Programme Specification for Social Care by distance learning BA (Hons)
This programme is offered by UEL with elements supported by ICS Ltd.
|
Final award |
BA (Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE, Ordinary degree, University Undergraduate (Associate) Certificate |
|
UCAS code |
N/A |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Social Policy and Administration and Social Work (QAA) |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
October 2012 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
This programme provides a comprehensive and innovative approach to the study of, Social Care, potentially leading to a BA (Hons) Social Care.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry to Level 1 or the Full Programme
To enrol on the first Level or the Full Programme you must normally hold 200 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.
Entry on a Modular Basis
If you do not hold the required tariff points for Level 1 or Full Programme entry, studies will be permitted on a modular basis, following a counselling interview with a student advisor.
In order to be able to complete this programme, a good level of English is required. The IELTS requirements for all distance-learning programmes are a minimum of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in both reading & writing (and a minimum of 5.0 in listening & speaking). Where English is not your first language, you may be required to provide a written example of your work in order to ensure your suitability for the programme.
Overseas students should be aware that all exams MUST be taken in the UK at one of our approved exam venues. Students should also be aware that they are expected to cover all costs in attending the exams.
Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL)
A student may gain admission to a programme, with advanced standing.
If you think that you could be entitled to ACL, you will be asked to submit the following evidence:
- Programme/Module Specification or syllabus (including evidence of assessment format)
- Final certificate
- Transcript of grades
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is BA (Hons) Social Care?
Social Care holds a fundamental position in today’s society. This programme of study in Social Care aims to provide students with an insight into the principles, practices and provision of contemporary Social Care, drawing on historical, social, economical, political and cultural contexts in which it operates. It gives students the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that are not only central to Social Care, but to many other areas and disciplines.
BA (Hons) Social Care with ICS
- A broad-based degree preparing you for many careers
- No entry qualifications needed to start on a module – modules make up degrees!
- All course materials designed by experts in the fields of Social Care
- No need to attend classes
- Help and guidance from student advisors Academic support from a subject specialist tutor
- Access our virtual learning environment and online Student Community.
Programme structure
In order to obtain a BA (Hons) Social Care Degree you need to complete your Programme within eight years.
To be awarded an Honours Degree in Social Care, you will have to complete a total of 18 modules, with a value of 360 credits. This will comprise 120 credits at Level 1, 120 at Level 2 and 120 at Level 3.
It is also possible to study Social Care as part of a Combined Honours Degree, either as a Major/Minor or a Joint Honours.
Learning environment
This programme is offered on a distance-learning basis allowing you to select your learning environment – be it your home, office or a public library. Learning material is presented in the format of textbooks with specially written Study Guides containing interactive activities; feedback is provided to enable you to monitor your own progress.
Student/ student discussion and student/ tutor discussion opportunities are available via our Online Student Community Website. Additional learning resources include access to ATHENS and UK Libraries Plus system.
Assessment
There are three opportunities each calendar year at which to take exams or submit final assessments. When students start studying a module, they are automatically enrolled for the next assessment point.
Assessment is by a mix of coursework and examination. Coursework can include essays, logs, research projects, practical tasks and a final year project.
Detailed feedback is provided on an individual basis.
Work experience/placement opportunities
-
Project work
The final year entails a compulsory Research Project Report where students are required to submit a research proposal (2, 000 – 2, 500 words) and then undertake independent research in their chosen area of interest and write a full report.
Added value
Social Care is an interesting multi-disciplinary field of study providing wide options in employment and postgraduate study. Prepared for a range of professions and occupations, our recent graduates have obtained employment in a diverse selection of fields.
By successfully completing a distance learning degree Programme, you not only display relevant knowledge, skills and understanding to an employer but also that you are able to manage your time effectively, that you are self-motivated and already have a good work ethic – all of which will give you the edge you need to find success in the real world.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Major historical developments that have shaped social care
- Gaining a comprehensive and critical understanding of the networks of social care and the different roles that different parties play
- Examining the mixed economy of social care provision including users and providers of care
- Analysing social care policies and issues underpinning the legal principles of care
- Representations of social exclusion, poverty and care
- Developing transferable skills, which are flexible and employment-related.
If you enjoy...
- Handling detailed and complex materials and presenting facts, principles and issues raised in a clear and concise manner.
- Developing your written presentational skills and gaining confidence to present your ideas in a clear, concise and cogent manner.
- Exploring a range of Social Care related issues in contemporary society
- Research, advocacy and negotiation.
If you want...
- A degree in Social Care covering a wide range of applications.
- Knowledge and skills that can be used in a large range of career settings.
- To study in a flexible way.
Your future career
This degree provides a foundation for a wide range of careers in the Social Care sector including support work, working with families, working with and within groups, youth work, community care roles and working in housing. There is also the opportunity to progress onto a Postgraduate Course of study in Social Work. Social Care also develops key transferable skills that provide an excellent basis for employment in many other areas such as Local Government, Charities, Non-Governmental Institutions, the private sector etc.
How we support you
UEL has a team of dedicated Distance Learning Student Advisors who will be the first point of contact for all non-academic support matters. The Distance Learning Student Advisors will:
- welcome you by email, and provide advice on how to log to UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment) and Connecting UEL (the Resource & Community site)
- work with you in conjunction with your academic tutor to agree a study programme, discuss your progress and remind you about deadlines
- explain university procedures and policies
- help you plan for assessments and exams and provide advice on time management
- help you determine which university Award suits your career or personal needs
- refer you to the best learning and support resources including dyslexia and disability support and career advice.
In addition all distance learning students receive academic support from course tutors. Tutors will communicate with you via UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment). Support is also available via the Learning Resource Centre where there are dedicated librarians and the ‘ask a librarian’ feature. Peer support is very important and you will find a broad range of opportunities to build networks and exchange ideas with other students via our online communities
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Develop core skills necessary for the study of Social Care
- Develop skills in analysis and reasoning
- Pursue a successful, responsible and useful career in a number of areas of employment, through relevant knowledge, skills and understanding
- Progress to further study
- Encourage independent judgement and self-awareness
- Make informed choices for future work and study through providing a general, broadly-based Programme
- Learn in a flexible manner; in a timescale and environment in keeping with your preferences and needs
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of Social Care
- Awareness of the historical developments of Social Care
- A thorough understanding of the concepts of Social Care and the range of settings in which it operates
- An awareness of different theoretical approaches involved and the practical implications in delivering social care
- Research methods and the utilisation of primary and secondary sources
Thinking skills
- Comparative analysis and skills of evaluation
- Dealing with conflicting views
- Reflective and critical thinking
- Appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of Social Care
- Demonstrate insights into concerns around Social Care
- Research methods
- Developed understandings of the different needs of Social Care and its users
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Communication, both oral and written
- Computer literacy (word-processing, electronic communication, electronic databases, statistical software, internet searching)
- Numeracy and statistical competence
- Self-awareness
- Planning and time-management
- Specific employability skills.
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. online activities and discussions, private study and reading ).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360.
Typical duration
The programme must be completed within eight years. Study within this period is entirely flexible and should be determined and planned by you, with the support of your mentor.
How the teaching year is divided
There are three entry points per year onto the programme: September, February and May. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.
What you will study when
A typical full-time student will take six 20-credit modules per year, but you may choose to take fewer than this. To graduate as an honours degree student you will need to have completed six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
For the BA (Hons) single pathway all six modules at Levels 1, 2 and 3 are CORE modules, which means that they must be studied.
To study Social Care as a Major in a Major/Minor Combined Honours, 3 CORE modules and 1 option from a choice of 3 at Levels 1 and 2 must be studied. At Level 3 , 2 CORE modules and 2 options from a choice of 4 must be studied. The remaining modules will come from another discipline of choice.
To study Social Care as a Minor in a Major/Minor Combined Honours, two CORE modules must be studied at Levels 1 and 2 and two modules from a choice of four at Level 3.
To study Social Care as part of a Joint Honours Degree, three modules at each Level must be studied.
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for this programme
|
LEVEL |
TITLE |
CREDITS |
STATUS SINGLE |
STATUS MAJOR |
STATUS MINOR |
STATUS JOINT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
IS1407 Skills for Learning: Social Care# |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Not available |
Core (Option) |
|
1 |
IS1405 Who Cares? The Social Care Mosaic# |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
IS1403 Supporting Children, Young People and Families |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Not available |
Option |
|
1 |
IS1402 |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Not available |
Option |
|
1 |
IS1404 |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Not available |
Option |
|
1 |
IS1401 Caring in Context: Poverty, Exclusion and Care |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
IS2401 Social Care Practice 1 |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
IS2402 Research Skills for Social Care |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Not available |
Core |
|
2 |
IS2403 Personal Lives, Identities and Social Care |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Not available |
Option |
|
2 |
IS2404 Contemporary Social Policy |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
IS2405 Violence in Everyday Life |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Not available |
Option |
|
2 |
IS2406 The Legal Contexts of Care |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Not available |
Option |
|
3 |
IS3401 Social Care Practice 2 |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Not available |
Core (Option) |
|
3 |
IS3402 Bodies and Minds |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
3 |
IS3403 Crime and Justice |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
3 |
IS3404 Education and Everyday Life |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
3 |
IS3405 Research Project |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Not available |
Core (Option) |
|
3 |
IS3406 Housing and Homelessness |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an Honours Degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at Level one or higher PLUS
- A minimum of 120 credits at Level two or higher PLUS
- A minimum of 120 credits at Level three or higher
In order to gain an Ordinary Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at Level one or higher PLUS
- A minimum of 120 credits at Level two or higher PLUS
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at Level one or higher and 120 credits at Level two or higher.
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at Level 1 or higher.
In order to gain a University Undergraduate Certificate students will need to obtain 40 credits at Level 1 or higher.
In order to gain a University Undergraduate Associate Certificate students will need to obtain 20 credits at Level 1 or higher.
Only one final award may be obtained.
Degree Classification
|
Degree Classification is based on: |
||||||
|
X |
2/3 |
+ |
X |
1/3 |
||
The mark obtained is then applied as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, in order to reach the following classification:
|
≥ 70% |
First Class Honours |
|
< 70% ≥ 60% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
< 60% ≥ 50% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
< 50% ≥ 40% |
Third Class Honours |
|
< 40% |
Fail |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Guided reading
- Knowledge-based activities with feedback
- On-line question/ answer forums
Thinking skills are developed through
- Reflective/ thinking activities with feedback
- Analytical activities with feedback
- Evaluative activities with feedback
- Problem-solving activities with feedback
- On-line question/ answer forums
Subject-based Practical skills are developed through
- Practical/ physical activities with feedback
- IT activities with feedback
- Research skills-based activities with feedback
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- The study medium, i.e. distance learning
- Planning activities with feedback
- IT activities with feedback
- All other activities with feedback
- Project work
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Coursework
- Essays
- Examinations
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Book reviews
- Project work
Subject-Based Practical skills are assessed by
- Practical reports
- Portfolio compilation
- IT exercises
- Case study exercises
- Project work
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Project work
- Group work
- Tutorial assignments
- IT exercises
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
- There would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme
- Adequate resources would be in place
- The overall aims and objectives were appropriate
- The content of the programme met national benchmark requirements
- The proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy, and student support mechanisms
This is done through a process of Programme approval, which involves convening a panel of academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions. Each panel scrutinises available documents and talks to the staff who will teach the programme before deciding whether it can be approved.
How we (ICS/UEL) monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- External Examiner reports (considering quality and standards)
- Statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate)
- Student feedback
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality Standing Committee.
Once every six years University of East London undertakes an in-depth review of the whole field. This is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the ICS Programmes Study Board
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in University of East London’s quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one External Examiner. External Examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students
External Examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/ assignments
- Attending Assessment Boards
- Reviewing samples of Student work and moderating marks
- Ensuring that regulations are followed
- Providing feedback to the University through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Programme evaluations
- Polls via our website
- Student representation held twice yearly.
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- Individual mailing letters as required
- Postings on UEL Plus and Connecting UEL (the Resource & Community site)
Listening to the views of others
-
Further Information
Where you can find further information
- The student handbook
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies
- UEL Quality Manual
- Regulations for the Academic Framework
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
