Foundation leading to BSc/BA Social Sciences

Transcription

1 Foundation leading to BSc/BA Social Sciences PRE-INDUCTION INFORMATION

2 CONTENTS 1. Welcome messages a. from the Dean of Cardiff School of Health Sciences and b. from the Programme Director of the Foundation in Social Sciences About the Cardiff School of Health Sciences 5 3. General information about your programme 8 4. Detailed programme Information Aims Modes of study Progression routes 9 5. Academic structure Full time route Part time route Programme Structure and assessment details How the programme is managed Induction Week Programme Online Enrolment Attendance dates 14 Appendix A Preparatory reading for the Foundation in Social Sciences 15 Appendix B Information for Disabled Students 16 Page 2

3 1a. Welcome from the Dean Professor Adrian Peters The Cardiff School of Health Sciences improving health through education and research A very warm welcome to the Cardiff School of Health Sciences. You will be joining a vibrant community of over 2000 students with 160 staff committed to delivering a first class education on our broad portfolio of health courses. Most of our degrees are professionally recognised allowing direct entry into your chosen profession and forming an excellent springboard for your career. You are entering the University at an exciting time in our 150 th year, following a multimillion pound investment in the Llandaff Campus that has included a 5 million development of the School s facilities, a new Cardiff School of Art and Design, Cardiff School of Management, Learning Centre extension and Student Centre with gym facilities and excellent student support services. The information in this pack will give you a feel for the School and the course you are joining. Please do not hesitate to contact your Programme Director if there are any questions that we have not answered. Your time at University is important and will give you the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships and a range of skills and experiences that endure. We provide an environment in which your academic, professional and social developments thrive and Cardiff, as the capital city of Wales with a large student population, is well placed to meet all your social needs. Finally, I look forward to welcoming you in person during Freshers week in September. I encourage you to play a full role in the School and take every opportunity afforded you. I am certain you will find your time at this University highly rewarding and the start of a lifelong relationship with us. Page 3

4 1b. WELCOME FROM THE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR OF THE FOUNDATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCES Welcome to the Foundation in Social Sciences! This course was developed especially for students who wish to go on to study within the area of social sciences. The Foundation in Social Sciences is particularly suitable for students who didn t get high enough grades in their A levels or who didn t study suitable subjects for entry directly onto their chosen courses. It is also ideal for more mature students who have been away from studying for some time maybe raising a family or working straight from school but who now want to take the opportunity to better themselves academically. It is a Level 3 course (see National Qualifications Framework) which, on successful completion, leads directly into a number of pathways within the Cardiff School of Health Sciences or the Cardiff School of Education (see Section 4 for more on this) and may also be considered as an entry requirement for other courses. The course was established in September 2008 and has enabled many students to progress successfully onto degree level courses; last July we were delighted to see the first cohort of Foundation students graduating with their respective degrees. In effect, this course is really a bridge giving a second chance to those who wouldn t otherwise have had access to a university place. The course includes coverage of key skills in numeracy, IT, study skills and research as well as foundational modules in youth and community work, care work, sociology and psychology. There is also a chance for students to do some independent research in the area to which they want to progress. During the last year, it went through a Periodic Review and received four commendations. Therefore, it is recognised as a sound platform for progression. This information pack provides some of the details about the course content, assessment methods, progression routes, sources of support as well as very important information on induction week. You will also find a reading list to help you begin to get started on preparing for some of the modules in advance. In surveys with our students since the course began we have asked them Would you recommend the Foundation in Social Sciences to others? and we are pleased to say that all have them have, so far, said a resounding Yes! to this question. We look forward to meeting you and helping you get started on your university study and hope that you, also, enjoy a successful academic journey with us. In the meantime, if you have any concerns or queries, please contact me and I ll be happy to help you in any way I can. Best wishes and see you soon! Liz Hayes Programme Director of Foundation in Social Sciences lhayes@cardiffmet.ac.uk Tel: Page 4

5 2. The Cardiff School of Health Sciences improving health through education and research The School is located on the Llandaff Campus and has four Departments offering courses at BSc and MSc level, many of which offer both an academic and professional qualification. We also offer a foundation degree, two foundation year certificates that lead to specific undergraduate programmes and a small number of Higher Certificates and Diplomas validated by BTEC/EDEXCEL. In addition to professional body accreditation our programmes are approved by the appropriate regulatory bodies including the Health Care and Professions Council, Care Council for Wales and General Dental Council where this is required. The departments and examples of the courses they offer are detailed below: Department of Applied Community Sciences - Environmental Health (BSc, HND) - Health and Social Care (BSc, HND, HNC) - Housing (BSc, HND, HNC) - Social Work (BSc) - Applied Public Health (MSc) - Food Safety Management Hong Kong (MSc) - Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing (MSc) Department of Applied Psychology - Foundation Social Sciences (Foundation Certificate) - Psychology (BSc) - Forensic Psychology (MSc) - Health Psychology (MSc) - Practitioner in Forensic Psychology (PGD) - Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (DForen. Psych.) Department of Biomedical Sciences - Foundation Health Sciences (Foundation Certificate) - Biomedical Science (BSc, HND, MSc) - Sports Biomedicine and Nutrition (BSc) - Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) (BSc) Department of Healthcare - Complementary Therapies (BSc) - Dental Technology (FD, BSc, MSc) - Food Science and Technology (BSc, HND, MSc) - Human Nutrition and Dietetics (BSc, Post Graduate Diploma, MSc) - Podiatry (BSc) - Public Health Nutrition (BSc) - Speech & Language Therapy (BSc) - Musculoskeletal Studies [Lower Limb] (MSc) - Advanced Dietetic Practice (MSc) - Food Technology for Industry (MSc) Each Department has a Head who sits on the School Management and Planning Team with the Deputy Dean (Learning and Teaching), Associate Dean (Research), Associate Dean (Enterprise), Associate Dean (Internationalisation) and School Business Support Manager. This team, chaired by the Dean, is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the School. Page 5

6 Each programme has a Programme Director, many will have year tutors and all students are assigned a Personal Tutor as part of our academic support framework. It is important that you engage with your tutor as they can signpost you to other services as required. Our students elect student representatives for each programme who make an active and important contribution to Programme Committee meetings. There are also opportunities for students to have a voice in the management of the School; through the Staff Student Liaison panel; Learning and Teaching Committees; Health and Safety Committees Whole School meetings and at a number of events across the University. The School promotes active engagement in sport as a social exercise or competitive endeavour. Campus Sport in conjunction with the Athletics Union provide a range of intramural sports opportunities and students can access the gym in the Student Centre at Llandaff Campus, an outdoor exercise area and the excellent sporting facilities at the Cyncoed Campus, which houses the National Indoor Athletics Centre, tennis centre, gym and swimming pool. The award winning Cardiff Met Rider bus runs a regular service between the Student Accommodation, Llandaff and Cyncoed Campuses and into the city centre. Included in this pack is specific information for your chosen programme. For more information on our School or programme, please visit our website or contact your Programme Director. Research in the Cardiff School of Health Sciences The Cardiff School of Health Sciences has a strong research culture; informing your curriculum and teaching and extending knowledge and evidence base for professional practice development. In the most recent UK wide Research Excellence Framework, (REF) 2014, 74% of our research was rated as internationally excellent or world leading. This contributed to the University s position as top new university in the UK for research quality. We have invested heavily in our research infrastructure with new research laboratories for biomedical science and food science and technology, a psychology research centre, health assessment suite and a post-graduate centre for our PhD students, who now number over 60 with strong research groups in Biomedical Science, Environmental Health, Food Science & Technology and Psychology with a growing number of practitioner PhDs in Dietetics, Podiatry and Speech and Language Therapy. Our great strength is our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach and we produce world-class applied research that informs practice in Wales and beyond. For example, our work on exercise, diabetes, and healthy ageing includes collaborations between biomedical science, psychology and physiologists to better understand the complex relationships between lifestyle the ageing process and illness associated with ageing; extending our knowledge in this critically important area and influencing healthy ageing initiatives. Recent research grants awarded in this area include Welsh Government funded work on growing a healthy older population in Wales looking at the influence of gardening and allotment keeping on healthy aging and a large European funded study, Frailomics, examining biomarkers of frailty, an important indicator of health in the older population. Research across the School is extensive and varied. For more information on our research please visit and follow the link to research. Page 6

7 Working with Partners We are proud of our work with local communities, employers and industry in Wales and beyond. From developing homework clubs on science with black and minority ethnic communities in Cardiff to working with the pharmaceutical industry on drug discovery methods, we make a significant contribution to the social, cultural and economic well-being of Wales and the UK. We work in partnership with the Cardiff and Vale University Hospital Board to deliver key collaborative projects including running NHS Podiatry Clinics in our own Wales Centre for Podiatric Studies, improving patient care and clinical education for our students. The internationally recognized Food Industry Centre based in the School is supported by the Welsh Government to engage with Welsh food manufacturers to ensure they are competitive players in the food sector. To date this has led to the development of over 100 jobs in the industry and benefitted our students with opportunities for work placements, industry projects and innovative employment in the food industry. We work closely with industry on waste, pollution and occupational health and safety, and host one of the specialist chemical centres of Public Health England s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards and the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Public Health Management of Chemical Incidents. Staff from the School contribute to the work of a new Cardiff Met International Training Centre announced by the World Health Organisation in May 2011 in Thailand and officially launched here in April Our role in providing lifelong learning opportunities through Continuing Personal and Professional Development is important and we have excellent relationships with employers providing a host of CPD opportunities across the School s disciplines. We have strong links with local authorities and the third sector, providing post qualification training for Social Workers, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in health and social care and working closely with housing associations, including a recent Knowledge Transfer Partnership with a major local supported-housing organisation. Our strong links with partners is key to our ability to provide you with relevant work experience placements critical to your professional development and employability. Page 7

8 3. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PROGRAMME Title of the Award: Website: Foundation leading to BSc/BA in Social Sciences Validating Bodies: Type of Programme: Normal Length: Cardiff Metropolitan University Social Sciences Pathway Full Time and Part Time 1 Year Full Time / 2 Years Part Time School: Cardiff School of Health Sciences Dean of School: Professor Adrian Peters Programme Director: Liz Hayes Page 8

9 4. DETAILED PROGRAMME INFORMATION The overall aims of the programme are to provide students with the opportunity to follow a programme of study, which will enable them to progress to their chosen science-based Honours degree programme, either within the Cardiff Metropolitan University, or another Higher Educational Institution. More specifically, the programme is intended to cater for students aspiring to enrol on a social science-based Honours degree programme not having achieved the required number of A- level points (or their equivalent), or those students having studied A-level subjects or their equivalent which contain an insufficient background of the scientific disciplines required for their chosen Honours degree programme. The Foundation Certificate is also intended to widen access and participation for mature students wishing to embark upon an Honours degree programme. 4.1 The Foundation Certificate in Social Sciences will enable students to: a) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social sciences, providing a firm foundation for progression to Level 4 of their intended undergraduate degree programme. b) Demonstrate knowledge and skills to equip them for a diverse range of careers, e.g. in Health Sciences, Community Education, Psychology fields and other relevant areas. c) Recognise the need to make links across academic disciplines. d) Discuss a range of disciplines and theoretical knowledge/application relevant to their progression pathways. 4.2 Mode of Study: For the Social Sciences pathway, the course is available in full time or part time modes. 4.3 Progression routes: The Foundation in Social Sciences, on successful completion, leads directly into a number of pathways within the Cardiff School of Health Sciences or the Cardiff School of Education. These pathways include: HND Health & Social Care BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care BSc (Hons) Psychology BA (Hons) Youth and Community Education but the Foundation in Social Sciences may also be considered as an entry requirement for other courses such as Educational Studies, Housing, Social Work etc. If you are hoping to progress onto a route other than those listed in the bullets above, then please contact the Programme Director of the Foundation in Social Sciences for guidance. Likewise, if you have applied to do one route but have changed your mind about this, please notify the Programme Director for guidance. It is possible to change. Page 9

10 5. ACADEMIC STRUCTURE You will be expected to attend university for 30 weeks each year. The academic year is divided into three terms Autumn, Spring and Summer, with approximately 4 weeks vacation for Christmas and Easter. Examinations are held in May/June with one retrieval/re-sit examination period in late August/early September. The programme is modular in design, with modules having Credit Values of either 20 or 40 credits, representing a notional 200 hours or 400 hours of student effort, respectively. The foundation course is equivalent to 120 Credits. The title of the modules offered during the session are listed below Foundation leading to BSc/BA in Social Sciences module: Key Skills in the Social Sciences Introducing the Social Sciences 1 (Psychology) Introducing the Social Sciences 2 (Youth & Community Work) Introducing the Social Sciences 3 (Sociology) Introducing the Social Sciences 4 (Health & Care Work) Critical Analysis in the Social Sciences 40 Credits 10 Credits 10 Credits 10 Credits 10 Credits 40 Credits More detail on module subcomponents and assessments are in Section 6. Full-Time Route Students will attend three days a week over one academic year, and will study 4 modules (2 x 40 credit and 4 x 10 credit modules) equalling 120 credits. Part-Time Route Students will attend two days a week over two academic years, studying 2 modules per year (1 x 40 credit and 2 x 10 credit modules) equivalent to 60 credits. The students will be awarded these 60 credits at the end of each academic year subject to ratification by an examining board. Page 10

11 6. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND ASSESSMENT DETAILS Module Assessment Weighting Psychology Class Test 100% Youth and Community 1500 word Essay 100% Education Sociology 2 x 750 word Essays 50% each Health and Social Care 2 hour unseen Exam 100% Critical Analysis Key Skills for Social Science 1500 word Written Assignment Academic Poster Independent Study Proposal 3500 word Independent Study Group Presentation and Peer Review Numeracy Class Tests 1500 word Research Report IT tasks 2500 word Reflective Portfolio 20% 25% 10% 45% 15% 25% 25% 10% 25% This may look like a daunting list, but you will get lots of information, support and guidance from module leaders. Recognition of Prior Learning Students who have successfully completed the Psychology module via an outreach programme will be credited with this module. You will not need to repeat it. If you think that you already have the numeracy or IT skills you need, please talk to the Programme Director. We will ask for evidence of this. Page 11

12 7. HOW THE PROGRAMME IS MANAGED The Programme Director is responsible for the organisation and overall operation of the programme. The Module Leaders will co-ordinate the delivery and assessment of each module. Your Personal Tutor will be assigned to you during the first week and will be your first port of call for any difficulties you may have. Group and individual pastoral tutorials will be held at regular intervals throughout the programme, when you will have an opportunity to discuss with your Personal Tutor any matters which relate specifically to yourself. 7.1 How the programme team will help you to learn During your time on the programme you will experience a number of teaching and learning methods. These will include lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory exercises. Please see Appendix A for a list of reading to help you to begin some preparation in advance. 7.2 Methods of Assessment The Foundation programme is continuously assessed throughout the year. Modules are assessed by a combination of both examinations/class tests and/or coursework, and students are required to pass all modules in order to pass the course. A draft breakdown of the assessment pattern for each module is provided in Section 6 of this document and will be confirmed with students by the module leaders in the first week of teaching. 7.3 Programme Regulations Attendance at lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practical classes will be constantly monitored. You will be expected to sign your name on the class list provided before the start of a teaching session. Signing for a classmate will be regarded as a disciplinary offence. Attendance at classes is taken into consideration for all practical sessions. Attendance may be taken into consideration when considering borderline passes at examining boards. Staff members are asked by prospective employers to indicate attendance figures when they provide references. If you need to be absent for a session, you should advise the programme administrator. For health related absences in excess of one week, you should provide a written explanation to your Programme Director, together with a medical certificate. Page 12

13 8. INDUCTION WEEK PROGRAMME Date & Time Event Location Information Monday 21 st September 11.00am Welcome to Cardiff Metropolitan National Indoor Athletics Centre (NIAC), Cyncoed Campus Every new student joining us this September is invited to attend a welcome address from Professor Chapman, Vice-Chancellor. Speakers will include a welcome from Professor Tony Chapman, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University. Transport to and from this event for students staying in Cardiff Met Halls is organised and special services on the Cardiff Met Rider will be available. The Rider timetable information to and from this event will also be available at each Cardiff Met halls of residence reception area or logon to closer to the time. Tuesday 22 nd September 11.15am am Welcome to the Cardiff School of Health Sciences Lecture Theatre (A031), Llandaff Campus Dean of School welcome for all new students; talk from Student Services; introduction to Library facilities; Sports opportunities in Cardiff Metropolitan Wednesday 23 rd September 11am -12pm Collection of Student ID Card Learning Centre, Llandaff Campus This is your scheduled allocation slot to pick up your student ID card from the Learning Centre Friday 25 th September 10.00am start (This is a full day event.) Welcome to your course the Foundation in Social Sciences Llandaff Campus Room D106 ** All new students are expected to attend this all day course specific event ** This all day induction event is specifically for students on the Foundation in Social Sciences a chance to get meet each other, to meet the staff, to meet some of the students who successfully completed the Foundation last year and to get crucial information to prepare you for Week 1 and beyond! A full schedule of the event will be distributed when you arrive. Induction week is a vital part of the programme and you will be expected to attend all the timetabled sessions. Page 13

14 9. ONLINE ENROLMENT Enrolment is an important process which confirms your status as a Cardiff Met Student. You can complete the online self enrolment process from any computer through our Self Service system. Please note that in order to self enrol; your status must be Unconditional Firm (UF). Please begin your enrolment process by going to step-by-step guidance is provided. This process is essential in that it will allow you access to your student loan (if applied for), payment of fees, programme information systems and importantly enable you to obtain your Student ID Card. 10. ATTENDANCE DATES Full time students will be required to attend university on a full time basis beginning on Monday 21 st September The Session dates for are as follows:- Induction Week: Monday 21 st September 2015 Friday 25 th September 2015 Autumn Term: Monday 28 th September 2015 Friday 18 th December 2015 Spring Term: Monday 11 th January 2016 Friday 18 th March 2016 Summer Term (to include examination period): Monday 11 th April 2016 Friday 10 th June 2016 Page 14

15 Appendix A Preparatory reading list Cottrell, S. (2008). The Study Skills Handbook. Hampshire, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. Some useful information, especially in the early chapters, on how to prepare for university. Getzfeld, A. R. (2006). Essentials of Abnormal Psychology. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons. This will be the required text for the psychology module in the first term. Giddens, A. (2010). Sociology. Cambridge: Polity Press. This will be the required text for the Sociology module in the first term.

16 Appendix B INFORMATION FOR DISABLED STUDENTS Cardiff Metropolitan University welcomes applications from disabled students and aims to support individuals throughout their studies. You may disclose your disability to the admissions tutor but you will also need to meet with the Disability Service as they co-ordinate all support and adjustments. The Disability Service assists students who have a disability or long term health condition (including mental health conditions) or specific learning difficulty (SpLD) including dyslexia to access the support required to fully participate in their studies. If a student is unsure whether the service is appropriate for them they should contact the Disability Service directly. The Disability Service provides confidential advice and guidance on an individual basis to ensure that the support a student receives is relevant to their needs. Support can involve a number of aspects, including: Assisting students to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance Cardiff Metropolitan University also has its our own QAG approved Assessment Centre; ensuring access to the most up to date information and course detail Making recommendations to course staff and liaising regarding implementation Making additional provision for placements Co-ordination of additional exam provision Referral to other services Provision of assistive software in the Learning Resource Centres Arranging flexible library loans It can take some time to establish funding and support and is therefore important that students make contact prior to embarking on their course wherever possible. Students will be asked to provide evidence relating to their disability or a diagnostic report for SpLD before support can be planned/ initiated. Any student who has a long term condition which may impact on any aspect of their learning should meet with a Disability Advisor to discuss their specific needs and the options available to them as soon as possible. Weekly drop-in sessions are available for students concerned that they may have dyslexia but do not have a formal diagnosis. For more information please see the Disability Service pages of the website: Contact details: Disability Service The Student Centre Cardiff Metropolitan University Llandaff Campus Western Avenue Cardiff CF5 2YB Telephone: disability@cardiffmet.ac.uk Page 16