Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Science Health and Community Care, Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to our new and returning students for the MSc Health and Community Care course. This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful. On behalf of our University and the course team we would like to wish you well in your studies.
Debbie Casey, Course Leader and Paul Mackreth, Course Director
Welcome to your course in the School of Health. I am delighted to be able to welcome our new and returning students and apprentices into the 2023/24 academic year.
The year ahead will contain success, challenge, and personal growth for you, and the School's team of dedicated academics, learning officers and administrators are here to help you to achieve your potential.
Our School has a broad range of disciplines, including Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Nursing and Healthcare, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychological Therapies and Mental Health, Safety and Environmental Health, Social and Community Studies and Sports and Exercise Therapy teams. Our academic teams work collaboratively - drawing on each other's expertise to support learning, undertake professional practice and consultancy, and delivery internationally recognised, societally impactful research.
Throughout the year ahead please do take time to let us know what you are enjoying and what you find valuable - but also please let us know if there are things we could do differently to improve your experience through feedback to your Course Director, at the School Forum or through the module evaluation and surveys.
I wish you every success for this academic year!
Dr Duncan Sharp, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Sarah Holstead, s.holstead@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 3283, Portland Building room 513
There is no course representative for this course as students 'self-represent'.
The Academic Librarians for this course can be contacted at: sohlibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Or complete their online form for help with academic and research skills: Get Help form
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This will be done via email and announcements on MyBeckett.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
CPDInfoHub is an additional module on MyBeckett specifically for BSc (Hons) and MSc Health and Community Care students and is maintained by the Course Leader providing additional specific course information and resources.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The philosophy for the MSc Health and Community Care is reflective of the University's and School's CPD philosophy that aims to place the student at the centre of all activities with which they are engaged. The course aims to offer students working in health and social care a flexible postgraduate pathway to enable students to significantly advance their personal and professional knowledge by selecting and pursuing an individualised programme of study. It aims to support students in the transition from graduate to postgraduate level to become sophisticated, independent critical thinkers able to apply their knowledge with originality in both the academic and professional context.
The course is inter-professional in nature so students have varied backgrounds across a range of work settings. Some students have promotional aspirations but most are seeking personal and professional development to influence and develop professional practice. The course enables students to focus on their own learning and development in relation to their work role and service delivery. It provides an educational experience in a flexible yet coherent manner to students for whom the rigid structure of some courses may have been unsuitable for their needs. Each student is on an individually tailored course facilitated through negotiation and discussion with the Course Leader.
In addition to the core modules, the course allows students a choice of options from across different subject areas. This reflects health and social care practice, where professional boundaries are increasingly blurred. Students are therefore able to choose option modules that are relevant for their own practice and professional development. The course is structured to be flexible to allow students to progress at a rate which suits their own personal and professional needs.
NHS funded students on modules or courses
Please note that if you are funded by the NHS, funding is valid for that academic year only. You will have to reapply for funding each year - our Course Administrator will send out forms usually June time. The NHS will not usually fund another attempt by students who have failed a module and are then required to repeat it. In addition, if you temporarily withdraw from a programme or module, you will have to reapply for funding for the next academic year and you may not be funded for a second time.
- An advanced knowledge base which extends to a systematic understanding and critical evaluation of student's own area of practice within health and community care.
- Critical awareness and analysis of the application of theory to practice in student's own area of practice.
- Independent thought, originality, synthesis of ideas and the generation of alternative views.
- A comprehensive awareness of ethical issues and an ability to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and to communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Critical analysis and evaluation of current research and research methodologies, and their application to student's own area of practice.
- The ability to successfully complete a substantial research project with relevance to practice.
Assessment & Feedback
The course is assessed by coursework and a dissertation. Some option modules have practical skills/ examination assessments.
Please check in your module handbooks and on MyBeckett for assessment dates and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
Non-Medical Prescribing: Due to the professional requirements of the module, readers and scribes are not usually permitted in exams. These exams replicate practice and this level of support is not reasonable in practice. Learners will be supported with extra time if detailed in the reasonable adjustment plan.
You will be required to submit your written work via Turnitin and information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Format of Assignments: please use this guidance if here is no formatting advice in the module handbook
Layout - assignments must be typed in Microsoft Word with either 1.5 or 2.0 line spacing (except for quotations of more than 3 lines). You should not adjust the margins of the page and each page should be numbered.
Font - standard readable fonts (e.g. Arial or Calibri) should be used, size 12.
Title page - giving your student number, University details, course, module details and word count.
Acknowledgements - if any, for help received in preparation of the study.
Statement of Confidentiality - a clear statement of your intention to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of clients and colleagues should be included in all assignments. Please see the section on 'Ensuring anonymity and confidentiality in assignments' for further guidance.
Contents page - showing all page numbers for the detailed listing in sequence.
Reference list - for all written assignments, in alphabetical order of authors, listing all journals/books used or referred to in your text. Use the Harvard referencing convention as outlined in our University reference guide, "Quote Unquote".
Word count - assignments must not exceed or fall below 10% of the total word count allowed unless otherwise specified. Any content over the word count +10% will be disregarded and will not be marked. For example, if the word count is 3000 words then the marker will mark up to 3300 words and disregard anything written after that point. All words, including quotes, within the assignment are included in the word count, except for the reference list, appendices and any tables.
Please specify how many words you have used for your assignment on the front page. Assignments which do not declare their word count will not be marked
Appendices - if these are required as support materials they should be clearly numbered and listed in the contents page.
Style - try to write in a straightforward, clear style, avoiding colloquialisms and abbreviations like didn't and can't, etc.
Plagiarism - Acknowledge all quotations and sources of information to avoid plagiarism. Use single quotation marks at the beginning and ending of the precise words used. Quotations longer than three lines should be indented five spaces and single spaced, so that they stand out clearly from your own material. Please refer to the Leeds Beckett guidance on how to avoid plagiarism.
Turnitin
You are expected to use Turnitin to check your originality - the University Academic Integrity Regulations includes some types of poor referencing - use Quote Unquote (on MyBeckett and Skills for Learning website) and discuss with your module or course tutor if unclear. Further information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Originality report and plagiarism
Students are reminded that the drop box for your assignment submission is opened soon after the module starts in order to enable students to check their originality report. Students are strongly advised to check this prior to submission and if your originality report is high or there are substantial parts of your text that appear highlighted in colour this may suggest plagiarism due to poor referencing. Please seek advice prior to submission if you are unclear.
Assignments with more than one component
Please note that if an assignment has more than one component, e.g., presentation and essay, then students must attempt both components. A student who does not submit on either first or second submission will automatically fail the module.
Ensuring anonymity and confidentiality in assignments
All work submitted must have the confidentiality statement together with a submission sheet. In your academic work, you may be required to draw on your experience in practice. It is vital that in addition to ensuring confidentiality in terms of the names and identifying characteristics of patients/service users/ colleagues, the place of work should not be identifiable in any way. This includes the department, ward or service in addition to the Trust or private organisation. Examples of terms you might consider using to ensure confidentiality include:
.....a surgical ward in a large teaching hospitals Trust in the north of England
.....a specialist community team from a large mental health Trust in the north of England
.....a private nursing home in an inner city area
If you need to cite a local policy or locally developed practice guidelines, you should use the term 'Trust' or 'Nursing Home' without actually citing the actual name. An example of this would be:
.......Mary was assessed using the Trust's validated pressure sore assessment tool (Trust, 2021)
In the reference list, this should be presented as: Trust (2021) Pressure Sore assessment practice guidelines
In addition, any copies of local documentation that you might be submitting as an appendix (such as an assessment tool) should have any identifiable logos, letterheads or brandings obscured.
If you are in any doubt about the issue of how to maintain confidentiality and anonymity in your written work, please seek advice from your module leader.
BREACHING CONFIDENTIALITY OF PEOPLE OR PLACE IN THE CONTENT OF ASSIGNMENTS MAY LEAD TO THE WORK BEING REFERRED AND RECEIVING A MARK OF ZERO. Students must also be aware that if, within any coursework (written or oral), ethical, legal or professional standards appear to be breached in relation to professional practice, your personal tutor/ Course Leader/ module leader will need to investigate to ensure public protection. This could include contacting your employer. Please discuss any issues of concern about standards of practice/ unsafe or unethical practice with your personal tutor/ course/ module leader. Equally, we may be required to inform employers or regulatory bodies of the outcome of your course.
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. There is sometimes a perceived delay between submitting an assessment and receiving feedback, as work has to be marked and moderated, before feedback can be given, but this will normally be within the standard four weeks return period.
Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments. Assessment is seen as an integral part of the learning process. It is viewed as an opportunity to promote learning and is designed to match desired learning outcomes. All assessed work is explicitly linked with practice and relates to the student's own professional practice area. This provides the opportunity for reflection of own practice (current or previous), provision and quality of care services and to make recommendations for further developments in health and community care.
Formative assessment and feedback are used within modules in order that the students get the most out of their learning experience. This form of assessment encourages the student to recognise their strengths and also their areas for ongoing clinical and academic development. A range of formative tasks is used to diagnose strengths and weaknesses and these help to orientate students towards the pre-requisition of the knowledge and skills required in preparation for summative assessments. Summative assessment is used to develop skills and abilities in students, and in assessing levels of competence. A variety of assessments is utilised to reflect the diversity of the student population, e.g., student presentations, reports, case studies, individual learning contracts and reflective essays.
Students are informed of the different types of feedback, what they can expect from feedback, how to receive and give feedback and what to do with their feedback. Through tutorial support students are encouraged to view feedback as ongoing to enhance their professional as well as academic progress. The form of feedback is varied, this may be via written comments, written comments plus a grade, verbal, feedback as part of an online discussion. Some modules have skills based sessions in the clinical laboratories allowing tutors managing these sessions to provide students with instant feedback on their techniques/ results. Other modules have formative peer assessment or have presentations assessed formatively and then this can be used to inform their summative submission. The module handbook gives specific details relating to when and what type of feedback students can expect for a given module.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/
Results will appear on Results Online within five working days from the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your module leader or Course Leader for any clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
Assessment, learning and teaching activities within the course embrace a student-centred philosophy and are designed around the principles of lifelong learning and transferability of skills. Students on the course are experienced practitioners and, as such, the previous personal and professional learning of each student is valued as a foundation for a critical, questioning approach. Learning and teaching activities within modules are therefore aimed at developing active and authentic learning to support different learning needs and learning styles. They include: Academic led lectures and seminars; tutorials; student led seminars; presentations; group work; problem based learning activities; debates and discussions; case studies; role play and simulation; reflection on practice; and online activities including quizzes and discussion board postings.
Shared learning is used to generate peer feedback to support formative assessment and to develop team working skills. The focus of learning is on application of theoretical concepts to enhance students' employability and career development, but primarily to broaden and enhance their perspectives to enable them to advance as practitioners in complex health and social care contexts.
Credibility and application to practice is assured in a variety of ways. The core and option modules are delivered by a course team with a breadth of experience and expertise, supported by guest speakers and appropriate experts from the local health and community service providers. In addition, the modules have been developed and reviewed in partnership with appropriate stakeholders. The module choices reflect the diverse needs of the student group including some modules with a strong clinical skills focus whilst others have a broader outlook. For applicants with a social work background, some modules focus specifically or principally on social work practice.
Organisation of teaching and learning activities acknowledge that many students are mature with work, family, carer and other commitments. Varying modes of delivery are offered to meet the different professional/ personal and practice demands that may impact on students' ability to study successfully, e.g., some modules are delivered over full study days or study blocks, some are delivered over a semester of two hourly sessions, others have minimal face-to-face requirements, but require students to engage in significant individual supervision or tutorial support, which can be via telephone, Skype or electronic as well as traditional face-to-face. This allows students to consider how they might optimise their programme of study whilst taking into account other responsibilities. This inclusive approach also helps to supports students with disabilities, in addition to the full range of University support services and reasonable adjustments that are available to our students.
As practitioners working within the health and community care sector, students are invited to share their cultural perspectives and are asked to reflect on their experiences of working with clients and service users from a variety of cultures. They are also invited to explore their own identity to enable greater understanding of others and acceptance of difference. Case studies, videos and examples used in teaching are drawn from diverse backgrounds and are used to promote greater awareness of diversity and anti-oppressive practice. Students are supported to develop a broader global perspective which is beneficial, as they are employed in a range of organisations with diverse populations of clients. The implications of cultural diversity for professional practice are reiterated within all modules.
Level 7 core modules
Understanding Social Research and Evaluation 20 credits, blended delivery
Research in Practice 60 credits
Level 7 option modules
The following option modules are indicative of a typical delivery year. There may be some variance in the availability of option modules so your choice of option modules will be discussed with your Course Leader (some modules have specific entry requirements which must be met to be able to be undertaken) and there may be modules running in other subject areas open to students on this course.
Advanced Health Assessment 20 credits
Assessment and Management of Complex Health Conditions 20 credits
Building Community Capacity in Public Health 20 credits
Evidencing Professional Learning 20 credits
Evidencing Professional Learning 40 credits
Infection Prevention and Control 20 credits
Legal and Ethical Practice in Health and Community Care 20 credits
Non-Medical Prescribing (NMC) 40 credits
Non-Medical Prescribing for AHPs (HCPC) 40 credits
Professional Portfolio Development in the Context of Health and Community Care 20 credits
Recognition and Management of the Acutely Ill Adult Patient 20 credits
Applied Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills for Practice 20 credits
Applied Motivational Interviewing Skills for Practice 20 credits
Full-time course, one year, indicative delivery
To achieve the award full-time, a student must successfully complete:
- Understanding Social Research and Evaluation (20 credits)
- Evidencing Professional Learning (40 credits)
- Research in Practice (Dissertation) (60 credits)
- The remaining 60 credits come from option modules.
Semester 1
Understanding Social Research and Evaluation
Option modules x 2
Research in Practice (Dissertation)
Semester 2
Option module
Evidencing Professional Learning (40)
Research in Practice (Dissertation) continues
Part-time course, two years, indicative delivery
To achieve the award a part-time a student must successfully complete:
- Understanding Social Research and Evaluation (20 credits)
- Research in Practice (Dissertation) (60 credits)
- The remaining 100 credits come from option modules (there is flexibility on when option modules are undertaken)
Year 1, semester 1
Option modules x 2
Year 1, semester 2
Option module
Understanding Social Research and Evaluation
Year 2, semester 1
Option module
Research in Practice (Dissertation)
Year 2, semester 2
Option module
Research in Practice (Dissertation) continues
Part-time course, three years, indicative delivery
The Course Leader will discuss your module delivery options with you.
The assessment balance and overall workload associated with this course are calculated from core modules and typical option module choices undertaken by students on the course. They have been reviewed and confirmed as representative by the Course Leader but students should note that the specific option choices made will influence both assessment and workload balance.
A standard 20 credit module equates to 200 notional learning hours, comprising teaching, learning and assessment, any embedded work-related activities and independent study (n.b., some option modules have work-related learning hours).
Overall Workload in hours | Level 7 |
Teaching and Learning | 164 |
Independent Study and Assessment | 1636 |
Work-related activities | 0 |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Health Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
Non-Medical Prescribing modules: Registered professionals can achieve the required professional standards to register as dual qualified independent and supplementary non-medical prescribers, unless the profession undertakes supplementary prescribing only.
NMC recordable qualification
https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/your-registration/recording-qualifications/
The V300 award must be registered with the NMC within five years of successfully completing the prescribing programme. If you fail to do this, you will have to retake and successfully complete the programme in order to qualify as a prescriber. You may only prescribe once your prescribing qualification has been annotated on the NMC register and you may only prescribe from the formulary you are qualified to prescribe from and within your competence and scope of practice.
HCPC annotation
If you are a member of one of the registered professions, you may only practise as a prescriber if you have completed training which the HCPC has approved and have a mark or 'annotation' on the HCPC Register to show that you have completed that training.
'In Year' Work Placement Information
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
Most students undertaking the course will have established careers and are in employment. The course is designed to enhance and further develop existing professional skills and knowledge. Qualified staff are required to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date through CPD in order to maintain registration and the course supports this. Importantly, employer requirements also dictate the continuing development of skills and knowledge in order to ensure a workforce that is capable of dealing with and responding to continuing changes within health and community care environments.
Successful completion of the course may enhance promotion prospects and will support the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework role profile requirements for a more senior post where a higher level academic qualification is deemed essential.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
- Classroom and lecture facilities with PC and smartboard facilities.
- Social learning spaces with individual tutorial rooms.
- Online learning repository 'MyBeckett' which contains lectures, notices, assignment submission facilities.
- An additional module on MyBeckett called CPDInfoHub is specifically for BSc (Hons) and MSc Health and Community Care students and is maintained by the Course Leader providing additional specific course information and resources.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Postgraduate Diploma Health and Community Care
Leeds Beckett University
Part-time delivery is usually at half the intensity of the full-time equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence from that provided in this handbook. The part-time course is designed for two years or three years of study, but there is flexibility to allow a longer study period if required.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
The course follows the Academic Regulations except where noted below.
Course Calendar: The course follows the student calendar, however for individual modules there may be some variations so refer to specific module handbooks for dates for delivery.
Assessments
Advanced Health Assessment option module: This module is a core module on the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice course and has an agreed exemption that both assessments must be passed to pass the module.
Non-Medical Prescribing approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council and
Non-Medical Prescribing for Allied Health Professions approved by the Health Care & Professions Council
While Non-Medical Prescribing is a 40-credit module within this course, it is also separately approved by the NMC and the HCPC. Students must satisfy the criteria for this element of their course to comply with professional standards and the following apply:
Fitness to Practise: The Non-Medical Prescribing module is authorised to use the University Fitness to Practise Policy and Procedure. Details can be found here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/-/media/files/policies/student/ups_fitness_to_practise_policy_procedure.pdf
Must pass components: All components of assessments must be passed at the stated threshold to pass these modules.
Pass marks: Two assessments have pass marks above the threshold pass mark: the examination has a pass mark of 80% and the numerical assessment examination has a pass mark of 100%. The overall mark is pass/fail for both assessments.
Reasonable adjustment plans: Due to the professional requirements of Non-Medical Prescribing, readers and scribes are not usually permitted in any exams relating to online calculations, health care numeracy assessments or practical exams. These exams and assessments replicate practice and this level of support is not reasonable in practice. Students will be supported with extra time if detailed in the reasonable adjustment plan.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - requests for credit transfer for Non-Medical Prescribing
For students who already hold a Non-Medical Prescribing qualification:
- RPL requests will be subject to mapping to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2021) Competency Framework.
- For RPL requests for qualifications at level 7 for 30 credits or at level 6, students will also be able to apply for Recognition of Experiential Learning through the submission of a critical reflection. Guidance and tutorial support will be provided for this process.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
Ms Sarah Butler, Lecturer, University of Hull
Mr Michael Kitching, Lecturer, University of York
Appendices
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