Certificate in brain injury studies
Headway, in partnership with the University of Northampton, are pleased to offer our certificate programme in brain injury studies, for staff who are working directly on supporting people who are living with acquired brain injury.
Browse these frequently asked questions for more information. You can download a printable version of this information at the bottom of the page.
What is the certificate about?
This significant development raises the status of brain injury-specific education and training and the professional standing of staff working in the acquired brain injury field. It also demonstrates the specialised skills and knowledge of staff working in this field to organisations who are commissioning services.
The certificate is open to anyone who has been working directly with clients for 6 months or more. The certificate is worked through in 4 distinct modules and the whole certificate will take about 18 months to complete. It is designed to be completed by distance learning and requires the support of the student in the workplace through an occupationally competent vocational assessor.
On completion of the certificate, the student will receive 40 CATS points at University Level 4 and these can be also transferred to count towards a degree profile.
back to top
How is the course designed?
Each of the four modules that make up the certificate explore a different aspect of acquired brain injury and take 16 weeks to complete. They are underpinned by basic knowledge of brain anatomy and function and are related to everyday practice with clients.
Each module has its' own direct teaching workshop that is timed to run during the span of the particular module. You can browse the workshops using the navigation bar on the left.
The cost of attending the workshops are included in the fees that the student will pay for the course, although travel costs to the venues will have to be met by the student.
back to top
What is the module assessment strategy and quality assurance?
Each of the modules has a number of assignments (a maximum of 4 per module). These are made up of a mixture of written assignments and direct observations/expert witness statements of the student carrying out a planned activity with a client or group of clients and thus demonstrating a linking of theory to practice.
The planning of the assignments and the direct observation of the student is carried out by the vocational assessor working with that particular student. The cost of engaging a vocational assessor with D32/33 or A1 Vocational Assessor qualifications is a separate cost that will have to be met by whoever is funding the student.
All the module assignments in their completed portfolio need to be sent to the Course Leader, Steve Shears, by the designated module submission date for marking. A proportion of these will then be moderated by the University or by an external examiner.
Normal academic requirements will be observed, such as University rules about academic integrity and plagiarism. Students are also encouraged to make extensive use of the Gibbs Model of Reflection (1988), as one of the aims of the course is for the students to be reflective practitioners and to evaluate their day-to-day practice with clients.
back to top
What are the modules that make up the certificate?
Understanding Brain Injury - basic anatomy and physiology of the brain, cognitive and physical effects of brain injury, reflective practice with clients.
Cognitive Rehabilitation Issues - holistic assessment of cognitive deficits, motivation, research into rehabilitation, reflective practice in cognitive rehabilitation practice, strategies and assistive technology.
Challenging Behaviour Following Acquired Brain Injury - defining challenging behaviour, our part in challenging behaviour, how cognitive deficits affect behaviour, strategies to manage challenging behaviour.
Sex and Sexuality Following Acquired Brain Injury - reflections on our responses to sex and sexuality, ethics and boundaries, how brain injury affects sexuality, rights versus vulnerabilities, models to help support clients with sexuality issues.
back to top
How much does the course cost and how do I register?
The full cost of the course is £880 + VAT.
The next course begins on 9th September 2010.
To register an interest please contact:
Steven Shears, Headway Training Manager, using the details above.
back to top