Health and nutrition is an area of national concern. The resources of the Health Service in contemporary Britain are increasingly being directed at preventative health care and at strategies which educate, inform and guide behaviour in certain health related issues.

You will develop a sound scientific underpinning knowledge, but also gain skills in health care and specifically in recognising and planning for nutritional related health issues. It encompasses a wide range of situations and scenarios, developing the people skills as well as the knowledge required to work with individuals. It also encompasses broader roles, such as working with schools and groups, using persuasive and informational techniques and exploring the cultural and social barriers which inhibit sensible nutritional behaviours.

You will become a well-rounded health care practitioner, essentially at assistant practitioner level, who can respond to the varying needs and demands of this interesting but challenging field of health care. The course has close links with local care organisations and campaigns, care trusts and voluntary groups allowing for students to network with potential employers.

Duration

Two Years full-time
Part-time also available

Entry Requirements

GCSE Level: Normally English and Maths at Grade C or above.

Together with one of the following:
A minimum of 60 tariff points at A Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification.
Access to Higher Education: Considered on an individual basis.
Applications from mature students without academic credentials will be considered on an individual basis.
National and Advanced Diplomas in a relevant subject are accepted as a progression to a Foundation Degree and HND.

Prospective students will be required to successfully complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau).

Please note, additional costs may be incurred for a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) and if any equipment, resources or trips need to be purchased.

Awarding Body

Plymouth University

Apply Notes

For full-time study apply online at www.ucas.com
Click here to download the part-time application form

UCAS Institution: TRURO (course is based at Penwith campus)
UCAS Institution Code: T85
UCAS Course Code: BB94
UCAS Course Title: FdSc/HN

Course Structure

In Stage One you will develop essential understanding of the key concepts and principles of health and nutrition and the contexts in which those are applied during the first year.

In Stage Two you will develop a deeper and more complex understanding, also exploring real contexts with clients and organisations that need health care support and advice, developing and adapting their skills to applied situations.

Modules

Stage One
The Principles of Nutrition and Health
This module explores the key concepts and principles of nutrition within the context of biochemical processes. Students will have the opportunity to use dietary information to make recommendations to improve individual nutritional intake.

Anatomy and Physiology
The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the structure and function of those systems in the human body that are of direct relevance to health and nutrition. Some consideration will also be given to the functioning of these organ systems.

Principles of Health Care
Students here will explore the general concept of health care in contemporary society, and examine the roles and practices of professional health care, particularly ethics and safety. It will explore how nutrition and healthcare practice relates to these issues.

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
The development of public learning and awareness of nutrition is vital within the concept of wellbeing within contemporary society. This module examines ways in which healthy living can be promoted and the use of educational techniques when dealing with clients.

Social Context of Health
This modules develops an understanding of the wider context of health care including discrimination and social deprivation, class, poverty the family.

Professional Practice 1
Students will develop their own understanding of the range of health care practice and examine the roles of various health care professionals. It will explore the skills needed in these roles through analysis of practice. It will examine issues of multidisciplinary working in health work contexts.

Stage Two
Food Science and Technology
This module develops a greater understanding on the processes of cooking and treating food, and their relation to nutritional value.

Professional Practice 2
Developing student’s professional practice, this explores the relationship between clients and the health care professional.

Psychology of Nutrition
This module explores the links between psychological processes and wellbeing, and in this context looks at eating disorders and issues with dementia. Health psychology can be defined as the practice and application of psychological methods to the study of behaviour relevant to health, illness and health care. This module enables students to develop an understanding of research approaches and methodologies, introducing an appreciation of evidence based practice within health.

Diet, Fitness and Health
Combining nutritional and physiological understandings, this module investigates the interrelationship between a range of health care practices. It also develops a critical awareness of the cultural portrayal of health and fitness, and the issues surrounding the concept of fitness.

Project
This module will provide students with the opportunity to develop an investigation of their own related to the programme.

Assessment

Assessment will use a mixture of methods appropriate to the modules including technical and analytical reports, laboratory reports, practical solutions and applications, workshop exercises and experiments, case studies and essays. Students will need to present their work to clients and peers.

The Future

This programme is intended to provide graduates with the appropriate knowledge understanding and skills both to gain employment in this highly competitive field but also to be prepared for higher studies should they wish. Graduates may progress to the BSc (Hons) Health Studies final year at Plymouth University. The programme also develops knowledge and understanding of the scientific processes of nutrition and thus ensures that graduates are able to progress to the second year of the BSc (Hons) in Nutrition, Exercise and Health at Plymouth University. Please note there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability.

Higher Education Department

Telephone: 01872 267122

Truro College
College Road
Truro
Cornwall
TR1 3XX