• 200 points from at least 2 A Levels / Scottish Advanced Highers to include Biology
• BTEC Certificate / Diploma 200 points in Science subject preferably Biological Science
• 200 points within the Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers to include Science preferably Biological Science (C2 minimum grade considered)
• Pass Access with 48 credits at Level 3 to include 15 Merits in a Biological Science
• 200 points from the Welsh Baccalaureate to include grades CD at A Level or equivalent within a Science subject preferably a Biological Science, Core considered as 3rd subject
• Qualifications equivalent to the above

If your qualification isn't listed above, please refer to the UCAS website.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, the ‘Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences’ is available one year full-time and will provide you with a relevant qualification that will allow you to progress to this HND upon successful completion. For further information about the Foundation course, please click here.

Candidates with relevant work experience e.g. in health or social care but without the above qualifications are considered on an individual basis. Evidence of academic study in the past five years is normally required.

Entry onto this course is also subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. More details about UWIC's criminal records procedures can be found at www.uwic.ac.uk/crb

Career Potential:
Most of our graduates are working in private practice as self-employed practitioners. The more enterprising graduates have set up larger concerns, which involve other practitioners and reach out into the wider community.

Other graduates are gainfully employed as complementary therapists in the N.H.S. and the voluntary sector. A smaller number of graduates have pursued work in a research capacity.

Course Content:
The programme was developed following the recommendation of House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology (1999-2000) for more rigorous training and education in complementary and alternative medicine.

Students on this programme will learn to combine complementary and conventional approaches to health care. The training provided in the skills of holistic massage, reflexology and clinical aromatherapy is supported by the biological and behavioural sciences and the development of research skills.

As a student on this programme you will also develop your business skills, benefit from a work placement and, as part of a team, run a student clinic.

Year One:
This provides foundation skills and knowledge by developing a range of holistic massage skills and techniques to a professional standard. Reflexology is also introduced in the first year. The body work therapies are supported by biomedical learning in anatomy, physiology and nutrition. You will familiarise yourself with other types of complementary and alternative therapies and examine the importance of issues such as regulation and evidence-based medicine. Qualitative research methods will be introduced.

Year Two:
You will learn the skills of aromatherapy and complete your training in reflexology both to a professional standard. The biomedical theme will continue by developing your understanding of patho-physiology and mechanisms of disease. You will further develop your communication and listening skills. You will also develop skills in quantitative research methods including the use of statistical software, and learn about the use of audit. The business module will enable you to develop your business skills.

Year Three:
In your final year, you will undertake a work placement in a health or social care setting and participate in the running of a student clinic with clients from the general public. You will continue to develop your body work skills; increase your knowledge of the differential diagnosis of common diseases and examine the influence of psychological and sociological factors on health. Each student undertakes a research project which makes a major contribution to their degree classification.

An integrated approach to health care is emphasised throughout the programme and students will be expected to communicate effectively and therapeutically with clients; understand the importance of communicating with other health care providers; and be able to evaluate which clients need to be referred to other health professionals for further investigation.

Assessment:
Clinical competence is assessed by examination of practical skills and through the use of reflective treatment logs. Knowledge of the biomedical and behavioural sciences is assessed through examination, written assignments and presentations. Research skills are examined through case studies, written reports and a research dissertation.

Selection Procedure:
Selection is normally based on the receipt of a completed UCAS application and interview.

Additional Costs:
For information on additional costs relating to this programme please refer to www.uwic.ac.uk/additionalcosts

Contact Information:
For general enquiries please contact the UWIC Enquiry Team on 029 2041 6044 or email uwicinfo@uwic.ac.uk

For course specific enquiries, please contact the programme leader, Philip Harris:
Email: peharris@uwic.ac.uk
Tel: 029 2041 6894

See Also:
Cardiff School of Health Sciences Website