Tutor blog: Adam Sleeman | Health and Care Professions

Adam Sleeman, the Department Team Lead for the Health and Care Professions department at UCEN Manchester, writes about what makes our offer unique, leading to sucessful outcomes for our students.

As a Tutor and Lecturer on the UCEN Manchester Health and Care Professions programmes, I am often asked what we do differently from other Higher Education Institutions.

In answering this question, I will refer to some of the frequent comments made by our existing students and alumni.~
 

Above and beyond for students

The first and most consistent message is that as a team we go the extra mile in supporting our learners to achieve their qualifications. To quote one learner:

The tutors go above and beyond with students including myself when it comes to making sure we all understand what we are doing and allowing one to one time for extra support when needed.

To reinforce this point, many past students have contacted us to express their dismay at how little dedicated support they have received at their new Higher Education institutions.
 

Tutors experienced in the sector

Another reason we are unique, is that the team are all highly skilled and experienced in the sector. Our learners benefit greatly from the extensive professional and academic credentials showcased by our diverse team. Learners also enjoy excellent wrap-around support provided by our dedicated FutureU colleagues, who offer services as diverse as proof-reading assignments to careers advice.
 

Flexible learning programmes

Our curriculum offer also affords learners considerable flexibility. Learners can stay with us for one, two or three years. Learners can achieve a Higher National Certificate at Level 4, a Higher National Diploma at level 5 and a BA (Hons) in Integrated Health and social Care at level 6. The latter programme is validated by Sheffield Hallam University. 

Each year, there is a strong emphasis on synthesising knowledge and practice throughout our curriculum offer, and we have state of the art facilities where learners can develop and hone their practical skills. 

Learners are ably supported by a Work Placement Officer who assists learners in acquiring relevant and valuable work experience.  This offer enables learners to progress into a number of careers, often via Masters level qualifications, in areas such as nursing, allied health professions and social work.  
 

The Health and Care Professions sector is one that is growing exponentially, and one that never stands still. As a curriculum area we have developed and grown year-on-year, and as a team we enthusiastically embrace challenge and change, supporting learners to maximise their potential wherever and however we can.