FdSc Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care. Frequently Asked Questions. anglia.ac.uk/degreesatwork +44 (0)

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1 FdSc Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care Frequently Asked Questions

2 Contents 1. Introduction 2. Who is the qualification for? 3. What is a Foundation Degree? 4. Why Anglia Ruskin University 5. What is Work Based Learning? 6. What are the entry requirements? 7. How will the course be taught? 8. How will my progress be assessed? 9. Will I have to attend the University campus? 10. How long will the course take? 11. How much work will I have to do? 12. What IT equipment and skills will I need? 13. What other skills will I need? 14. How will students support each other on the course? 15. What support will I get from the university? 16. What books are needed 17. What can I do if I am posted abroad whilst studying the course? 18. What are the course fees? 19. How would I fund my studies? 20. Is there any additional funding support that is available? 21. What happens after I complete the course? 22. How do I apply? 23. What happens after I apply? 24. How can I get more information?

3 1. Introduction The Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care is a nationally recognised qualification. It is transferable and applicable to other careers in healthcare and NHS (outside of Armed Forces). In addition to currently serving RN and RM Medical Assistants, this course is also valuable to those who may be transitioning outside of the forces. There is a need for foundation leadership and management skills for the administrative and clinical workforce of today s healthcare environments. The ever rising challenges of patient expectations, combined with the changing parameters associated with healthcare, necessitates this development of today s multi-professional healthcare workforce. The FdSc Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care: Is designed to meet the needs of healthcare systems Equips learners with the relevant strategies, skills and knowledge relevant to their employment Develops the ability to - analyse and synthesise knowledge - apply managerial and leadership principles to solve practical problems and situations - influence change within multi-professional healthcare environments Fosters appreciation of collaborative working in flexible learning communities Develops skills of reflective practice and inquiry-based learning Enables understanding of the multidisciplinary team, its role and function This qualification helps you: Achieve an internationally recognised university qualification

4 Gain formal recognition for the level at which you are working Enhance career development opportunities Prepare you for civilian life Enjoy the challenge of learning new skills Spend minimum time away from work Add value in your workplace whilst training Access to the university s services Graduation ceremony at university campus This Frequently Asked Questions document contains information about the course, why we developed it, what you will be studying on the course, how you will be studying, the benefits to yourself and to your organisation, and also the ways in which we will support you in your studies. We hope you find it useful. Suparna Ghose Principal Consultant Military Engagements Degrees at Work Anglia Ruskin University

5 2. Who is the qualification for? This route has been developed especially for all Medical Assistants within RN and RM Medical Services. 3. What is a Foundation Degree? Foundation Degrees are well established academic qualifications in their own right. They have been developed with employers in order to provide university level skills that are relevant to the student s work. On completion of the course, graduates are entitled to use the letters FdSc after their name and can attend a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievement. Completing this Foundation Degree should make a significant contribution to your professional and personal development, and if you wish to take your academic studies a step further it will entitle you to go on to study for a BSc Honours Degree at Anglia Ruskin University. 4. Why Anglia Ruskin University? Anglia Ruskin University is based in Cambridge and Chelmsford and is one of the foremost work based learning universities in the Eastern Region, and indeed in the UK. We have an established reputation of providing accredited educational courses to the RAF and Army Medical Services. We also work with clients as diverse as Barclays Bank, Specsavers, Harrods and the NHS in developing bespoke degree level training for employees of both individual organisations and entire work sectors. Anglia Ruskin University believes that higher education should inspire people to develop the professional skills that will enable them and their organisations to stand out in today s increasingly competitive world and is proud to have developed this provision for RN/RM Medical Assistants.

6 With over 9,000 students, the Medical Sciences and Health and Social Care faculties together make up the largest provider of health, social care and education courses across the East of England. We offer a comprehensive range of locally, nationally and internationally recognised courses, delivered by teams of experienced academic staff who all have relevant teaching and professional experience. Our vision is to promote excellence in health, social care and education to deliver an inspiring practice and research based learning portfolio and to develop and lead world-class translational research. Our courses lead to relevant careers with over 95% of our graduates finding full-time employment or further study, six months after graduating. 5. What is work-based learning? Work Based Learning is a process of applying knowledge that focuses on people s day-to-day work responsibilities. The FdSc Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care will be taught through Work Based Learning, which means that you will be learning about issues directly relevant to your job and investigating themes within the RN/RM Medical Assistants role and the healthcare workplace in general. 6. What are the Entry Requirements? There are three options for entry for RN and RM Medical Assistants. Option One If you are a currently serving Medical Assistant or Leading Medical Assistant and meet the minimum course entry criteria*, you are eligible for entry into the full Foundation Degree (240 credits) at level 4**. * GCSE in Maths and English. 2 A levels or NVQ3 Level 3 in Health and Social Care

7 ** According to Framework of Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), Foundation Degrees comprise of two levels of study i.e. level 4 and level 5 Option Two If you are a currently serving RN and RM Senior Rate Medical Assistant and able to evidence successful completion of LRLC plus SRLC plus SRPQC (or RM equivalent) you are eligible for entry into level 5 of the Foundation Degree. You are exempt from 120 credits at level 4 and a further 30 credits at level 5. Option Three If you are a RN or RM commissioned officer and are able to evidence successful completion of INT(O) you are eligible for entry into the Foundation Degree with a 60 credit exemption at Level How will the course be taught? The course will be delivered entirely via online distance learning using the university s virtual learning environment (VLE). Tutorial support is available on a one to one basis throughout the course via , telephone and the VLE. Distance learning is a good option when working full time and unable to get study release time. Current student Feedback from previous students has indicated that internet access may be difficult on postings. Please inform your course leader, module tutor and your distance learning facilitator at the earliest if this is the case. We can arrange to send you the study materials in attachment form in advance so you can download and print them in order to continue your studies during posting.

8 8. How will my progress be assessed? The methods of teaching, learning and assessment are dependent upon the strategies within individual modules.you will be assessed on a module-by-module basis. Assessments have been designed to directly showcase the skills you use at work. Students are able to contextualise their assignments to meet their specific professional and personal needs; this impacts positively on their practice and facilitates their personal development. Assessments will comprise a mix of reflective learning, written reports, portfolios, projects, essays. Also online debate, discussion and sharing of ideas and peer reviews. There are no examinations. As a student, you will have the opportunity to send draft course work to your module tutor for formative feedback to help develop your final submission Please note that deadlines for submission of assignments are strictly enforced at the University. For this reason we emphasise the importance that our work based distance learning students manage their time carefully. 9. Will I have to attend the University s campus? There is no requirement to attend the campus because all course materials are available online. The development of an online community is a flexible and exciting way to learn, to share practice and enhance generic and transferable skills. 10. How long will the course take? How is the course structured? Each of the study options explained above has varying durations. These are based on the level of entry, time of entry, number of exempt modules and sequence of modules studied. Please note we offer a part time route, as opposed to the full time mode of study in order to help you efficiently balance work and study priorities.

9 All modules are compulsory and are presented in such a manner that you are able to contextualise your learning to your own work place. Option One: Duration 4 years part time, 240 credits You will study the following modules. Introduction to Higher Education and the Work Environment level 4 (30 credits) Develops understanding of the work sector and the role that individuals take in influencing its performance within the context and environment that influence the operation of organisations. You'll explore the impact of political, social and economic factors on the sector and consider the legal and ethical frameworks informing the sector. Valuing People and Fostering Dignity and Respect (Level 4, 30 credits) Enables students to develop an informed and insightful understanding of the essential role of the individual in health and social care settings. Understanding of ethical principles is essential when caring for individuals and fostering dignity and respect. This module will provide an important foundation from which students will reflect critically upon their own personal values and those of their colleagues. Planning and Managing Resources (Level 4, 30 credits) Provides students with a fundamental understanding of the importance of effective resource management in Health and Social Care. Resource management will be explored with an emphasis on the understanding and use of appropriate theories to explain the ways in which business organisations respond to issues and problems within a health related context. Working Collaboratively Level 4, 30 credits)

10 The purpose of this module is to enable you to become aware of the importance of multi-professional and inter-professional team working, operating in a collaborative way and being an effective member of the team. Managing People and Processes (level 5, 30 credits) This module is designed to give students an insight into human resource management functions and issues. Leadership Practice (Level 5, 30 credits) This module will empower students to develop the necessary leadership skills in order to become a facilitator and motivator of change in the workplace. Research and Critical Thinking (Level 5, 15 credits) The module is designed to develop students awareness of the need to underpin professional practice by the use of published research and up to date evidence. Work Based Project (Level 5, 45 credits) This module is intended to provide a means by which you have an opportunity to deepen your understanding of a relevant topic through undertaking a programme of negotiated learning in a manner that is supported and rigorous. The module is studied over two trimesters; trimester 1 is the preparatory phase in which you have to submit a project proposal. Option Two: Duration 1 year and six months years, total 90 credits. You will study the following modules. For details see above. Research and Critical Thinking (Level 5, 15 credits) Managing People and Processes (Level 5, 30 credits) Work Based Project (Level 5, 45 credits)

11 Option Three: Duration 3 years, total 180 credits. You will study the following modules. For details see above. Valuing People and Fostering Dignity and Respect (Level 4, 30 credits) Planning and Managing Resources (Level 4, 30 credits) Managing People and Processes (Level 5, 30 credits) Leadership Practice (Level 5, 30 credits) Work Based Project (Level 5, 45 credits) Research and Critical Thinking (Level 5 15 credits) 11. How much work will I have to do? Your course will be based around your work and so some of your learning will take place during your normal work duties. There will also be the need to commit private time for studying. Everyone approaches work differently and some people will take more time than others. However it is estimated that on average you will need to spend the equivalent of two to three evenings in the week and half a day at the weekend on your studies. Anglia Ruskin University staff will offer guidance and support throughout your academic work. 12. What IT equipment and skills will I need? You will be required to access online learning materials during the course. For this you will need access to a standard PC linked to the internet, preferably a Broadband connection and Microsoft Office software such as Word and Excel or similar Windows compatible applications. You will need to have a basic familiarity with using the internet, using , word processing and spreadsheet applications. Anglia Ruskin University s Virtual Leaning Environment (VLE) can be accessed via PCs or Macs. In practice we find most desktop computers and laptops are compatible with our systems. However technologies

12 do vary, so some students find access easier at home, some easier at work, for some it makes little difference. We are happy to answer your questions about IT and certainly encourage you to raise questions you may have well in advance of commencing your studies. Feedback from previous students has indicated that internet access may be difficult on postings. Please inform your course leader, module tutor and your distance learning facilitator at the earliest if this is the case. We can arrange to send you the study materials in attachment form in advance so you can download and print them in order to continue your studies during posting. 13. What other skills will I need? There are no other special skills needed other than a belief in what you can achieve and a willingness to learn. Working for a Foundation Degree is a big commitment, so you will also need to be motivated and well organised. 14. How will the students support each other through the course? We believe success on the course will be enhanced through bringing the students together to create a supportive community of learners. The structure of the course has been designed to encourage active participation and mutual support in order to build a community of learners and enable students to maximise the learning opportunities across the group. Anglia Ruskin University s Virtual Learning Environment provides an excellent platform for doing this through its discussion boards, wikis and other participative mechanisms.

13 15. What support will I get from the university? While you will need to take full responsibility for your own studies, you will have plenty of support. This includes: One to one academic tutor support One to one personal tutor support Distance Learning Facilitators Student Advisers University IT helpdesk Personal Development Planning (PDP) Support in the workplace You will also have access to a number of university resources and facilities such as the digital Library, Chaplaincy, Counselling Service, Students Union and the Careers Service. There is additional support available even before the formal start of the course. You will be sent Preparing for Success, an online workbook which is aimed to help you prepare in advance for your chosen course of study at Anglia Ruskin University. Your tutor will offer you support and guidance as you work through Preparing for Success. Examples of topics covered include: Managing your time effectively Study skills strategies and techniques How to use the University s Virtual Learning Environment Managing your time effectively Study skills strategies and techniques How to use the University s Virtual Learning Environment How to write assignments How to use the online library facilities

14 16. What books are needed? Students will be expected to read extracts from a variety of sources such as books, journal articles, reports etc. Most of these will be freely available online through Anglia Ruskin University Library, although in some instances they may want to purchase a key course textbook. Many learning resources are available in electronic format. You will be advised of any recommended books well in advance and tutors will point you towards relevant sources of information throughout the course. 17. What can I do if I am posted abroad whilst studying the course? Feedback from previous students has indicated that it may be difficult to continue to study whilst on posting, owing to factors such as internet access and available time. We recognise that this may disadvantage your studies, therefore we offer provision to defer your studies until you are back from posting. It is really important that you maintain regular contact with the course team throughout your studies, and if you learn that you are going to be posted overseas during your study of the course, you need to contact the course leader and/or your distance learning facilitator as soon as possible to seek support and advice as required What are the course fees? Option 1 Four years; 240 credits; 60 credits per year; 2,250 per year; 9,000 total Option 2 One and a half years; 90 credits; per year; 3,375 total Option 3 Three years; 180 credits o September starters, 2,250 per year; 6,750 total o January starters,

15 Year 1 60 credits 2,250, Year 2 67 credits 2, Year 3 53 credits 1,987.5 ( 6,750 in total) Course fees are charged pro rata based on the number of modules you will study and any credit exemption at the time of study. Instalment options may be available, subject to meeting the required criteria. For further information on payment by instalments please call or ldsfees@anglia.ac.uk Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (provider number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply. 19. How would I fund my studies? You could consider utilising your Enhanced Learning Credits. Please speak to your Learning Adviser to find out more about this process. The information you may need to provide for a funding application is as follows : o Starting Date of course :1 February 2015 o Name of Course: FdSc Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care o Delivery : Fully online, Part time o ELCAS Provider Code: 1007 o Fees : See Q18. for various options Note: All fee information is valid for January 2016 intake

16 In order to help us with invoicing please send us a copy of your Course Authorisation Note (CAN Form). Please send this to Learning Development Services Administrator Degrees at Work Anglia Ruskin University East Road (SGH 308) Cambridge CB1 1PT For any questions relating to invoicing and CAN forms please contact us at ldsfees@anglia.ac.uk or ring Is there is any additional funding support available? Yes. For the first time, working people who want to study for a degree can apply for student loans. If you are eligible, this means that you would pay nothing upfront instead the government would pay your fees, and you would repay the government out of your salary, a bit like tax. Many people are seeing this as a low risk investment because if your income falls below 21,000 for any reason, your repayments stop for that period of time. You may be able to combine student loans with ELCAS. Please see here to find out more There is more information, including details of who is eligible, and application forms, on the Student Finance England website: It may also be possible to pay your personal contribution by instalments subject to criteria. For further information on payment by instalment and student loans please ldsfees@anglia.ac.uk or call

17 21. What happens when I complete the course? You will be invited to a Graduation Ceremony, once you successfully complete the course. You will also be able to use the letters FdSc after your name. 22. How do I apply? If you are interested to apply please contact you Learning Advisor at the earliest. If you are eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits, you will also need to complete a request for funding through ELCAS. Please see Q19 for more information on application for funding. We have an online application process for this course. Please follow these steps to apply. - Please click on or copy and paste this link on your website browser Option 1: siw_ipp_app&code1=dluflmd4pdlp&code2=0010 Option 2: siw_ipp_app&code1=dluflhs2pdlp&code2=0012 Option 3: siw_ipp_app&code1=dluflmd4pdlp&code2= Enter your user name, create your password and proceed with the online application form

18 In order for us to process your application form quickly it is critical that you help us with the following 1. Supply evidence of your qualifications. This would include LRLC, SRLC and SRPQC certificates plus certificates of any other courses you may have completed such as ILM, CMI or Open University programmes. If you have completed training within the service that is equivalent to LRLC, SRLC and SRPQC please indicate these. 2. Please include the address of the referees then this will be progressed immediately Please scan and these copies of your qualification evidence as attachments to Louise Walmsley Admissions Officer Alternatively you may also fax the documents FAO Louise Walmsley Fax Number: If you have any problems with the application process or need assistance on anything else please contact us on What happens after I apply? Provided you meet the university s eligibility criteria and your application is complete and all the supporting documents and reference received, these are the first stages involved:

19 Receipt of application form and all documents/ references Applicant receives a conditional letter of offer from the university University/admissions tutors will verify documents and references A final unconditional offer received by student along with registration guidelines and the What to Expect leaflet A welcome from the course leader together with the online Preparing for Success. 24. How can I get more information? Please refer to our dedicated microsite for Institute of Naval Medicine or the course flyer. Call the Degrees at Work Team on or degreesatwork@anglia.ac.uk.