Health Sciences e-Learning  BSc (Hons)

Course Content

At City University London we have designed our BSc (Hons) Health Sciences e-learning programme with one aim in mind: flexibility. Because our degree course and individual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules are delivered entirely online, you can study wherever and whenever it suits you.

Our flexible approach means you can choose to study modules on an individual basis or as part of a top-up degree; it allows breaks to be taken between modules to accommodate personal or professional demands; and gives you access to our modules via any internetenabled computer anywhere in the world. You can choose, at any time, to switch from studying on a module-only basis to a full degree, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and that you study one of the necessary core modules as part of your degree.

The programme helps practitioners to develop the skills and knowledge useful for extended and management roles. It's about understanding why and how things are done, and how they can be done better. And you will be able to work online with other students from across the healthcare field, exchanging ideas, debating issues and sharing best practice.

The success of our flexible approach is demonstrated by students constantly telling us that the modules are helping them improve their practice, develop their careers and become leaders in their profession.

What is e-learning?

E-learning means using the internet to study rather than attending courses at a university. However e-learning at City involves a lot more than merely accessing textual or graphic information on web pages.

The real power of e-learning comes from the communication and collaboration that takes place between students and 'e-tutors'. In our virtual learning environment (VLE) you work in small groups and are supported by a dedicated e-tutor who is available online to facilitate your learning. The VLE also enables you to work together with other students, exchanging ideas, debating issues and sharing best practice. All this can be done from your home or workplace at a time that suits you.

Typical e-learning activities and materials

Here are some of the activities that e-learning with us may include:

• Accessing your course content through the interactive web pages
• Taking part in live 'chats' with your e-tutor and fellow students
• Designing your own personal web space that can be shared with your tutorial group
• Discussing the themes of the course on bulletin boards
• Reading a journal article or looking at a case study and then taking part in an online discussion or chat room meeting to discuss your ideas

Student support and IT skills for Health Sciences e-learning courses

You will need only basic computer skills as we provide a free online induction course on how to use the internet platform.

IT support

You will be supported by a team of experienced IT technicians who you can contact either by email or telephone for advice. 

Academic support

You are assigned to a tutorial group of no more than 15 students in each module you study. An e tutor facilitates the learning of every student in the group on an individual and group basis.

E-tutors lead the group through the module, maintain regular contact with each student and continuously monitor your progress. They guide you through a number of online activities, provide academic input and structure your online activities by means of a course calendar.

Your e-tutor also marks your assignments and will give you thorough support in the preparation of your assessed work. All BSc students are allocated a personal tutor and have access to the study skills support and library facilities of the University.

Course Structure

The programme offers nine level 3 modules: two double modules worth 30 credits each, and seven single modules worth 15 credits each. In order to qualify for a BSc (Hons) degree you would need to select modules worth 120 credits in total (module exemptions apply - see APCL above). One of the modules selected must be either Evidence-based Healthcare or Research Methodologies for Practice.

Modules

Evidence-based Healthcare - co-compulsory - 30 credits
This module explores how to use best evidence to support decision-making in patient care. 'Evidence' can come from research, clinical experience, personal knowledge, patient preference or any combination of these. This module provides the tools to appraise evidence and use it to enhance practice.

Research Methodologies for Practice - co-compulsory - 30 credits
This module introduces students to the main principles of research in the health sciences. It covers key concepts related to scientific method and the various research designs used in the study of human behavior, health and illness.

Making Sense of Clinical Governance - 15 credits
This module highlights the important drivers for quality in the NHS by focusing on assurance and transformation - aspirations that should underpin all activities directed towards quality and clinical governance. It also emphasises the crucial position of the patient at the heart of healthcare.

Healthcare Improvement Project - 15 credits
This module equips healthcare professionals with the tools needed to appraise the implementation of clinical governance in their organisation. To study this module, students need to have successfully completed Making Sense of Clinical Governance. Module runs April only.

Health Informatics - 15 credits
Students undertaking this module will have the opportunity to explore the benefits and uses of information and communication technologies across healthcare that can have an impact on service delivery, healthcare management and research. The module does not focus on technical issues, but rather on the ways in which patients, clinicians and managers can benefit from these systems.

Leadership - 15 credits
This module aims to enable students to gain greater insights into the impact of effective leadership on healthcare outcomes. Students undertaking this module will explore leadership at three levels: individual leadership, leading teams and organisational leadership.

Managing Change - 15 credits
The focus of this module is on the principles and practice of change management from a holistic perspective. It includes an examination of the key concepts and models of change management and how these can be applied critically at an organisational and individual level in a range of healthcare settings.

User and Carer Involvement in Practice - 15 credits
The importance of user and carer involvement in the planning and delivery of health and social care is increasingly recognised by government, health professionals, funders and the public. This module explores the central debates and challenges surrounding user and carer involvement.

Supporting and Assessing Learning in Practice Settings - 15 credits
This module is aimed at healthcare professionals involved in supporting and assessing learning in the workplace. The module introduces core aspects of supporting learners who are developing their professional knowledge in practice settings. It is validated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council as preparation for local registration as mentors for pre-registration and midwifery students.

When you have successfully completed modules worth 120 credits (including one
of the core modules); you will qualify for a BSc (Hons) degree. Alternatively each
module can be selected on a stand-alone basis as part of your CPD.