Community Health Studies (SPQ) (PgDip)

How will I be taught?

Learning and teaching methods will include lectures, guided reading activities, seminar discussions, online activities, and discussion forums. Screen and podcasts, lecture-capture, and supervisory blogs are also planned to enhance and promote learning.

As some students may have concerns about the level of IT skills required to undertake the course, each student accepted onto the course will be provided with pre-programme support.

The face-to-face taught component of the module will also provide an opportunity for students to meet and develop insights into each other’s roles and experiences.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is via a variety of methods, including written assignments, exams, presentations and a practical assessment (clinical portfolio). Assignments vary according to the module.

The programme is 50% theory and 50% practice for the postgraduate diploma level. The practical element will be assessed through a summative clinical portfolio.

How will I be supported?

The University offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support students. These include a student counselling service, a student advisory service, crèche and day facilities, sport and exercise facilities, as well as campus information, library and IT services.

This programme gives you the opportunity to share ideas with health professionals. As well as developing your own intellectual abilities, this sharing of ideas enables you to learn and benefit from the experiences of others. Opportunity is given for this sort of discussion and exchange of ideas through seminars and tutorials.

All students are given a named personal tutor following registration onto the programme, who is able to assist with any pastoral care as well as advice on writing style, grammar and academic mentoring.

All modules within the programme make extensive use of Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which students will find course materials, links to related materials and assessment exemplars.

For students whose first language is not English there are open access English Language courses available. These are 5 week courses run on a first come first served basis and cost an administration fee of £25.

Feedback

We will provide you with feedback on your work in a variety of formats. These will include oral feedback during lectures, written feedback provided through online module discussion forums, and electronic written feedback on assessed coursework through GradeMark.  You can discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.

What skills will I practise and develop?

By fully engaging in this course, you will have the opportunity to develop:

• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of your profession, informed by current practice, scholarship and research, including a critical awareness of current issues and developments in the subject and the profession.
• The ability to apply research to professional situations, both practical and theoretical.
• The ability to use a range of techniques and research methods applicable to your professional activities.

You will have the opportunity to practise and develop a range of generic abilities and skills that include the ability to:

• Use initiative and take responsibility.
• Solve problems in creative and innovative ways.
• Make decisions in challenging situations.
• Continue to learn independently and to develop professionally.
• Communicate effectively, with colleagues and a wider audience, in a variety of media.

This reflects the requirements of the NMC relating to the specialist practice qualification, who define specialist practice as exercising of higher levels of judgement, discretion and decision making in clinical care (United Kingdom Central Council (UKCC) 2001). This programme has been designed to meet the requirements as set out by NMC for achievement of these higher level skills focusing on four broad areas:

• Clinical practice.
• Care and programme management.
• Clinical practice development.
• Clinical practice leadership.