FdA Social Care Studies

Programme Description

This foundation degree is a two year, full-time higher education course. Students will attend college for lectures on two days a week over a period of two years. There is currently no part time option for this course. Delivery of the course is blended, which means that students will be provided with a mix of face to face and online learning. Students are expected to engage in self-directed, independent study when not in timetabled lessons.The course offers an opportunity to explore social care and the values and systems that underpin work in this field. Students gain the required theory and knowledge to work in social care, and the qualities and attitudes through volunteering or work experience. Students will be required to complete volunteering hours during the two years.The course leads to a foundation degree qualification validated by University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.

At a Glance

Full Time

2 Years

Ammanford Campus

Programme Features

A small friendly staff team and small student groups of around 15- 25 people
Experienced tutors qualified both academically and professionally
No examinations - assessment is continuous by completion of assignments
Many opportunities to develop initiative, and group working skills
Student support is available onsite, ranging from learning support for academic study skills, through to financial advice and personal counselling
Links with local care and support services through which students can gain experience through volunteer placements.

Programme Content

All modules are subject to successful revalidation in March 2022 and are subject to change at any time during your course. Where appropriate, students will be consulted regarding any changes being considered to course content. In the first year modules are core or compulsory and are 20 credits each:

Level 4 (Year 1)

Advocacy and Empowerment

Inclusive Practice

Key Theories

Employability 1 (Core)

Learning in the Digital Era

Personalisation of Care and Support

In the second year there is a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules, which are all 20 credits each:

Level 5 (Year 2):

Employability 2 (core)

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults (core)

Research in Social Care (compulsory)

Exploring Mental Health (optional)

Ethical Dilemmas in Social Care (optional)

Supporting Carers (optional)

Introduction to Criminology (optional)

Understanding Substance Misuse (optional)

Progression & Employment

Whilst completion of the course does not guarantee progression, students completing the course have successfully undertaken degree programmes in Social Work; Nursing (various areas); Social Inclusion as well as Social Science Degrees. Employment may be gained in many local social care agencies or in developing new community projects. Progression to BA (Hons) Social Care Studies at Coleg Sir Gar is encouraged.

How to apply;

All full time applicants must apply via UCAS using the course code L500 and institution code C22.

Information on fees is available from Student Services in the college and Student Finance Wales.

Method of Assessment

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

Entry Requirements

One A Level or equivalent. Access qualifications are welcomed. Mature candidates may be accepted if they have practical experience with no previous qualifications. Decisions are made on an individual basis following interview.

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

Additional Costs

Students are required to show a satisfactory DBS and to register to the Update Service. The DBS is completed at the expense of the student. This is currently £46 plus £13 per annum for registration.

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