Overview

The module covers a wide range of concepts related to vulnerability within specific individuals and populations, including safeguarding, disability, inequality, poverty, mental health, ageing and substance abuse. The module will also provide a background to the policy, legal and ethical aspects of vulnerability, as well as how to identify, assess and manage risk.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold: D+ to D- To achieve a ‘pass’ on the module, students will be required to demonstrate a basic understanding of the nature of vulnerable populations and the strategies available to improve their health and well-being. There is very little evidence of reading and research on the essay topic before the essay was written. The writer does not always support their arguments, with appropriate academic references. Correct referencing techniques are rarely used in the essay, or in the list of references. The organisation of the essay is not clear and does not follow a logical pattern. The student does not demonstrate an ability to express their ideas in a fluent or coherent fashion.

Good: -B+ to B- To achieve this grade the student will need to demonstrate a detailed understanding and good depth and breadth of knowledge around the nature of vulnerable populations and the strategies available to improve their health and well-being. They must also be able to demonstrate some independent thinking, and try to analyse and critically evaluate the material presented in the essay. There must be evidence of a significant amount of reading and research on the essay topic, as demonstrated by the list of references. The writer must be able to support any arguments, with appropriate academic references. Correct referencing techniques must be used in the essay, and in the list of references. The organisation of the essay is clear and logical, and the student demonstrates an ability to express their ideas in a fluent and coherent fashion.

Excellent: A* to A- To achieve an ‘excellent’ mark in this module, students will be required to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the nature of vulnerable populations and the strategies available to improve their health and well-being. They must also be able to demonstrate independent thinking, and analyse and critically evaluate material. There must be evidence of extensive reading and research on the essay topic, as shown in the list of references. They must be able to support any arguments, with appropriate academic references. Correct referencing techniques must be used in the essay, and in the list of references. The organisation of the essay is clear and logical, and the student demonstrates an ability to express their ideas in a fluent and coherent fashion.

Satisfactory: C+ to C- To achieve this grade on the module, students will be required to demonstrate an adequate understanding of the nature of vulnerable populations and the strategies available to improve their health and well-being. There must be evidence of a some reading and research on the essay topic, as demonstrated by the list of references. The writer must be able to support any arguments, with appropriate academic references. Correct referencing techniques are often used in the essay, and in the list of references. The organisation of the essay is clear and logical, and the student demonstrates an ability to express their ideas in a coherent fashion.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of strategies used to help meet the health and social care needs of individuals within vulnerable groups.

• Describe and reflect on the health and social care needs of vulnerable individuals and groups.

• Evaluate social, political, legal and economic factors that specifically influence vulnerable populations.

• Identify key vulnerable populations in society, that need to be protected by legislation/social policy.