About this course
Introduction
The Department of Allied Health Professionals at UWE and the City of Bristol College offer this unique one year full-time Foundation Programme for Health Professions.
This is an alternative route to higher education primarily designed for people with few or no formal qualifications or those who do not meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate BSc(Hons) degree in Allied Health Professions, Midwifery, Adult, Mental Health, Children and Learning Disability Nursing. This Foundation programme aims to provide knowledge and skills to enable you to progress onto one of these degree programmes.
There are nine pathways through the Foundation programme. After successful completion of the Foundation programme and a clear Health Screening questionnaire, you will automatically progress onto a place on one of the following undergraduate programmes which can be taken full-time:
Allied Health Professions
BSc(Hons) Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic Imaging is a rapidly developing profession in health and social care that requires detailed knowledge of technology, anatomy and physiology. A diagnostic imaging radiographer requires good psychomotor skills for manipulation of high technology equipment, excellent interpersonal skills to put patients at ease and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary health care team. Diagnostic imaging radiographers utilise a wide variety of modalities including conventional radiography, computerised tomography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging to produce high quality images which are essential to the diagnosis of disease. Recent developments in practice have resulted in practitioners becoming increasingly involved in the interpretation of these images and treatment procedures.
BSc(Hons) Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a rapidly developing profession in health and social care. Its focus is on enabling people to choose and engage in meaningful occupations in their day to day lives - essentially helping people to help themselves. Occupational therapists work with people who have physical, emotional or social problems, using selected occupations in order to help them reach their maximum level of function and independence. Occupational therapy is concerned with the study of humans as occupational beings; it concerns the whole person, interaction with the environment, role definitions and relationships with others.
BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement. It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social wellbeing, taking account of variations in health status. Physiotherapists work in a wide variety of specialisms such as intensive care, mental illness, stroke recovery, occupational health, and care of the elderly.
BSc(Hons) Radiotherap and Oncology
The radiotherapy radiographer works within a team treating patients diagnosed with cancer. They may be involved in all stages of the planning and delivery of a patient's radiotherapy treatment and therefore see the same patient daily for up to six weeks. A radiotherapy radiographer must have a keen interest in the scientific aspects of radiotherapy, good psychomotor skills for manipulation of high technology equipment, excellent interpersonal skills to put patients at ease and the ability to work as part of a team. This is a rewarding and fulfilling career as radiotherapy significantly contributes to the cure of cancer or to symptom control.
BSc(Hons) Midwifery
The midwife is required to demonstrate an understanding of the physical, psychological and emotional needs of the mother and the family. An essential part of the role is the psychological support of parents during occasions of stress, grief and bereavement. In addition, the midwife's practice should be informed by an understanding of the health needs of society, including socio-economic and transcultural aspects and the environmental factors relating to health.
Nursing
BSc(Hons) Adult Nursing
The role of the nurse caring for adults is evolving in response to changes in the way health care is delivered, and in response to demographic and social trends: the ageing population has increased the need for continuing care services for older people, surgical day cases have increased markedly, and the development of care in the community is ongoing. These changes are reflected in the adult nursing programme, which provides students with experiences in both community and hospital settings, working closely with other health care professionals.
BSc(Hons) Children's Nursing
Children's nursing encompasses all ages from neonates to adolescents. The tendency for children to be cared for at home wherever possible means that those admitted to hospital are acutely or critically ill, and in need of highly skilled nursing care. Increasingly sophisticated nursing technical procedures need to be underpinned by an in-depth understanding of the psychosocial-biological sciences. Students undertaking this branch programme will undergo a wide range of experiences that will equip them to care for children both in hospital and in the wider community.
BSc(Hons) Learning Disabilities Nursing
Learning disability nurses aim to ensure that their client's individuality and abilities are valued and respected. Because the care of people with learning disabilities is provided in the community, students will learn to work within a multi-agency framework, and will experience a wide variety of care environments. Clients will vary greatly in age and disability, and their uniqueness will need to be recognised by different intervention strategies and individual approaches. The branch programme reflects current philosophies of care and developments in learning disability nursing.
BSc(Hons) Mental Health Nursing
Students following this branch programme will experience caring for people of all ages with a variety of mental health problems living within the community. Fundamental to the work of the mental health nurse is the relationship between the nurse and patient and his or her family. Students will learn to work with vulnerable groups in the community such as elderly people and the homeless. The programme will therefore reflect the values and expectations of those individuals using mental health services.
Each of the programmes will enable you to start a career as a qualified health professional in your chosen speciality. On successful completion graduates are eligible for membership of a relevant Professional Body and registration with the Health Professions Council.
Structure
Content
The Foundation Programme is full-time and the majority of the teaching takes place at the City of Bristol College, Ashley Down Centre. There will also be some study undertaken at the Department of Allied Health Professionals Glenside Campus in Bristol.
You will undertake 11 modules (modules are blocks of study), ten of the modules have a credit rating of ten credits and one module has a credit rating of 20 credits (you need to gain 120 credits to progress on to your chosen programme).
Modules
| Core Skills 1 | 10 credits |
| Study Skills | 10 credits |
| Human Biology 1 | 10 credits |
| Combined Science 1 | 10 credits |
| Psychology | 10 credits |
| Introduction to Research | 20 credits |
| Core Skills 2 | 10 credits |
| Vocational Study | 10 credits |
| Human Biology 2 | 10 credits |
| Combined Science 2 | 10 credits |
| Sociology | 10 credits |
Teaching and learning
A variety of learning methods are employed, these include lectures, demonstrations, laboratory work, tutorials and small group work. The developmental nature of the programmes requires active participation and will move you towards taking responsibility for your own learning.
The programme aims to enable you to:
- acquire the skills and knowledge including a solid science foundation to undertake an undergraduate degree.
- acquire the underpinning skills and knowledge to progress to a professional programme
- gain an understanding of the use of research in relation to evidence based professional practice
- facilitate the progressive development of investigative skills
- be effective in study and self management approaches
- develop and promote a value base that respects diversity
- develop key and transferable skills
- be self aware, self directed and sensitive to the needs of others
- develop appropriate interpersonal skills and function and communicate effectively within a team
Throughout the Foundation programme you will be supported in their study in a number of ways including:
- Personal tutorial scheme at City of Bristol College
- Vocational support and guidance from lecturers from the Department of Allied Health Professionals
- Negotiation and discussion of the contents of a learning contract with a personal tutor
- Support from module leaders and joint programme co-ordinators
Study time
Computer skills are vital for your academic studies and future employment. At the University of the West of England computing is an integral part of your programme/course - many lecturers make lecture notes and materials available via computers, and some modules will require you to use Information Technology (IT) to help you undertake and present your work. IT facilities are available on all campuses. At the main Frenchay Campus there is 24 hour access to computing facilities, and the Department offers to help and support throughout your course/programme.
Prior to commencing your programme of study you may find it helpful to familiarise yourself with some core IT skills:
- Basic word processing
- Storing and retrieving files
- Communicating via e-mail
- Searching the web for information, e.g. online shopping, booking a holiday, homework.
There is also a range of information and resources that includes interactive exercises to support study skills on the Department of Allied Health Professionals website.
Useful links
College of Occupational Therapists - This website contains information for prospective students as well as qualified Occupational Therapists.
Society of Radiographers - This website contains information for prospective students as well as qualified Radiographers.
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy - This website contains information for prospective students as well as qualified Physiotherapists.
Nursing Standard - This website contains information for prospective students as well as qualified Nurses.
Nurserve - This website contains information for prospective students as well as qualified Nurses.
Midirs (Midwives Information and Resource Service) - This website contains information for prospective students as well as those who are qualified.
Find out more about the UWE Federation.
Assessment
A range of assessment strategies are utilised including formal examination, oral presentations, written tests, assignments, project and laboratory reports and the creation of a portfolio of learning.
Special Features
Study facilities
You have access to the facilities at both City of Bristol College and UWE. City of Bristol College, Ashley Down Centre has a wide range of learning resources and technologies to support you in your studies. These include information technology (IT) resources with computer labs that have full Internet access and packages such as Microsoft Office. The College has seven Learning Resource Centres that house over 55,000 study materials and is well stocked with journals and magazines. You can also use the InfoTrac service to access journals online. A wide range of CD-ROMs and other software are available.
The Department of Allied Health Professionals (Glenside Campus) is superbly equipped with an extensive range of teaching and learning resources. There are profession specific and generic skills simulation suites that are used by students.
The Library on the Glenside Campus is one of the best health care libraries in England with a huge selection of books, journals and audio-visual materials including access to specialist health and social care software packages.
Information Technology provision is in the form of multimedia laboratories. Remote Access links with some placement areas, smart boards and innovative projects such as 'multicasting' are used to deliver teaching material.
The College and University also boasts high quality sports amenities including a fully equipped sports hall and access to tennis and squash courts. There is also a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars serving hot and cold snacks and meals.
Entry
Typical offers
Entry requirements
The Foundation programme is aimed at individuals who may have few or no formal qualifications but who can demonstrate a clear commitment to pursuing a career within their chosen profession. Personal, professional and educational experiences will be considered to determine motivation and ability to progress onto the degree programme.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis.
Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the minimum IELTS score of the programme to which they hope to progress. Contact UWE Admissions for further information Tel: +44 (0) 117 32 83333, Fax: +44 (0) 117 32 82810 or E-mail admissions@uwe.ac.uk. Full details of this language test can be obtained from the British Council.
Additional selection criteria
As well as meeting the academic entry requirements, applicants should meet the following selection criteria:
Interview - Suitability for the course will be determined through a short informal interview, which will involve staff from both City of Bristol College and the School of Health and Social Care. Candidates will also be asked to complete a numeracy and literacy assessment.
Health Assessment/Declaration - Applicants must be in good health. Those offered a place are required to complete a health questionnaire, prior to progression to their degree course and be prepared to undergo a medical examination if necessary.
Disclosure of Criminal Background - The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply and all convictions, including those which are spent, must be disclosed. Applicants who are offered a place must undergo a Criminal Record Bureau check and will be required to complete a Disclosure Application form. All information will be treated in confidence and only taken into account when absolutely necessary.
Completing the application form - We will be looking for students committed to their chosen career. You should demonstrate in the 'personal statement' section of the application form your motivation and enthusiasm for your chosen career, that you have good interpersonal skills, any IT experience and any relevant work experience that you have gained to date.
Fees
For the Foundation Programme you should contact Student Finance-England to apply for financial support. The main types of financial help you can apply for are:
Money towards tuition fees
This will be based on an assessment of your income/ financial position and that of your family if appropriate.
Student Loan
We recommend that you apply for a student loan even if you do not think you will need to use it.
Supplementary grants
Extra help may be available for students in certain circumstances. This includes, for example, disabled students, those with dependents including lone parents, those incurring travel costs in certain circumstances.
UWE Bursary
You may also be eligible for an income-assessed UWE Bursary.
This programme is classified as year 0 of a four year degree. You should stress this when you contact Student Finance-England and when you complete and return any forms to them.
Applicants accepted for an NHS funded place on an undergraduate degree programme are eligible to apply for an NHS bursary. Degree students may be entitled to an income-assessed NHS bursary.
Income-assessed NHS bursary
Students (who fulfil residency requirements) are eligible to apply for an income-assessed NHS Bursary. Basically the NHS Bursary is split into different sections; tuition fees, maintenance (cost of living) allowance, additional allowances. The NHS will pay your tuition fees, your income and that of your parents or your spouse will be taken into account when calculating your maintenance (cost of living) allowance and there are additional allowances that can be applied for: extra weeks attendance; older students; initial expenses; dependents; single parents; disabled students; two homes; clinical placement costs; students entering training from care.
NB: Even if you do not think you will be eligible for an income-assessed NHS bursary we recommend that you still apply for one. This will entitle you to apply for placement travel expenses at a later date. You cannot apply retrospectively for an income-assessed NHS bursary.
EU nationals may be eligible for part of an income-assessed NHS Bursary. Students may have their tuition fees paid but will not qualify for a maintenance (cost of living) allowance or the additional allowances.
Non income-assessed tested NHS bursary
Students (who fulfil residency requirements) are eligible to apply for a non income-assessed NHS Bursary. This means that your tuition fees will be paid and that you will receive a fixed maintenance (cost of living) allowance. Students can also apply for additional allowances but this element of the Bursary is means tested. The additional allowances are for: older students; initial expenses; dependents; single parents; disabled students; two homes; clinical placement costs; students entering training from care.
EU nationals may be eligible for a non income-assessed NHS Bursary.
If you do not fall into either of the above categories you may be liable for the full cost of the tuition and placement fees in addition to your cost of living expenses.
Alternatively for more information contact: Students Grant Unit, Tel: +44 (0)845 358 6655 or email: eligibility@nhspa.gov.uk
EU/Overseas applicants - Please contact Admissions and International Development for further information:
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
E-mail: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
How to apply
Before applying students should decide which route through the Foundation Programme they would like to study: Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiotherapy, Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy. It is recommended that students visit the relevant department in their local hospital for the profession they are interested in to gain some insight into their chosen course. In addition it would be beneficial for students to obtain some work experience, paid or voluntary, in the work place.
If you require further information please contact either admissions@uwe.ac.uk or City of Bristol College, details below
| Alec Skuse | | City of Bristol College | | Higher Education Unit | | HE Centre B2.08 Brunel House | | PO Box 2887 | | Bristol | | BS2 2BB | | Tel 0117 312 5366 |
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Please see the general information about applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011