BA (Hons) Health & Social Care – Online Degree

  • Our newly updated online three year BA (Hons) Degree in Health & Social Care aims to facilitate knowledge of professional health and social care practice with consideration to both the theoretical knowledge and professional competencies which underpin the role of the health & social care practitioner.
  • September 2024 Intake  Applications are now Open. Please register your interest.
  • How is it delivered? Online Tutor led teaching & learning with flexible study from your own home.
  • What Degree award do I receive? On successful completion of this 3-year degree you will receive an internationally recognised BA (Hons) Health & Social Care Degree awarded by Oxford Brookes University.
  • Please note though that this degree is not an Applied Social Care Degree. It was not designed to train Social Care Workers for CORU registration.
  • How long is the Degree? Complete Degree within 3 Years. 2 semesters per academic year.
  • Credits Available: The full Degree programme consists of 18 modules totalling 360 credits or 180 ECTS Credits.
  • What does it cost? The course fee each year is €3,895 and includes all documentation, lecturing, assessments, learner registration and award fees for all the 6 modules per year.
  • There are also per year Easy Payment options available with our unrivaled Installment Plans. Please see “Fees” section for more information.
  • To start your application or register your interest please click on the below “Express Your Interest” button and complete the form to speak with one of our Programme Managers.

 

Express Your Interest

Course Description

 

Why is this Health & Social Care Degree for me?

Professional Health and Social Care training aims to teach theories of practice and to develop both practice skills and a reflective capacity. The work of a Health & Social Care practitioner combines a multidisciplinary relationship based approach which encompasses purposeful planning and execution in the provision and delivery of care, protection, support and advocacy for individuals and groups in need of care, and those who may experience marginalisation and/or social disadvantage.

 

What will I study?

Our three year online BA (Hons) in Health & Social Care Degree programme aims to facilitate knowledge of professional health and social care practice with consideration to both the theoretical knowledge and professional competencies which underpin the role of the health & social care practitioner.

To do this the programme combines a consistent balance of theoretical knowledge through the delivery of online lectures, and the provision of practice skills gained in suitably appointed work placements to be completed over the duration of the programme. Successful completion of this programme will provide graduates with the academic knowledge, skills and competence to enhance their educational and/or employment opportunities within the field of health and social care.

Another key element of this programme is how it is centred around 4 key themes whereby learners will  examine key areas of the Health & Social Care sector and the issues and challenges relating to Disabilities, Mental Health, Aging Care and other Vulnerable/Marginalized Groups in society. The design of the programme is such that it encompasses a flexible learning approach whereby learners can tailor the outcome of their degree to suit their preferred interests and/or area of work with consideration to each of these key areas.

 

How online learning works?

Our online BA (Hons) Health & Social Care degree programme will be delivered fully online using a combination of suitable online teaching and learning activities.

In many ways, learning online is like learning in a classroom. There are classes, readings, activities and discussions (individual and group) with your lecturer and your fellow classmates. The difference is that it is all done from your own home. With online classes you can join the live classes with your classmates or catch up on past or missed classes at your own pace.

Between classes, you will have readings, discussions and other activities that link with what you are learning in your online classes. Assignments have a set time they must be completed by but other than that, learners have great flexibility with when and where they learn.

 

 

 

Course Structure

 

Objectives:

This BA (Hons) in Health & Social Care Degree programme has been designed in accordance with the Standards of Proficiency for Health & Social Care Workers as set down by CORU – the regulatory body for Social Care Workers in Ireland. 

Please note though that our BA (Hons) in Health and Social Care is not an Applied Social Care Degree. It was not designed to train Social Care Workers for CORU registration.

The programme aims to provide participants with in-depth key knowledge, skills and competencies based fully on current industry standards.

On successful completion of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate the following;

  • A systematic understanding of the core areas of knowledge relevant to health and social care work, including their application to practice and service delivery.
  • An understanding of the theory, paradigms, practice and policies that informs health and social care practice.
  • Knowledge of, and the ability to work within the ethical guidelines laid down by professional codes of practice.
  • Analyse how the learning experience can be improved through reflective practice i.e. planning, analysis and evaluation.
  • An ability to show personal accountability and responsibility in application of their day to day work, while also recognising his/her own limitations.
  • Practise in a compassionate, respectful way, maintaining dignity and wellbeing and communicating effectively.
  • Work in partnership with other health and social care professionals and agencies, service users, carers and families ensuring that decisions about care are shared and communicated effectively.
  • Deliver high quality care to service users in their field of practice.

 

Modules / Structure:

Over the duration of this three year online BA (Hons) in Health & Social Care Degree programme students will complete a range of modules which will link both theory and practice, and will be assessed in a range of contexts.

The full Degree programme consists of 18 modules totalling 360 credits. Where indicated, a single module has 15 credits and a double one has 30 credits. There are six modules (4 singles and 2 doubles) to be completed in each year over three years, equalling 120 credits in each academic year for a total credit value of 360.

ECTS Credits for this Degree will equate to 60 Credits per academic year or a total of 180 ECTS credits for the full Degree. 

Exit awards:

  • Certificate of Higher Education (120 Credits) (Year 1)
  • Diploma of Higher Education (240 Credits) (Year 2)
  • Ordinary Degree in Health and Social Care (300 Credits) (60 Credits from Year 3)

 

Overview of Year One Modules

 

Six Compulsory Modules (120 Credits):

 

An Introduction to Health & Social Care (Theory & Practice) – 15 Credits

The aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of the health & social care frameworks in Ireland from a historical to a contemporary context. The module will look at the progression of health & social care development in Ireland over time with reference to the legal frameworks and policies in place to protect those who are in need of care. The module will also provide insight to learners of the needs and rights of key groups who require care.

 

Introduction to Academic Study Skills – 15 Credits

This module will provide learners with the theoretical and practical academic knowledge, Skills and Competence necessary for successful completion of the BA (Honours) Degree in Health & Social Care. This module will introduce learners to the fundamental requirements of the academic writing process and the study skills and techniques necessary for participation over the three year degree programme. 

Learners will gain an understanding of the learning process in an online context with facilitated guidance on how to utilise, navigate and source appropriate information from the range of IT and eLearning systems available to them.

Learners will work both independently and in groups to develop their understanding of different learning styles which will encourage reflective practice, open debates and discussions. A review of the different assessment techniques, referencing and research methods will provide learners with the knowledge required to complete academic assessments in a range of contents. Learners will be able to effectively plan, prepare and develop their self-confidence over the duration of their studies which is necessary for those participating on Higher Education programmes.  

 

Practice Placement (1)* – 30 credits

This is the first of five double practice placement modules to be completed over the duration of this three year degree programme. The stipulations of this module will require learners to complete a minimum of 200 hours per module in order to gain experience across a range of care settings. In Year (1) the aim of the module is to introduce learners to the roles and requirements of health & social care in practice and learners will be encouraged to examine a key area of care practice in order to meet the stipulations as set down by CORU – the regulatory body for Health & Social Care workers in Ireland.

Completing this module will provide learners with the opportunity of relating theory to practice through the completion of role-specific competencies. Learners will begin to engage with role specific requirements relative to their area of practice, and over the duration of the three year programme learners will have gained the knowledge, skills and competence in a range of care settings which will allow them to make an informed decision on their preferred pathway in Year (3) and preferred area of practice with suitable employment opportunities established. 

 

Applied Health & Social Care Studies – 15 Credits

The aim of this module is to familiarise the learner with key areas of discourse in sociology and psychology. The module will be delivered with consideration to key themes relating to Sociology, and Psychology including Globalisation. The aim of the module is to enhance the students’ learning in the area of the development over the life span – physical, social, intellectual and emotional.

Learners will gain an understanding of a range of sociological perspectives and will be encouraged to develop their understanding and awareness of a range of social issues existing in today’s society and the global attributions impacting these issues.

Learners will also gain an introductory insight to understanding psychological theories and concepts with key emphasis placed on the progression of development from infancy to old age so that they will be equipped to relate to people at a level appropriate to their needs.

 

Specialist Care Practice (1) – 15 Credits

The aim of this module is to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the various groups in need of social care support across various settings.   The first of two Specialist Care Practice modules to be completed. In Year (1) the aim of the module is to facilitate the student to identify   the specific care needs of the specific population groups, examine theories and models of care work and the role of support worker in the provision of care, based on evidence based practice provision.   In addition, the module allows the individual student to focus on the service user’s rights and needs.

In Year (1) learners will examine the needs, rights and supports for each of the following areas/groups: 

  • Disabilities
  • Children
  • Young Adults

In Year (2) learners will examine the needs, rights and supports for each of the following areas/groups: 

  • Mental Health
  • Aging care
  • Working with marginalised groups.

 

Practice Placement (2)* – 30 Credits

This is the second of five double practice placement modules to be completed over the duration of this three year degree programme. The stipulations of this module will require learners to complete a minimum of 200 hours per module in order to gain experience across a range of care settings. In Year (1) the aim of the module is to introduce learners to the roles and requirements of health & social care in practice and learners will be encouraged to examine a key area of care practice in order to meet the stipulations as set down by CORU – the regulatory body for Health & Social Care workers in Ireland.

Completing this module will provide learners with the opportunity of relating theory to practice through the completion of role-specific competencies. Learners will begin to engage with role specific requirements relative to their area of practice, and over the duration of the three year programme learners will have gained the knowledge, skills and competence in a range of care settings which will allow them to make an informed decision on their preferred pathway in Year (3) and preferred area of practice with suitable employment opportunities established. 

 

Overview of Year Two Modules

 

Six Compulsory Modules (120 Credits):

 

Social Policy and Welfare Systems (15 Credits):

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to key areas of social policy and its relation to health & social care. The module will equip the student with a broad understanding of local, national and international policies pertaining to, and that have influenced and continue to influence, social care practice in Ireland.

The module will look at the development and origins of social policy in Ireland historically and socially. The learners will be encouraged to develop appropriate social policy responses to issues and challenges arising for service users and social care practitioners at local and national level.

 

Legal & Ethical Issues in Health & Social Care (1) (15 Credits):

This is the first of two modules that aims to inform learners of the legal and ethical aspects and implication to care in various settings. The aim of the module in Year (2) is to provide learners with an understanding and exposure to cases that have been affected as a result of the Irish Legal framework and the ethical and legal principles.

These cases will be from a variety of health & social care settings. The aim of the module in Year (3) is to further explore the complexities of the legal and ethical aspects of care in various settings with reference to a range of case study examples. Learners will evaluate the effectiveness of ethical and legal principles in the application of their day to day work and be able to recognise the challenges and make recommendations for future care provision and practice.

 

Practice Placement (3) (30 Credits):

This is the third of five double practice placement modules to be completed over the duration of this three year degree programme.

The aim of this module is to build on the previous year’s theoretical and practical knowledge and experience. The module is designed as a steppingstone which is used to build on the learners previous and current learning; it will provide learners with the opportunity of setting objectives and identifying new competencies to be carried out over the duration of their third placement block.

Through the completion of reflective writing learners will have the opportunity to overview their practice and link with the requirements of their chosen profession as per CORU standards of Proficiency for Health & Social Care Workers.

 

Research Methods (15 Credits):

The aim of this module is to provide the student with a broad understanding of research methods and research design, analysis and interpretation of collected data (prior to the completion of their dissertation module in year 3). The final year dissertation will be undertaken using secondary research methods. 

Learners will have the opportunity to explore the steps involved in the research process, methods, data analysis and the ethical considerations associated with health and social care research. The module focuses on issues, techniques and skills for data collection and analysis in quantitative, qualitative or mixed mode methods to research.

 

Specialist Care Practice (2) (15 Credits):

The second of two specialist skills modules that builds on the skills and understanding of supporting theories for a variety of conditions in health and social care across the lifespan. In addition, the module allows the individual student to focus on the service user’s rights and needs.

In Year (1) learners will examine the needs, rights and supports for each of the following areas/groups: 

  • Disabilities
  • Children
  • Young Adults

In Year (2) learners will examine the needs, rights and supports for each of the following areas/groups: 

  • Mental Health
  • Aging care
  • Working with marginalised groups.

 

Practice Placement (4) (30 Credits):

This is the fourth of five-double Practice Placement modules to be completed over the duration of this three-year degree programme. This module will be completed in semester (2) of Year (2) and consolidates the learning over the previous year’s study enabling learners to link the application of theory to practice.

This module will build on the previous placement with more of an emphasis on interventions and ethical considerations appropriate for practice. In this final semester of Year (2) learners will be expected to become a more independent, self-directed learner who can identify and fulfil their own learning needs and objectives with the support of co-workers/supervisors. 

 

Overview of Year Three Modules

 

Six Compulsory Modules (120 Credits):

 

Health Promotion – 15 Credits

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to raise community awareness of health related issues, holistic approaches to health and to establish and evaluate health promotion programmes. The module will examine a variety of theoretical approaches to health education, public health and health promotion relative to health & social care practice. The module is designed to develop awareness and understanding of both the philosophies and concepts that are fundamental to health promotion for individuals, groups and communities.

Public policy, the importance of healthy alliances and evidence-based health promotion are explored as strategies towards empowerment for use by public health and health promotion specialists working within a changing health and welfare context. 

 

Legal & Ethical Issues in Health & Social Care (2) – 15 Credits

The second of two Legal & Ethical Issues in Health & Social Care modules. In part one Year (2) learners are introduced to the Irish Legal framework and the ethical and legal principles that are appropriate to their area of work/discipline. In part two Year (3) learners further explore the systematic approaches for effective care delivery. Learners will critically analyse the Irish Legal Framework and the influence of the EU with reference to gaps/issues/problems and the implications for individuals through case study analysis.

Learners will also evaluate the effectiveness of ethical and legal principles in the application of their day to day work and be able to recognise the challenges and make recommendations for the improvement of future care provision and practice. Learners will identify current work practices in their areas of speciality and the impact of the legal and ethical on that specific area.

 

Practice Placement (5) – 30 Credits

This is the final of five double practice placement modules to be completed over the duration of this three-year degree programme. On completion of this module learners will become independent reflective practitioners – learners will have progressed from a supervised role in Year (1) and will build on their continuous development with gradual independent practice from Year (2). This module enables learners to gain academic recognition and credit for learning accrued over the duration of their professional practice. Recognising the workplace as a site of learning and development and acknowledging the often-tacit knowledge and professional expertise of practitioners, the module provides a framework within which learners can integrate academic and practice learning by reflecting upon and analysing a retrospective, current or prospective work-based learning project. 

Using their knowledge and experience gained in Years (1) and (2) learners will have been exposed to a range of experiences and settings and will select their preferred area of work in Year (3) that will link directly to their chosen Dissertation topic. This provides learners with a specialised pathway that links with their preferred industry/area of work, routes for possible further study progression and potential employment opportunities.

This module will afford the learner to apply their academic study into day to day practice and give them the understanding of the importance of working within their specific codes of practice, relevant legislation and associated standards.

 

Dissertation – 30 Credits

This dissertation module is designed to support the final year student complete a research dissertation exploring an area of interest to them within health and social care. The module will allow the student to use past knowledge to critique and evaluate with reference to published literature the area chosen for their dissertation.

The student will undertake an in depth literature review as part of the overall dissertation.

 

Collaborative Practice & Professional Leadership – 15 Credits

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to work as an effective team player as part of a multi-disciplinary team, in both an independent and supervisory capacity. The module will explore perspectives on collaborative and inclusive leadership within complex private and public sector organisations.

It aims to help learners apply the propositions of leadership theory to their own practice environments and to establish which of the generic leadership approaches and modalities are most fit for purpose within health and social care organisations.

The module explores the influential distinction between ‘transactional’ and ‘transformational’ leadership and enables learners to review, consolidate and extend their knowledge within their current practice role. The module also explores how the leadership influences the quality of the care provision and practice, team building, conflict resolution, application of codes of practice, implementation of legislation, regulation, policies, procedures and guidelines and standards.

 

Quality Improvements in Health & Social Care – 15 Credits

This practice-focussed module will enable health and social care professionals to critically explore the conceptual foundations of quality improvement and governance in the context of their own working environment nationally and internationally.

Learners will gain an understanding of the broader theoretical concepts of quality and will be able to demonstrate how these are translated and demonstrated in practice through the clinical governance initiative. 

The module will challenge accepted measuring of quality and performance in complex situations and explores how practitioners can develop more appropriate and effective frameworks. Learners will be introduced to the complexity of change management and the dilemmas in achieving organisational change through clinical governance.  Learners are encouraged to critically analyse their own practice/organisation’s approach to managing quality improvement within the clinical governance agenda.

This module gives the learner the skills to critically analyse their professional healthcare area and implement the relevant core quality improvement and risk management structures that are required to deliver safe healthcare services. This module will provide the learner with the skills to implement the relevant safe healthcare structures based on regulation, legislation and robust health intelligence which in turn will support competent decision making in order to deliver safe high-quality care in their field of expertise.

 

* A minimum of 1000 hours in placement will be completed over the duration of this three-year programme. Students will complete a minimum of 200 hours in each of the five Practice Placement blocks to be undertaken over the duration of this three year programme. Suitably appointed placements, which have been carefully selected and vetted by the college will be assigned to students accordingly.

 

Assessment Strategies

 

Assessment Strategies:

The overall summative assessment strategy centres around using a combination of continuous assessment through coursework and final assessments. For the suitability of online learning final examinations have not been considered as part of the overall assessment strategy.

The continuous assessment portion will consist of a series of tasks that aim to evaluate learning progress continually over the teaching period of a module. The methods used to achieve these aims include but are not limited to the following examples; online quizzes, forum contributions, short papers and presentations.

Within each module, there is the opportunity to avail of group assessments when employing some or all of these methods. A collection of these tasks will make up the students’ portfolio assessment which has been embedded as a strategy across most of the modules to be completed over the three year programme. These tasks may be lecturer or systems graded depending on their nature. While the actual methods used to evaluate learning differ from module to module, all modules will contain an element of continuous assessment in the example of the portfolio task to be completed.

Final assessments contribute the majority of weighting and are generally longer assignments that aim to assess more learning outcomes. These assessments are lecturer graded and completed individually by each student. Academic integrity is preserved using Turnitin which is embedded in the online learning environment students will use to submit their assignments.

Throughout the course, lecturers have opportunities to informally assess students and provide formative feedback through live online lectures and tutorials as well as through ongoing communications with students. Students may also avail of the opportunity of submitting a draft assessment that is also intended as another outlet for formative assessment and feedback.

 

Practice Placement Learning

 

Practice placement learning:

A minimum of 1000 hours in placement will be completed over the duration of this three-year programme. Students will complete a minimum of 400 hours in each Year (1) and (2) and an additional 200 hours in Year (3).

For any student that does not progress into Year (3) they will have achieved the minimum requirement of 800 hours in a minimum of two appropriate health & social care work settings.

Placement hours will be split across five blocks, two blocks in Year (1), two blocks in Year (2) and the final block in Year (3) – with a minimum of 200 hours to be completed during each block. Each placement will be undertaken in contrasting settings with different service user groups and in their final Year (3) students will chose from their preferred setting in order to link practice to theory for discussion throughout their dissertation.

Over the duration of their placement students will be required to demonstrate the Standards of Proficiency across the five domains of professional care practice, including;  1) Professional Autonomy and Accountability, 2) Communication, Collaborative Practice and Teamworking, 3) Safety and Quality, 4) Professional Development and 5) Professional Knowledge and Skills.

  

 

* A minimum of 1000 hours in placement will be completed over the duration of this three-year programme. Students will complete a minimum of 200 hours in each of the five Practice Placement blocks to be undertaken over the duration of this three year programme. Suitably appointed placements, which have been carefully selected and vetted by the college will be assigned to students accordingly.

 

Semester Timetable:

This three year online BA (Hons) in Health and Social Care Degree programme will commence again in September 2023 with students graduating in 2026 – details of graduation events will be confirmed nearer the time. See below for details of the intended three year timetable semester plan.

Please Note: this an indicative timetable and may be subject to change.

Year (1): Commencing September 2023

 

  • Semester (1) – 12 weeks: 

 

  • Semester (2) – 15 weeks from Jan 2024

 

Year (2): Commencing September 2024

 

  • Semester (1) – 13 weeks: 

 

  • Semester (2) – 13 weeks from Jan 2025

 

Year (3): Commencing September 2025

 

  • Semester (1) – 13 weeks: 

 

  • Semester (2) – 13 weeks from Jan 2026.

 

 

 

Accreditation

  Our BA (Hons) in Health & Social Care Degree which is offered in partnership with Oxford Brookes University leads to a 360 UK Credit Degree which is equivalent to 180 ECTS credits on the National Framework of Qualifications which is recognised Nationally and Internationally in the area of Health & Social Care.   As a registered student of both The Open College and Oxford Brookes University students will benefit from having access to a wide range of suitable online learning resources and open online library access for the duration of their programme.  

Online Degree in Health & Social Care

   

Delivery Format

 

How does our online learning work?

Entry Requirements

 

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

  • A relevant vocational qualification – a Level 5 Major Award (ROI) or Level 3 (UK) and evidence of ability to study at academic Level 6 (ROI) or 4 (UK).
  • Experience of paid or voluntary work with vulnerable people and/or other community work. This experience should be sufficient to enable the student to clearly demonstrate their commitment, motivation and understanding of social care work in practice. This understanding will be validated through the submission of an employer’s reference and/or interview where appropriate.
  • Students must be available to undertake a practical supervised work placement (1000 hours minimum) across a range of social care settings. Students may normally be in employment and must be able to continue working in an appropriate setting whilst undertaking the Practice Placement modules of the Degree.
  • English Language Requirement: Applicants must be competent in both written and spoken English. For any applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate their level of English is acceptable, by achieving a score in a recognised test such as: British Council IELTS: normally minimum level 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in the reading and writing components.
  • Garda Vetting is required for all Health & Social Care placements and students can apply for this through the college who in turn apply to the National Vetting Bureau (NVB) which helps to assess the suitability of all applicants on this programme. It is important to note that participation in or completion of this programme may be affected by subsequent disclosure/discovery. Depending upon the outcome of the vetting process, the college reserves the following rights: to not register a student, to remove an existing registered student, to delay the student’s practice placement modules. In all circumstances, it is the student’s responsibility to proactively disclose any convictions/cases pending.
  • Students undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to undertake an online programme: computer, broadband, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.
  • Occupational Health clearance certificate which certifies that you are fit to practice as a social care worker.
  • Manual Handling and/or First Aid Training (must be in date).

Employment/h2>

 

Employment Opportunities:

This BA (Hons) in Health & Social Care Degree will equip you with knowledge and skills for employment in a variety of health & social care contexts, some examples below;

  • Residential Care Services
  • Disability Services
  • Addiction Services
  • Community Projects
  • Probation and Welfare Agents
  • Mental Health Services
  • Marginalised and Vulnerable groups: Homelessness, Addiction, Travelling Community, Migrants
  • Aging Care.

 

Progression:

Students who successfully complete this programme may use this award towards completing a suitable Higher Diploma and/or Masters Degree programme with another reputable third level institute/university.

Please note that The Open College and Oxford Brookes University have no direct affiliation or partnerships with any third level institute/university for the provision of access to  further study programmes and so it is advisable that students check out the entry requirements of any intended further study options available to them.

 

Fees

Year Two
3,895
Full Academic Year
  • or Installment Plan
  • First Payment – €1,000
  • and €295 / month for 10 months
Year Three
3,895
Full Academic Year
  • or Installment Plan
  • First Payment – €1,000
  • and €295 / month for 10 months