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Complementary Healthcare FdS

This is a unique programme of study offered by Sussex Downs College Lewes campus in partnership with the University of Brighton. The course aims to produce informed and skilled practitioners with the knowledge and skills to enter the healthcare arena with confidence. The programme has been carefully designed to cover many different aspects of healthcare in such a way that practical skills are balanced with a comprehensive training in the underpinning knowledge relating to the therapy being studied. Students must have the time, energy and commitment to cope with the demands of this programme.

Course structure

The programme runs over two days a week (Wednesday 9-5 and Thursday 9-9). It includes a weekly clinic to practice your skills in a clinical setting at the Graduations Salons. In the second year there is a 50-hour work placement based in a healthcare profession.

Students are expected to develop a portfolio of reflective practice over the two years of the course. Subjects are assessed through a variety of methods both practically and written. These include case studies, exams and essay writing.

Syllabus

Year 1

  • Study Skills
  • Research Methods
  • Personal & Professional Development
  • Communication Skills
  • Science for Complementary Therapists
  • Structure and functions of the Human Body
  • Therapeutic massage
  • Reflexology
  • Aromatherapy
  • Perspectives of Holistic living
  • Nutritional implications for Complementary Therapy

Year 2

  • Business Management
  • Philosophies of Oriental Medicine
  • Clinical placement
  • Processes of Disease
  • Advanced therapeutic Massage
  • Clinical reflexology
  • Clinical Aromatherapy
  • Comparative Models of Healthcare
  • Applied Clinical Nutrition

Career and progression opportunities

Graduates have the option to progress their training by undertaking a further 12-15 months of study as part of a top-up honours degree programme.

The course of study will equip you with a range of experiences, qualifications and practical skills sought by employers or required for successful self-employment. Complementary therapists work in a variety of environments including hospitals, hospices, health centres, individual and group practices and in the community services for people with additional needs.

UCAS code

B340

Duration

Full-time: 2 years

Location

Sussex Downs College (Lewes)

Typical entry requirements

Individual offers may vary

UCAS tariff:

40 points, from a minimum of one 6-unit qualification. Level 3 Key Skills will not count towards the tariff score. General Studies will count towards the tariff score.

International Baccalaureate:

Individual assessment.

QAA-approved access course:

acceptable.

GCSE (minimum grade C):

at least 3 subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

For non-native speakers of English:

IELTS 6.0 overall, 6.0 in writing.

Find out more

Tel: (01273) 402303
Email: janine.farr-bailey@sussexdowns.ac.uk
Visit: University of Brighton School of Health Professions

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