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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
Fully Online
Duration
24 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Foundation
Major
Health Science | Healthcare Administration | Nursing
Area of study
Education
Education type
Fully Online
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-01-01-
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Course Overview

On this Assistant Practitioner foundation degree, you will choose one of five pathways to specialise in: radiography, midwifery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and health social care. As well as studying a set of generic modules alongside students from all pathways, you will study three distinct modules (two in year one and one in year two) which are specific to your field of practice. There will be opportunities to learn in your field-specific groups, and progression routes are available for each pathway.


On this course you will...

  • Develop the skills and knowledge needed to progress from a support worker role to an assistant practitioner within your own field and scope of practice.
  • Work within the limits of their competence and authority to provide high quality, evidence-based clinical, diagnostic or therapeutic care and holistic support as part of the wider healthcare team.
  • Communicate effectively with a wide range of people whilst maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
  • Learn whilst staying in your own clinical area for two years, and gain in-depth experience in your chosen field of practice.
  • Develop clinical and professional skills to enable you to fully integrate and support registered healthcare practitioners and provide excellent patient care.

Key Details

  • Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
  • Course Location: Online
  • Institute: Institute of Health
  • Delivery Style: Online
  • Course Duration: Full-time: 2 Years
  • Study Options: Assistant Practitioner (Health) (degree apprenticeship)
  • Course Start Point: January, September
  • Award: FdSc

Minimum entry requirements

  • GCSE English Language at grade 4/C or above. Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Adult Literacy are also accepted.
  • Students must provide evidence of study at level 3 or provide 1 to 2 pages explaining why they are ready to study at level 4, undersigned and approved by their employer.

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

  • GCSEs: GCSE in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or functional skills level 2 in both.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.


Selection Criteria

This is employer led and non apprentices only will also need an interview. Learners must also show evidence of study at level 3 or provide a sheet of A4 with a written explanation of why they are ready for level 4 study signed and agreed by their manager.


Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study.


Course Structure

What you will learn

You will study two profession-specific modules in your first year, and one profession-specific module in your second year. Each year builds towards the end point assessment and towards improving your knowledge of clinical practice, policy, procedures and professional accountability.


Modules

There are 5 different Pathways to choose from within this course:


  • Health and Social Care
  • Midwifery
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Radiography
Year one
  • Introduction to Professional Practice
  • Service User Journey 1
  • Applied Biological Sciences 1
  • Evidence Based & Reflective Practice
Year two
  • Applied Biological Sciences 2
  • Leadership Management and Quality
  • Professional Studies
Health and Social Pathway
  • Pathway Specific 1 - Health and Social Care (Year One)
  • Pathway Specific 2 - Health and Social Care (Year One)
  • Pathway Specific 3 - Health and Social Care (Year Two)
Radiography Pathway
  • Imaging Technology 1 (Year One)
  • Science & Radiation Protection (Year One)
  • Medical Imaging Technologies 2 (Year Two)
Midwifery Pathway
  • Public Health in Midwifery Practice Midwifery (Year One)
  • Wellbeing and Mental Health in Maternity (Year One)
  • Childbirth Emergencies (Year Two)
Occupational Therapy Pathway
  • Occupational Therapy Process and Paradigms (Year One)
  • Exploring and Applying Occupational Science (Year One)
  • Developing Occupational Therapy Theory to Practice (Year Two)
Physiotherapy Pathway
  • Physiotherapy Examination, Assessment and Treatment (Year One)
  • Applied Human Science (Year One)
  • Promoting Health, Wellbeing and Exercise Physio (Year Two)

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

You will develop your reflective and analytical skills at each level of the programme in order to contribute fully to your workplace. In conjunction with this you will be building a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate how you use these new found skills in practice with evidence from practice assessors and others on your increasing application of knowledge to the skills you embed on a daily basis.


How you will be assessed

Year 1


  • Examination – short answer
  • Question and Answers
  • Portfolio work
  • Written reflection
  • Presentation
  • Professional discussion

Year 2


  • Professional conversation
  • Portfolio work
  • Podcast
  • Presentation
  • Reflection
  • Observation of practice

Progression Route Pathways

  • Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Health and Social care Pathway
  • Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Midwifery Pathway
  • Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Radiography Pathway
  • Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Occupational Therapy Pathway
  • Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Physiotherapy Pathway

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

  • 2025 - 2026: Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year.

Career Outcomes

Combine this programme with a top up to become a registered healthcare practitioner in your chosen field. You must be judged to be academically and clinically competent to proceed.


Additional Costs

  • There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books.
  • Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.
  • Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.
Books and Journals
  • Each module has a reading list and everything is available from the library (usually online).
Stationery
  • .
Clothing and Equipment
  • A laptop with microphone and camera.

Program Outline


FdSc Assistant Practitioner (Health) - University of Cumbria


Degree Overview:

The FdSc Assistant Practitioner (Health) program is designed to support students in becoming assistant practitioners in one of five healthcare fields: radiography, midwifery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and health social care. This program caters to support workers seeking career advancement. It equips students with the skills and knowledge to deliver person-centered and holistic care within the scope of their practice. Upon completion, graduates will function as a bridge between support workers and registered healthcare practitioners, gaining a strong foundation in their chosen field and paving the way for potential progression to registered practitioner status.


Objectives:

  • Develop skills and knowledge necessary to progress from a support worker role to an assistant practitioner within their chosen field.
  • Work within the limits of their competence and authority to provide high-quality, evidence-based clinical, diagnostic, or therapeutic care and holistic support as part of the wider healthcare team.
  • Communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals while maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
  • Learn while staying in their clinical area for two years, gaining in-depth experience in their chosen field of practice.
  • Develop clinical and professional skills to fully integrate and support registered healthcare practitioners, ultimately providing excellent patient care.

Outline:

This program involves choosing one of five specialized pathways:

  • Health and Social Care
  • Midwifery
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Radiography

Course Structure:

The program is delivered online with one study day per week, alongside employment. This blended learning approach allows students to apply their learning in real-world settings, working alongside registered healthcare professionals to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge.


Year One:

  • Introduction to Professional Practice: Explore and apply key legal, professional, and ethical concepts to complex decision-making in health and social care practice.
  • Service User Journey 1: Develop an understanding of the relationship between care delivery and the service user's journey through their area of work.
  • Applied Biological Sciences 1: Introduce foundational subject areas relevant to their profession, including anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the human body, with pathway-specific components.
  • Evidence Based & Reflective Practice: Develop research skills, analytical, reflective, and critical thinking skills necessary for academic study and assessment.

Year Two:

  • Applied Biological Sciences 2: Contextualize scope of practice with the service user, their families, and carers' journey, encompassing themes like health and wellbeing, local and national policy, health promotion, and multidisciplinary team working.
  • Leadership Management and Quality: Develop leadership skills for teamwork and delivering high-quality, safe, and effective care.
  • Professional Studies: Provide clinical skills and experience to enable safe and effective practice within a defined area of practice, demonstrating the outcomes of the Assistant Practitioner (Health) program.
  • This module complements and consolidates learning from previous modules.

Pathway Specific Modules:


Health and Social Care Pathway:

  • Year One:
  • Pathway Specific 1 - Health and Social Care: Gain knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of Nursing Practice.
  • Pathway Specific 2 - Health and Social Care: Explore perspectives of biological, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, and behavioral determinants of health and promote person-centered wellbeing across the lifespan.
  • Year Two:
  • Pathway Specific 3 - Health and Social Care: Understand and apply the principles of pharmacology and medicine therapeutics in care management.
  • Communicate aspects of pharmacology to service users, their families, and carers in lay terms.

Radiography Pathway:

  • Year One:
  • Imaging Technology 1: Acquire knowledge and understanding of technology used within medical imaging and therapy.
  • Science & Radiation Protection: Learn subjects that underpin the practice and science applied to medical imaging.
  • Year Two:
  • Medical Imaging Technologies 2: Build upon the learning outcomes of FDAP4019 and deliver subjects that underpin the practice and science applied to medical imaging technologies.

Midwifery Pathway:

  • Year One:
  • Public Health in Midwifery Practice Midwifery: Understand principles of public health, health promotion, and protection for all women, birthing people, newborns, and families.
  • Wellbeing and Mental Health in Maternity: Understand the principles of wellbeing in relation to supporting mental health for oneself and those in care.
  • Year Two:
  • Childbirth Emergencies: Develop skills and knowledge needed to support midwives and obstetricians in managing childbirth emergencies.
  • Demonstrate situational awareness, advanced communication skills, and knowledge of human factors.

Occupational Therapy Pathway:

  • Year One:
  • Occupational Therapy Process and Paradigms: Introduce Occupational Therapy within health and care, focusing on developing knowledge and understanding of core skills and the Occupational Therapy process for best practice.
  • Exploring and Applying Occupational Science: Develop understanding of Occupational Science and its relevance to Occupational Therapy.
  • Explore the art and science of occupation and its relevance to understanding humans as Occupational beings, linking this to occupational performance.
  • Year Two:
  • Developing Occupational Therapy Theory to Practice: Design and evaluate an Occupational Therapy intervention using theoretical knowledge of life sciences and human occupation, applying it to local, national, and global practice contexts of Occupational Therapy.

Physiotherapy Pathway:

  • Year One:
  • Physiotherapy Examination, Assessment and Treatment: Introduce core physiotherapy skills of examination, assessment, treatment, and management.
  • Develop understanding of examination and assessment processes, applying them to clinical contexts.
  • Applied Human Science: Develop understanding of the structure and function of the human Neuro-musculoskeletal (NMSK) system and the interrelationship between structure and function in health and ill-health.
  • Year Two:
  • Promoting Health, Wellbeing and Exercise Physio: Introduce the use of physical activity and therapeutic exercise for health promotion.
  • Challenge students to consider biopsychosocial factors influencing health and wellbeing and the role of healthcare professionals in prevention.

Assessment:


Assessment Methods:

  • Year 1:
  • Examination (short answer)
  • Question and Answers
  • Portfolio work
  • Written reflection
  • Presentation
  • Professional discussion
  • Year 2:
  • Professional conversation
  • Portfolio work
  • Podcast
  • Presentation
  • Reflection
  • Observation of practice

Criteria:

  • Each module has summative assessment of evidence within the portfolio.
  • Each pathway uses a variety of assessment techniques.

Teaching:


Teaching Methods:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Group work
  • Tutorials
  • Experiential learning
  • Reading and literature search

Faculty:

  • Students are provided with a personal tutor from their specific field of practice.

Careers:


Potential Career Paths:

  • Assistant Practitioner in chosen field
  • Potential progression to registered healthcare practitioner in chosen field (dependent on academic and clinical competency)

Opportunities:

  • The program can be combined with a top-up to become a registered healthcare practitioner in their chosen field.

Outcomes:

  • Graduates will be equipped to work as assistant practitioners and may have the opportunity to progress to registered practitioner status.

Other:

  • Students must purchase stationery and may wish to purchase text books.
  • Extra costs may be applicable for field trips, membership fees, etc., although these are optional.
  • Books are reviewed annually and subject to change.
  • A course welcome information list is provided for the year.
  • Each module has a reading list with resources available from the library (usually online).

Additional Information:

  • The program is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council and approved by the College of Radiographers.
  • Students must have GCSE English Language at grade 4/C or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Adult Literacy.
  • Students must provide evidence of level 3 study or provide a written explanation of why they are ready to study at level 4, signed and agreed by their employer.

Tuition Fees 2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs. Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

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University of Cumbria


Overview:

University of Cumbria is a public university located in the northwest of England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to supporting local communities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health, education, arts, science, and business.


Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Support:

    Access to academic staff, student finance advice, and accommodation services.

    Student Life:

    A vibrant campus experience with facilities, student support, and opportunities for extracurricular activities.

    International Student Support:

    Dedicated services for international students, including visa guidance, fees and finance information, and cultural integration support.

    Research:

    Opportunities for postgraduate study and engagement in research projects across various fields.

    Business & Employer Services:

    Support for businesses and employers, including CPD training, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment services.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

University of Cumbria offers a diverse campus experience with multiple locations across Cumbria and London. Students can expect:

    Beautiful Campuses:

    Campuses located in scenic areas, including the Lake District and historic Carlisle.

    Community Focus:

    A strong sense of community with opportunities to engage in local initiatives and events.

    Facilities:

    Access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, studios, and sports centers.

    Student Support:

    A dedicated student support team providing guidance and assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Practical Learning:

    Emphasis on practical skills development and real-world experience through placements and internships.

    Strong Industry Links:

    Close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.

    Focus on Employability:

    High graduate employment rates, with a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers.

    Unique Locations:

    Campuses located in inspiring and diverse settings, offering a unique learning experience.

Academic Programs:

University of Cumbria offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in the following areas:

    Health:

    Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, and Health and Social Care.

    Education:

    Teacher Training, Early Years Education, and Special Educational Needs.

    Arts:

    Film, Theatre, Photography, Fine Art, and Creative and Media Arts.

    Science and Environment:

    Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science.

    Business and Leadership:

    Business Management, Tourism, Law, Forensics, and Policing.

    Sport and Rehabilitation:

    Sports Science, Sports Coaching, and Rehabilitation.

Other:

The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has received various accreditations for its commitment to these values. It also actively participates in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong focus on knowledge exchange and impact.

Total programs
360
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • GCSE in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or functional skills level 2 in both.
  • Students must provide evidence of study at level 3 or provide 1 to 2 pages explaining why they are ready to study at level 4, undersigned and approved by their employer.
  • This is employer led and non apprentices only will also need an interview.
  • Learners must also show evidence of study at level 3 or provide a sheet of A4 with a written explanation of why they are ready for level 4 study signed and agreed by their manager.
  • The University of Cumbria will make offers at the bottom of any UCAS Tariff range to applicants that live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education (Polar 4 quintile 1), applicants that are estranged from their parents, are care leavers or have caring responsibilities or are in receipt of or received free school meals during their secondary education.
  • Attendance at their Masterclasses and Summer Schools will also allow applicants to receive an offer lower within the tariff range.
  • If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of their degree courses, they will review your prior qualifications and professional experience to support your application.
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