Who can join?
You should be in suitable employment before you start this online course. You should work in social care, full or part time, in a paid or voluntary capacity and be working at a senior supervisory or management level.
The programme is essentially for managers and aspiring managers of care settings who require a management award to meet registration requirements. Studied online are six study units plus two optional units relevant to care management, with tutorial support available.
The PDA Care Services Management is an SQA award designed and approved to meet the registration requirements set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for managers in care settings. It provides an alternative to the Registered Manager Award programme as a means of obtaining an approved management qualification.
How do I attend?
As this is an online course all that is required is attendance at a one evening induction session at the North Highland College campuses of Thurso, Wick or Alness. The flexible nature of online study for the certificate allows you to study at a time and at a pace to suit you.
The course will run over sixteen months. Each single credit unit is designed to be completed within 2 months. with a double credit unit taking 3 months. There are four single credit units and two double credit units in the 8 credit programme.
What will I study?
There are four single credit units and two double credit units in the 8 credit programme. These make up the 64 credit points at SCQF level 8. The units included are:
- Supervision in Care Settings (1 credit)
- Supporting and Managing the Protection of Individuals (1 credit)
- Leading the Management og change in Care services (2 credits)
- Managing Policy and Procedures in Care services (1 credit)
- Care Services Management: Graded Unit (1 credit)
There are two specialist optional units available, both are double-credit units. You may choose one to make up your total of 8 credits.
These units are:
- Effective leadership and management in care settings
- Leading the management of change in care settings
Mode of Study
Units will be delivered by online open learning, using materials developed by the UHI. Students download materials and communicate with the appointed unit tutor by email and telephone. Online discussion boards enable interaction with fellow students from the UHI catchment area and the unit tutor. Tutors for each unit are based in different partner colleges of the UHI. A student adviser based at your local college will provide ongoing support throughout your studies. There will be no need to attend classes other than an initial induction day for the course. Some class teaching days will be offered for some units – attendance is optional. Students will require study time of around 6 hours each week
Assessment
Each Unit will be assessed by written assignments. A range of assessment methods will be used, including essays, case studies and reflective accounts. These will be scheduled with set submission dates. Students will have two attempts at each assessment. Students are required to submit assignments word processed unless otherwise agreed.
What could I do next?
This award will enable you to manage a Care Home or other Care facility, and is the recognised management qualification by the Care Commission and is a Scottish Social Services Council registration requirement. The SCQF credits at level 8 gained through this award will assist you in accessing level 9 of a degree course such as BA Health Studies, BA Social Science or the BA Child & Youth Studies.
How do I join?
Click here to download an application form from the website, print, complete and return it to the freepost address given on the form If you need more information before completing the form, contact Admissions on 01847 889250 or email info@northhighland.ac.uk
Note that this course has been approved by ILA Scotland: it is therefore possible to use a current £200 Individual Learning Account (ILA200) to help towards the cost of the course. (Visit their website http://www.ilascotland.org.uk/ or call 0808 100 1090 for more information).