Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice
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The role of healthcare support worker is increasingly challenging and fulfilling, and there are some exciting professional development opportunities emerging – particularly if you have the right qualifications and experience. The Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice will help you get ahead by developing the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high quality, safe and compassionate care. You’ll also be in prime position to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. This foundation degree course integrates theory with practice and meets the needs of support staff working in diverse settings. You’ll have the opportunity to select from study themes such as health and wellbeing; mental health; long-term conditions; children and young people; and end-of-life care, all with a strong emphasis on enhancing the experience of service users. You must have the support of your employer to study this course, as you’ll undertake the practice-based modules in your own workplace.
The programme of study for this foundation degree is also offered as the Diploma of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice (W16). The diploma of higher education might be of particular interest to those living and working in Scotland.
How to apply
It is not possible to apply online to study for this qualification. For more information, read our Entry requirements for this qualification.
Key facts
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240
credits
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This foundation degree is only offered with support from employers. You need to be working in a healthcare setting for a minimum of two days per week.
The level of competence required in the practice-based module at Stage 2 would normally require you to be in employment at Bands 3 or 4 (Knowledge & Skills Framework, 2004).
You’ll undertake the practice component of the qualification in your own workplace. The OU provides study resources and tutorial support and manages the assessment processes. Your employer provides the practice learning environment and works with us to prepare and support practitioners to take on the role of practice supervisor and assessor.
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Our fees depend on where you are ordinarily resident. We have a range of funding options to help you with
payment. When you apply to study we will tell you the fee and funding options that are
available to you. Before you apply you can read What you can expect to pay.
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Pathway to your qualification
View the pathway description to see the stages of study.
Career relevance and employability
The Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice is designed to promote the development of healthcare career pathways and to prepare healthcare support workers for the role of assistant/associate practitioner (Agenda for Change bands 3 and 4). Although it provides no guarantee of promotion, it is particularly relevant for staff working in support roles in healthcare practice who wish to gain a qualification and deliver high quality, safe and compassionate care.
Delivering quality care requires teamwork and people management skills. Studying this foundation degree will encourage you to work in multi-professional teams to improve the service user experience, and develop your skills in:
- communication
- the use of IT facilities
- information retrieval
- numeracy
- time management
- organisation of self and others
- analysing and problem solving.
You’ll also be prepared for further study – for example – you might aim for an honours degree or a professional qualification in your particular field of practice.
There’s 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.
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.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Healthcare Practice and will be entitled to use the letters FD (Open) after your name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Qualification Regulations, Module Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Qualification Regulations
Module Regulations and Student Regulations
The Module Regulations and the Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for
Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available
on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:
- the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
- how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
- any work-based competency requirements.
Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a
Microsoft Windows (new since 2006), Apple Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate.
However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you will need additional
software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be
made available when you register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer
developments and the way we teach.
Not sure if you’re ready? Try a short introductory Openings course
If you would like to try Open University study before you commit to a qualification, our
Openings courses could be the right place for you to start. These introductory-level courses
have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a
taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. There is also financial
support available for these courses. Read more about our Openings courses.
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information about distance learning at the OU read Study explained.
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