qualification (usually at level 3, such as the NCFE CACHE Diploma in Healthcare Support).
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Modules
Over the course of the two year programme, you will study the following modules: Year 1 (Level 4): 120 credits Academic Research and Study Skills (20 credits) Gain the transferable skills required for undergraduate study and professional practice. Fundamentals of Health and the Human Body (20 credits) Explore the concepts of health (both negative and positive aspects) and health promotion. Communication and Interpersonal Skills (20 credits) Develop communication and interpersonal skills in preparation for your role as an assistant practitioner in healthcare. Clinical and Therapeutic Interventions in Healthcare (20 credits) Investigate aspects of clinical practice, learning how to recognise signs and symptoms of pain and distress in service users and recommend appropriate actions. The module will focus on clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to promote health and wellbeing. Developing Professional Practice (including care planning) – Work Placement (40 credits) Develop workforce skills and understand the principles that are required for not only this particular role, but within the sector. The module will cultivate class-based theoretical knowledge and facilitate the application of this to professional practice in the workplace. Year 2 (Level 5): 120 credits Nutrition and Health (20 credits) Focus on the role of nutrition in relation to body function and the impact nutrition has on wellbeing throughout all life stages. Researching in Healthcare (20 credits) Undertake research that focuses on an aspect of healthcare. Throughout this module you will explore and review data, draw upon findings and make recommendations for change. Mental Health and Wellbeing for Care (20 credits) Get an opportunity to investigate the history, importance and impact of mental health and wellbeing in individuals, whilst developing an awareness of professional practice in alignment with current workforce requirements. Legal Aspects of Healthcare (20 credits) Explore contemporary legal aspects of healthcare and the role of the healthcare professional in complying with these. Continuing Professional Practice in Healthcare – Work Placement (40 credits) Build upon the level 4 Developing Professional Practice module. Throughout this module, you will learn to critically reflect upon the professional skills required of an Assistant Practitioner and develop autonomy and independence to carry out this role effectively.
Assessment method
This Foundation Degree was written to embed the principles of work-related practice, and therefore, the assessment strategies used replicate the procedures expected upon qualification and entry into the profession. At level 4 the assessment strategies support students with essential skills for the profession such as care planning, case studies, presentations (group and individual), action plans and report writing. These skills progress into level 5 once a more in-depth knowledge of the sector has been acquired and more challenging methods are included such as mock multi-disciplinary panel meetings, professional discussions, literature reviews, presentations, case studies and essays. You will also create and develop an evidence based e-portfolio (containing development plans, best practice and evidence of mandatory competencies) through the professional practice modules and work placement hours (460 in total over the two year programme – it is advised that 50% of these hours (230) are obtained during year one).
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We accept International applications subject to our sponsor licence application being approved.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 48 points
A level - DD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MP
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less then 5.5 in any component. International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application. *21 years and over at the start of the course RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) GCSE English: Essential - English Language Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs. GCSE Maths: Essential - Maths Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs. Apprenticeship: Level 3 Pass Part Time courses: Students for part time study are required to hold a full level 3 qualification or the equivalent experience in a relevant subject and will need to be working in the sector. Placements: Full time students will need approx. 10-12 hours a week, voluntary or paid placement in a suitable placement on-going throughout their study. DBS checks: Students will also be required to complete the Disclosure and Barring Service process (DBS) prior to commencement on placement. References: An appropriate reference required. Interviews: All applicants will be interviewed.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £8745 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £8745 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £8745 | Year 1 |
Wales | £8745 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University Centre Leeds, Leeds City College
University Centre Leeds
Park Lane
Leeds
LS3 1AA
Clearing contact details
Enquiry formHE Admissions
0113 235 4450
Additional information
Monday to Thursday 9.00am-5.00pm Friday 9.00am-4.30pm