Healthcare for Assistant Practitioners FD

The Foundation Degree is designed for adult learners already working within a healthcare setting, with at least one year of clinical experience in acute mental health or other clinical support worker roles, which will require the support of your employer. It offers the opportunity to develop your clinical and professional skills and to understand the theory underpinning your practice.

Throughout the course, both clinical and academic teaching across the modules have equal weighting. The course is designed to support you in your learning as a reflective practitioner, and enable you to apply your learning directly to your work.

You will be taught by friendly and supportive staff, who have experience of working with adult learners and who also have substantial professional experience within the sector.

This course is delivered under the apprenticeship model, with 20% comprising of off-the-job learning taught in weekly blocks to provide greater flexibility for employers and apprentices. The Foundation Degree is awarded by the University of Leeds, after which an end-point assessment will be required by your employer to achieve the apprenticeship.

Three core strands run throughout the Foundation Degree:

• professional working; development of your understanding of the context and nature of work as an assistant practitioner and of your professional skills in this role

• clinical practice; development of clinical skills and competencies in a range of relevant settings for your role

• clinical knowledge; understanding of core concepts in human biology that underpin healthcare practice with opportunity for additional specialism in mental health issues

There is a strong emphasis on your development of clinical practice coupled with acquiring skills for successful study at university. Half of each year of the course is clinically based, and teaching across modules is designed to support you in your learning as a reflective practitioner. This course is delivered under the apprenticeship model. The Foundation Degree is awarded by the University of Leeds, after which an end-point assessment will be required by your employer to achieve the apprenticeship.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Healthcare for Assistant Practitioners FD in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Learning and teaching

Teaching is imaginative and supportive to ensure that you are intellectually stretched and allows you to become an independent inquirer. Group sizes are small, enabling you to engage actively and be well supported.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessments are varied and include essays, projects, case studies, group presentations, and examinations. This wide range gives you the opportunity to work to your strengths and to gain skills in different forms of expression.

Entry requirements

GCSE: GCSE English and maths at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.

T Levels will be considered on a case by case basis.

Other course specific tests:

Level 3 health/social care qualification, or equivalent.

Alternative entry

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants
If you are a mature applicant (over 21 at the point of entry) and you don’t have the required level 3 or GCSE qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay. Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

It is a requirement of the Higher Apprenticeship that applicants who do not already hold GCSE English and maths at grade C/4 (or equivalent) will need to achieve level 2 English and maths prior to taking their end-point assessment.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component.

How to apply

For guidance on applying to a Lifelong Learning Centre course, visit our admissions guidance page.

You must be currently employed in a healthcare setting in a levy-paying or non-levy paying institution and have the support of your employer. Application for this course should be made via your line manager in the first instance. Employers should contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

The selection process will include an interview with your employer and the Lifelong Centre to assess suitability. If you’re entering through the Alternative Entry Scheme you’ll be sent details after the interview.

Admissions policy

Lifelong Learning Centre Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

The fees for this course are paid by your employer through the apprenticeship levy. Please note you will not be eligible for a tuition fee loan.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

A qualification from the University of Leeds counts: our graduates are highly valued by employers. When you complete your degree programme you will also become part of a network of highly employable graduates.

A University of Leeds degree will make you very attractive to employers and enhance your career prospects. Graduates of this course will have a solid platform for career development and further study. The course has been developed to meet workforce development needs identified by Healthcare trusts in the Yorkshire and Humber region. As a Foundation Degree graduate, you would be able to assume responsibility to deliver delegated elements of protocol-based health and social care and undertake clinical work in areas previously only within the remit of registered healthcare providers.

Careers support

Impartial information, advice, and guidance is available to all students enrolled on courses taught by the Lifelong Learning Centre.

We have fully qualified careers advisers who offer employability support, advice on job applications, CVs, and preparation for interviews, together with guidance on career options following graduation.

Placements can be arranged to enable the completion of your skills and competency portfolio.