Degree programmes

Part-time 2-5 years

Pathways

Pathways

If you would like to build an academic award from your study of modules, we offer both a generalist degree pathway and a range of specialist pathways:

If you choose to study for a ‘programme specific’ named award, then specific module combinations must be followed. These clinically focused programmes at undergraduate level are designed so that you can apply your learning to the area of practice in which you are employed. You can select from a range of accredited modules to achieve the award of a BSc (Hons) degree of the University.

This framework offers you and your manager a flexible system which enables both organisational and individual aspirations to be met. You, your manager and our admissions tutors will be able to plan a route through our modules. Many of these are appropriate to multi-disciplinary professionals.

Each pathway offers:

  • compulsory and optional modules covering a range of contemporary issues applied to the student’s own practice setting
  • an emphasis on quality care and evidence based practice
  • close links between theory and practice, with academic credit for workplace learning
  • support and supervision from academic and practice-based staff

Outcomes

Lifelong learning

Lifelong learning is an essential part of professional development in health and social care.

It is important for health service employers to ensure that staff are up to date with National Service Framework standards and Health Improvement Programme activity as well as other new policies and ways of providing services.

At the same time staff themselves are keen to develop their personal skills and interests to enhance their career opportunities.

Learning outcomes

At undergraduate level learning outcomes reflect the qualities necessary for exercising personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable circumstances - all features of many areas of contemporary clinical practice.

All modules selected for a programme, either compulsory or optional, must be successfully completed. You cannot gain Level 5 and Level 6 credit for the same module.

Each module is assessed on an individual basis, though some integrated assignments are used within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Programmes.

Assessment

We use a variety of assignments, such as essays, case studies, project plans, critical incident analyses etc. We sometimes use portfolios and/or examinations. Clinical skills as well as theoretical assignments contribute to credit awarded.

You will remain in your own area and assessment is geared towards work that is directly relevant to your own practice.

Benefits for employers

  • These are competency based programmes, drawn up collaboratively between service and education, reflecting service needs and key professional issues
  • Work-based learning means that students can study and develop while working in their area of clinical practice
  • Our assessment strategy emphasises improvements in clinical knowledge and skills for the benefit of client care.

A focus on evidence based practice

  • At York we have considerable expertise in the evidence based practice approach and our pathways use this as a foundation stone.

Availability

Attendance

All programmes are run on a part-time basis. You should normally expect to attend once a week or fortnightly for each ten week module during term time. Some modules are organised over five or six full days rather than half days. Each session usually lasts either 2-3 hours or a full day, but might not always involve ‘face-to face’ teaching.

Every 20 credit module represents 200 hours of student work. This normally consists of up to 36 hours attendance for lectures, seminars and tutorials and 164 hours independent study and clinical practice. This might include reading, thinking, talking to patients, talking to colleagues and going to the library.

Sessions are organised to maximise learning. You therefore should expect to take part in group focused activities and seminars, undertake guided studies and directed reading. There are three 10 week terms per year.

Availability

Modules are available on a rolling programme, with pathway programmes commencing in the autumn term. Most modules are repeated annually, and some are offered twice or three times a year, but not all. Availability is subject to demand and viability. Please contact us for current details.

Location

Taught mainly on University campus, but we are developing flexible modes of delivery, including onsite and blended and distance learning.

Entry

Eligibility

Degree pathways are open to registered practitioners working in health and social care settings. There is no formal selection process but we will need evidence of appropriate experience and ongoing professional development. You will need to supply an academic reference.

You can use APL to enter the programme at Level 6 if you wish to achieve a degree award. To complete your degree you will need a 120 credit points at Level 6 (four 20 credit modules plus a 40 credit dissertation).

If you are a Department of Health Sciences student who has completed your Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing Studies (pre-registration) course with 60 additional credits at Level 6 (which includes the equivalent of a dissertation), you will be able to complete your degree by undertaking just three 20 credit modules.

If you have been awarded a diploma and later return to study for a degree you will replace your diploma with a degree if successful.