Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health) - Health Studies

Modules

Module 1: Preparing to study

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how study is organised and planned
• Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
• Understand a range of constraints upon study
• Understand the importance of assessment feedback

Module 2: Academic writing skills 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
• Know how to interpret and discuss concepts and debates in responding to a set, academic writing task
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas
• Understand the role of reference, allusion and paraphrase to avoid plagiarism

Module 3: Preparing a written assignment   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to use key information sources
• Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
• Understand a range of reading strategies
• Understand note-making methods
• Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment

Module 4: Independent research 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to plan a piece of research on an approved subject area
• Be able to collect research material from different sources
• Be able to use data to substantiate an argument
• Be able to record sources of information
• Be able to present research findings

Module 5: The origins of the welfare state

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand what is meant by the term social welfare
• Know the purpose of the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act and its effects on society
• Explain and discuss early twentieth century Liberal Reforms and their effect on society
• Recognise the significance of the Beveridge Report
• Recognise the social problems which the Welfare State attempted to address

Module 6: Progressing to Higher Education

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand potential next steps in education
• Understand key sources of information relevant to HE application
• Understand personal HE opportunities
• Understand the financial implications of further study
• Know how to apply for a course

Module 7: Approaches to health   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how definitions of health and ill health are socially constructed
• Understand different explanatory models of health and ill health
• Understand the different ways in which people respond to illness
• Understand contrasting sociological perspectives on health

Module 8: Equality and diversity within health care   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand equality and diversity within health care
• Understand the rights of the individual in a health care setting
• Understand the impact of equality and diversity legislation for health care

Module 9:  The history of the National Health Service

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the reasons for the rise in public provision of health care between the mid19th century and 1948
• Understand the background to and the founding principles of the National Health Service as part of the introduction of the Welfare State
• Understand the political trends which have shaped the National Health Service since 1948
• Understand the ethos of the contemporary National Health Service

Module 10:  Contemporary health issues   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the ethical considerations for health care professionals
• Understand current contemporary health care issues
• Understand the rationale for health care resource allocation

Module 11: The roles and responsibilities of health care professionals  

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the changes to the roles and responsibilities of health care professionals
• Understand the role of professional bodies for health care professionals
• Understand the current multidisciplinary approach to health care
• Understand the influence of health care professionals on health care policy

Module 12: Introduction to psychology   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of research in psychology
• Understand the main approaches in psychology
• Understand ethical issues in psychological research

Module 13: The Brain & nervous system   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the major sub divisions of the nervous system
• Understand the structure and function of glial cells and neurons

Module 14: Introduction to cognitive psychology   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand research in an area of cognitive psychology
• Understand how the findings of research into cognitive processes can be applied to real-life issues

Module 15: Abnormal psychology   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the difficulties faced by psychologists in the definition and diagnosis of abnormal behaviour
• Understand a psychological disorder
• Understand therapy used to treat people with psychological disorders

Module 16:  Introduction to sociology

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the sociological approach and its distinction from common sense and other social sciences
• Understand basic concepts in sociological explanation
• Understand contrasting sociological perspectives
• Understand concepts and perspectives relating to a specific social institution

Module 17: Sociology of health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand concepts and models of health
• Understand the social construction of health and ill health
• Understand alternative approaches to health

Module 18: Poverty & health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand definitions of and explanations for poverty and health
• Understand approaches to poverty and health
• Understand the approaches to the social distribution of health chances

Module 19:  Social factors in health care

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand sociological factors influencing the relationships between patients and health professionals
• Understand the role of social motivational factors in health and ill health
• Understand the significance of social support networks in health care and maintenance

Requirements

All learners starting an Access to Higher Education Diploma must have a GCSE Grade A-C in maths and English (or Functional Skills Level 2 or new GCSE Grade 4-9) and aspire to study a related degree at university.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas fulfil entry criteria for a broad range of university degrees and can be used in conjunction with the standard UCAS application process. In short, Access to Higher Education Diplomas have a track record of helping learners get to the university and degree of their choice. Learners must bear in mind each University has their own set of admission criteria and places are subject to demand. Varying admission criteria can include but are not limited to the following:

1. Number of credits to be attained at Merit or Distinction level.
2. Successfully passing a face-to-face interview at the University.
3. Passing a Universities proprietary literacy and numeracy assessments.
4. Completion of specified work placements or work experience.
5. Learners starting an Access to Higher Education Diploma must have a GCSE Grade A – C in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills).

Each learner must undertake their own research to ensure their diploma is properly specified and gives them the best possible chance of gaining entry to their university of choice. This research should be undertaken as soon as possible. learndirect will not be able to accept any liability for the inability of any Access to Higher Education Diploma learner failing to secure an offer from a Higher Education institution.

Assessment

After each graded and ungraded unit there will be an assignment which needs to be completed and submitted online to your assessor for marking. You'll find 'assessment planners' included within the course materials for each unit; these are designed to help you to complete the relevant assignment. Your assessor will be responsible for marking your assignments and giving you with feedback about the work you've produced, and how you can improve.

The assignments contain one or a combinations of 2 tasks that you need to complete. As an example this could be any combination of a short series of questions, an essay, an academic report or a presentation. Learners must work their way through their ungraded and graded course units and attempt to get as many “Distinction” credits as possible. These are important as a minimum amount maybe specified in your university degree entrance criteria.

This method of continual assessment ensures that your assessor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper. The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is 360 hrs.

Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education (Social Science and Health)

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: (40005203).This course has also been assigned 60 credits.

Open College Network West Midlands

Open College Network West Midlands is a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.

Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. Open College Network West Midlands also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

Your Access to Higher Education Diploma and the way it is delivered within our innovative learning platform is designed to give you the best possible chance of fulfilling your dream of studying at university. Higher Education Degrees confirm to any employer your intellect, motivation and ability to work independently to succeed not just in your area of specialism but also life itself. A higher education degree is a gateway qualification that will allow you to apply 1,000's of graduate programmes as well as setting you apart from those who don't have a degree.