The course is structured to ensure that those employed in a professional capacity in the social care field are equipped to provide advice, offer effective support and protection to vulnerable groups in society; all learners follow a programme of 11 modules that include knowledge and critical understanding of established concepts, principles and practice in social care; work placement is central to this award and all learners are required to complete 2 professional practice modules, based on at least 200 hours yearly of relevant social care experience; this can be either paid or voluntary work and it is expected that learners have a committed workplace mentor.