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Foundation Degree

Level
Undergraduate
Made up of
240 credits

Description

Please note that this foundation degree is only available until 31 December 2013.  In order to claim this qualification, you must have completed the required 240 credits by this time.

If you have any questions about your eligibility for this qualification please contact the Credit, Qualifications and Ceremonies Centre on +44(0) 1908 653003 or by email .

The Open University’s Foundation Degree in Health Sciences is suitable for staff working in clinical laboratories. Through the degree, you will have the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and competences that underpin clinical laboratory practice. The approach of the degree is inter-disciplinary, with opportunities for specialisation where appropriate. It also combines work-based and supported open learning, and allows you to remain in employment while you study. The degree is attuned to the NHS modernisation agenda, the Knowledge and Skills Framework and the Health Professions Council’s standards of proficiency.

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How to register

Registration is not yet open for this qualification. For an autumn 2012 start, registration opens on 27 March 2012. If you would like to register your interest, you can order our free guide to studying in 2012.

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Career relevance and employability

The needs of experienced staff already employed in a clinical laboratory setting are central to the development of this foundation degree. 

This means it will benefit both you and your work place through enhancing the skill base of the workforce. It values and builds on your experience. Level 1 study is interdisciplinary in approach. At Level 2, you will be able to continue with this general approach, while at the same time tailoring your study to your precise needs. On successful completion of the foundation degree, it is expected that you will be recognised as a biomedical support worker/medical laboratory assistant within the career structure for support workers as laid out in the Knowledge and Skills Framework and skills escalator schemes.

There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.

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Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills

Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.

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Credit for previous study elsewhere

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit that you can count towards this Open University qualification. Further details will be available when registration opens for this qualification.

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On completion

On successful completion of the required modules students will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Health Sciences and will be entitled to use the letters FD (Open) after their name.

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Fees 2012

See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.

About this page

An undergraduate qualification.

Study explained

Costs
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Financial support
- find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
Study explained
- all you need to know about studying with the OU.

Your questions

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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35

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