Truro and Penwith College

FdSc Health and Social Care

Rated Gold (2017) by the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) and Ofsted Outstanding (2016), Truro and Penwith College provides a range of quality degree courses with employer needs in mind. All students benefit from an excellent support network that helps to put them on the best footing for a successful future after graduating. Finding themselves at home in purpose-built buildings with expert lecturers and access to industry-standard equipment, students can study a quality University course right here in Cornwall. 

A variety of people enter Higher Education with an assortment of experiences and commitments, but with the flexibility at the heart of our programmes, the College offers a compressed timetable and small class sizes to allow students to study in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whatever your background, studying University courses at Truro and Penwith College means an opportunity to study locally, the chance to fit home or part-time work around your lectures and the one thing all our students have in common – the shared experiences of a quality education right here in Cornwall.

For more information visit the Truro and Penwith College website.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    • Sociology for Health and Social Care (TRUR1162)

      Students will gain an understanding of the nature of contemporary society through a range of sociological perspectives and theories relevant to the Health and Social Care environment. Consideration will be given to the impact that social inequalities have on policy-making and practice in health and social care arena.

    • Applied Science for Health and Social Care (TRUR1163)

      This module considers how holistic care delivered in practice is in part determined by an understanding of the main structures and functioning of the human body. Students will gain an understanding of body functioning and the relationship to anatomy and physiology. Consideration will be given to the related terminology used by health professionals for the purpose of gathering routine data which in turn informs care practices and delivery.

    • Contemporary Policies and Legislation in Health and Social Care (TRUR1164)

      Students will understand how the Health Professions Council embeds values and ethics through contemporary policies and legislation relevant to the health and social care sector. Students will gain a full understanding of the multiple agencies involved in the delivery and implementation of specific legislation and policy. Finally, students consider how professional values underpin the working practices, strategies and approaches of each agency in effectively implementing current policy.

    • Principles of Health and Social Care (TRUR1165)

      This module develops understanding of the values, ethics and principles underpinning professional practices in the health and social care sector. Students will be given the opportunity to consider how both formal and informal mechanisms used by employers and employees can be used to identify and promote good practice.

    • Communication Skills (TRUR1166)

      Various forms of written, verbal and electronic communication will be discussed in the context of engaging with a range of stakeholders in the health and social care arena. Consideration is given to the barriers that impact effective communication between professionals and clients and/or client groups. The legal frameworks for re-recording and/or sharing of information about people will be discussed.

    • Reflective Practice (TRUR1167)

      This module explores the importance of reflective practice in health and social care settings, considering the different theories of reflective practice and how they might be utilised for future employment. Barriers to being reflective will be considered alongside the limits of reflective practice for an individual and the wider applicability for use in multi-disciplinary teams.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    • Inclusive Practice in Health and Social Care (TRUR2157)

      This module provides a grounding in inclusive practice and the principles that underpin it. Consideration is given to the various cultural and societal influences that can reinforce discrimination at an individual and/or community level. Finally, students will also explore the how anti-oppressive practice can empower individuals and/or social groups.

    • Personal and Professional Development (TRUR2158)

      This module provides students with an opportunity to evidence the development of their personal and professional skills and knowledge in the field of Health & Social Care. Students will maintain a Personal and Professional Portfolio evidencing their practical experiences and their academic development throughout the course. All forms of practice whether voluntary, paid or simulated can contribute to the PP Portfolio.

    • Research Skills (TRUR2159)

      This module provides students with a set of research skills relating to the health and social care arena. Students will be given the opportunity to carry out a series of secondary research activities linked to a chosen topic of interest. They will carry out a small scale investigation using secondary date sets and write up the project using appropriate academic conventions.

    • Psychology for Health and Social Care (TRUR2160)

      This module considers the psychological factors that influence human behaviour and the effects they have on users of health and social care services. Psychological perspectives are considered alongside theories of development across the lifespan. Consideration of psychological theories are applied to specific health-related behaviours and the use of psychology in explaining contemporary social and health issues.

    • Contemporary Issues in Health and Social Care (TRUR2161)

      This module will develop students understanding of the broader societal context of matters relating to health and social care. Students will consider and analyse the methods used to bring information to the public arena for debate and with evaluate the validity and reliability of that information. The influence of the media and the power of media portrayal will be explored in relation to one specific issue.

    • Promoting Health Behaviours (TRUR2162)

      This module aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the influences of health in a modern society and also allows them to consider the factors which influence strategies to promote good health. Students are required to plan a public health promotion campaign for a specific group and/or a business.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
Fees, costs and funding

The UK is no longer part of the European Union. EU applicants should refer to our Brexit information to understand the implications.

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with Truro and Penwith College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Truro and Penwith College

We’re one of the leading colleges in the country, delivering teaching and learning to the highest level. With three modern campuses at Truro, Penwith (at Penzance) and Tregye, we provide you with a unique university experience.

Find out more about studying at Truro and Penwith College