Skip to content The Open University

Undergraduate

Diploma of Higher Education in Adult Nursing - Learning Outcomes

« Back to Diploma of Higher Education in Adult Nursing description

Educational aims

To provide access to professional education to people working as health care assistants or the equivalent who are unable to access existing provision.

To increase the number of staff in post who are trained to the standards of registered nurse by offering:

  • a high-quality and cost-effective mode of education and training
  • a scheme that can be accessed by staff from Trusts and other organisations who are experiencing difficulties in recruitment and retention of nurses.

To enable staff/students to benefit from a learning programme which is based on an imaginative blend of supported open learning offering a number of positive advantages to students, including:

  • provision of high-quality and consistent learning inputs
  • a high level of individual support for students combined with the increased convenience of studying at home and in the workplace
  • the benefit of recent advances in information technology to improve communications amongst and between teachers and learners, and to enhance the quality of and access to learning resources
  • facilitation of active, independent learning, consistent with the qualities needed by staff seeking to achieve qualified status
  • the involvement of carers, service users and professionals together in the educational process.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

  • the development of health and social care in the UK from the twentieth century and the contemporary context in which care takes place
  • the experience of care from a service-user’s perspective
  • theories and concepts that underpin and challenge practice and professionalism in health and social care
  • philosophies of practice and their impact on service provision
  • the legal and ethical framework in which care takes place
  • research methods and their application to practice.

Cognitive skills

  • analyse situations from a range of perspectives and evaluate the appropriateness of different interventions or approaches
  • apply concepts and theories to practice situations
  • evaluate evidence from research and its application to practice
  • make use of a range of sources of information and use them to sustain an argument or develop new insights into practice.

Practical and/or professional skills

  • the ability to observe, describe and accurately record
  • the ability to evaluate approaches to service provision, applying theoretical concepts
  • sensitivity to the needs of service-users from a diversity of backgrounds
  • an understanding of the significance of power relations and an ability to operate in an interdisciplinary setting
  • the ability to assess evidence and make informed decisions
  • an understanding of the ethical, cultural, political and social dilemmas in practice
  • the ability to utilise strategies for improving practice, contributing to the development of quality services and working with change
  • self-reflection and the ability to engage in personal or professional development.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

Knowledge and understanding are acquired through the study of a range of printed and A/V sources that comprise the study materials.

Learning is enhanced through written assignments and the feedback from tutors on your work. On some modules you may also develop your learning through attendance at tutorials and day schools.

Learning outcomes are assessed by essays, projects, reflective accounts and examinations.

Cognitive skills are developed through the use of modules activities, a personal diary, written assignments and feedback on written work.

Cognitive skills are assessed through written assignments, projects and examinations. It should be noted that elements of this assessment are linked to elements that supporters will be looking for in assessing practice in situ.

Basic study skills are taught throughout KYN101 and reinforced at second and third level. The ability to manage your own learning is encouraged at all and dealt with explicitly in KYN107, KYN291 and KYN292 through the use of a personal diary linking to verified portfolio assessment.

You have the opportunity to develop your communication skills and group work skills at tutorials, but these are not assessed.

Key skills are assessed throughout by written assignments, projects, portfolio and examinations.

Professional skills are taught in a cumulative way throughout the programme, reinforced through the use of practice-related learning activities and linked to practice experience.

Written assignments enable you to draw on your experience of service provision to relate theoretical concepts to practice. Feedback on these assignments enhances your understanding of your professional practice.

Your ability to reflect on your practice is assessed through written assignments, projects and examinations. Performance in practice is explicitly assessed through a portfolio of evidence.

« Back to Diploma of Higher Education in Adult Nursing description