Study advice/Entry requirements

How Can I get Advice on the Framework?

Students accessing the programme will be practising qualified health and social care practitioners and will attend on a part time basis.

In order for potential students to become aware of the modules and awards that are available, opportunities will be offered on a regular basis for qualified health and social care practitioners to attend open sessions where they can discuss their continuing professional development needs. These planned sessions will take place both at the Health and Social Care division and at local Trusts and their purpose is threefold:

• To promote the philosophy of lifelong learning and provide general information about the framework
• To give specific information about particular pathways
• To discuss an individual’s development/learning needs and assist in the identification of relevant pathways, taking into account their career aspirations, personal development plan and previous learning experiences

Students who have not undertaken previous higher education or who have not studied for some time and are reticent about returning to study will be advised to access study skills days, which are regularly provided through the Health and Social Care division.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer System

The University of Surrey has a credit accumulation and transfer system which allows for the recognition of former learning, either through formalised programmes of study or through experience. A maximum of 40 prior credits may be accredited for exemption for diploma level awards and a maximum of 20 credits may be accredited for degree level awards.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Academic credits achieved through former learning may be used to gain entry to the programmes and may also be used for exemption from a module (or modules) leading to the award of diploma or degree.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (AP(E)L)

Many health and social care practitioners will have developed further knowledge and skills through practice experience which may not be reflected in any formal qualification. Practitioners are able to gain recognition of this learning through the provision of appropriate evidence which may be used to gain entry to the programmes and may also be used for exemption from a module (or modules) leading to the award of diploma or degree.

For further information about AP(E)L contact the Course Administration team 01483 684505.

Open Learning

Some modules are offered on an open learning basis. This enables students to work with learning materials drawn from a variety of sources, either paper or electronically based, together with support from a specialist tutor. This gives greater flexibility and allows students to build on past experience and have increased choice in the pace and style of learning. It is expected that open learning will increase as the e-learning technology within the Health and Social Care division advances.

University Library

The University Library stocks a wide range of books, journals and periodicals, as well as access to electronic databases and electronic full text journals. There is access to over 100 computer workstations, with 24-hour access in the Computing Services suite. Health and Social Care division students, may also be able to access the resources of local NHS libraries.

Entry Requirements

Honours Degree

• To be able to undertake this post professional qualification award you will need to have a minimum of 120 credits at level 1 and 120 credits at level 2 or the equivalent. Many health and social care practitioners who undertook their initial preparatory training at diploma level will already have achieved these. You will also need to be working within the field of health and/or social care.

How to Apply

Pathway advice is part of the application process and we would urge you to contact the Course Administration team for information on the workshops offered to help you plan your education pathway.

The procedure for applying is as follows:

• Obtain an application form from your manager or the Course Administration team, as appropriate.
• Complete and return the form to the Course Administration team at least 4 weeks before the module starts. Unless self-funding, ensure the form has been counter-signed by the appropriate authority beforehand.
• We will acknowledge receipt of your application and will follow this up with confirmation of your place in writing or offer an alternative date as necessary