FdA Care and Support

Programme Description

The Foundation Degree in Care and Support has been designed for people who are currently employed in organisations which provide care and support for clients in social housing, residential and community settings, or volunteering substantial hours in similar settings. Successful completion of the Foundation Degree also provides the opportunity to progress to full degree study in a related subject area.

The course explores a range of issues that are central to the provision of high quality care and support. These include: Academic study skills; contemporary issues in housing; equality issues in social care; advocacy; planning for intermediate care; research; young people and adults; safeguarding; management of change and other relevant subjects.

The course is delivered on a part-time basis over 3 years - one afternoon and evening per week. Students also attend workshops at other times to complete their diploma. Emphasis is placed on the importance of work based learning in developing the practical skills necessary to support and extend the academic content of the course.

At a Glance

Part Time

3 Years Part-time study

Ammanford Campus

Programme Features

Part-time delivery in a friendly, supportive environment
Content devised with the support of employers and key stakeholders
Emphasis on work based learning that meets National Occupational Standards
Opportunity to progress to full degree study including the BA (Hons) Social Care Studies or the BA (Hons) Social Inclusion

Programme Content

Year 1

Employment Experience 1; Academic Study Skills for Students; Contemporary Issues in Social Housing; Equality, Diversity and Rights

Year 2

Employment Experience 2; Advocacy and Empowerment; Planning for Intermediate Care; Integrating Research with Health and Social Care

Year 3

Employment Experience 3; Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults; Engaging with Care and Support Services; The Management of Change within Care and Support Services

Progression & Employment

Successful graduates would also have the opportunity to progress to the third year of a BA (Hons) programme including the BA (Hons) in Social Care Studies at Coleg Sir Gar. Achieving a Foundation degree denotes higher level skills which appeal to prospective employers.

Method of Assessment

Assessment is continuous and by assignments. There are no examinations.

Entry Requirements

Prospective students would need to be employed, or volunteering substantial hours, in an organisation that provides care and support services.

All students would need to provide evidence of a clear, current, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

All students are interviewed.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David welcomes applications on the basis of prior learning, further details can be found here

Additional Costs

There is no additional fee, however, it is likely that you will incur additional costs for personal equipment and for course related excursions.

Graduate Attributes Framework

This Framework aims to develop your professional skills and competence alongside your academic subject knowledge. You’ll study up to 40 credits per level throughout your programme from the Graduate Attributes Framework. The Graduate Attribute modules are designed to enable you to develop, and evidence, a range of career-focused skills related to your subject area. These skills include digital competency, research and project management, as well as such personal competencies as communication, creativity, self-reflection, resilience and problem-solving.

Find out more about the Graduate Attributes Framework