Community-Based Care Practicum  

Module Description

This module provides students with hands-on experience in community-based care settings, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in real-world contexts. Through a combination of tutorials, practicum, and reflective practice, students will acquire an advanced understanding of the complexities of care delivery in community environments. 

The module begins with an overview of the principles of community-based care, emphasising its role in promoting health and well-being outside of traditional institutional settings. Students will navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in community care. 

Students will then participate in a supervised practicum, where they will have the opportunity to work directly with individuals in community care settings. These placements may include home care, community health centres, rehabilitation services, or outpatient clinics. During the practicum, students will apply key skills such as risk assessment, health and safety management, and care planning. They will also develop communication skills, learning how to effectively interact with clients, families, and other professionals in a community context. 

Throughout the module, students will engage in reflective practice, critically evaluating their experiences and identifying areas for personal and professional growth.  

Entry Requirements

• A qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent) in Care or a related field and English Language at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent). 

• In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted on the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning. 

*Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.

Target Audience

The programme targets the following groups:  

• Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the field of care. 

• Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the care profession. 

• Individuals seeking to enhance their ability to interpret, assess, and communicate care-related information. 

• Individuals already working in care who wish to progress to more advanced positions.  

• Individuals aiming to continue their studies in health and social care at higher levels. 

Career Paths

This qualification prepares students for advanced roles in direct care provision, including:  

• Senior Care Assistant 

• Community Support Worker 

• Mental Health Support Worker 

• Pediatric Care Assistant 

• Personal Care Assistant 

• Disability Support Worker 

• Palliative / End-of-Life Care Worker 

• Rehabilitation Support Worker 

• Residential Care Worker

How you’ll be assessed

The course comprises:

• Evening classes for part-time courses.
• Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
• Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:

• Formative Assessment
• Summative Assessment

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.