Academic year: 2024-20254 Semester/s: 2 Diet 1
Title of the module: Preparing for Practice as an AHP
Module code: HS3003
Programme and year: MSc (pre-reg) Physiotherapy
Module size: 20 credits Level: SCQF Level 9
Module coordinator: Judith Lane
Assessment component for the
module and weighting
Diet: 1st or 2nd
Written assignment
100% weighting
1st Diet
Assessment release date and
mechanism
Guidance on the assessment task
Released on the Hub Monday 13th January 2025
Date for submission (1 electronic
only)
Introduction to the assessment wk beginning 13th
Jan
Further discussion wk beginning 17th Feb
Formative assignment: Monday 3rd March 2025
Summative assignment: Monday 12th May 2025
All submissions are midday
Work should be submitted to the ATLAS workspace
for module HS3003 This can be found through your
Pebblepad account.
Length of the written assignment
Date and method by which
individual written feedback will be
available
Total word count = 2500
Feedback will be attached as a comment to your
eportfolio and available via Pebblepad.
We aim to return your feedback within 20 working
days.
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Introduction
Reflection is considered as a key professional skill for AHP’s, not only in practice but as a way
of evaluating learning from a variety of experiences. It is widely recognised as an educational
strategy which allows students to develop their problem-solving abilities and to capitalize on
their learning experiences. It is also a way of transforming knowledge from a superficial
descriptive level to a deeper, more meaningful, level.
A reflective portfolio is a collection of evidence that shows your personal and professional
development. The purpose of this reflective portfolio is for you to showcase your learning
highlighting how your knowledge/ability/attitude has developed and how you have achieved
the intended module learning outcomes.
Preparing for Practice as an Allied Health Professional explores many facets and influences on
the following :

Issues relating to professional autonomy and accountability,

Roles and responsibilities of the allied health professional (AHP) within the health and
social context and the wider interprofessional team,

The personal and professional skills of the AHP and factors which influence all of
these.
This assignment will help to prepare you for practice through reflection on your learning
experiences and discussion of how these illustrate your achievement of the module learning
outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Generative AI may not be used in the production of this assignment
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Module learning outcomes
1
discuss how the relevant regulatory and professional bodies influence the practice
and development of the student’s own profession;
2
critically evaluate the roles and responsibilities of an allied health professional within
the context of the multidisciplinary team and their own profession;
3
synthesise the legal, cultural and ethical issues that may influence the provision of
health and social care;
4
critically analyse current developments in the structure and function of health and
social care from a global perspective and discuss the potential impact on provision
of services within the student’s own profession;
5
critically reflect on the values, behaviours, knowledge and skills required of an allied
health professional and how these impact on the provision of health and social care
and their own practice
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Formative Assignment
Portfolios are a collection of work that represents your activities and achievements in
relation to a specific aspect of the curriculum. This formative assignment offers the
opportunity to submit one reflective piece for formative feedback on your reflective writing
skills. This work will not contribute towards the overall module mark but using the feedback
provided will help you refine the work which can then be included the final collection of
work for the summative assignment.
Assignment task
Create a single Pebblepad asset in which you reflect on a single learning experience from
the programme so far and consider how this learning relates to one of the module learning
outcomes.
Your single asset could be a reflective diary, journal entry, blog etc. the choice is yours. It
should not be a portfolio asset however.
Select one of the frameworks of reflection to help structure your work and ensure it includes
the following:
 A concise description of the event which contains sufficient detail for the reader to
understand your experience (what)
 An analysis of the experience. This might be a consideration of how/what you learnt,
the significance of the experience, a recognition of links to different theoretical
concepts / ideas explored within the module or an exploration of what went well /
could have gone better. This analysis should also include reference to how this
experience has contributed to your achievement of one or more of the module
learning outcomes. The analysis is likely to refer to your reading and therefore will
include references. (so what)
 A proposal for how the learning might be applied or developed in the future (action
(plan / now what).
The formative piece should be limited to around 500 words. You will receive feedback on the
following:
 Critical evaluation or analysis of the experience in order to develop deeper insight
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Summative coursework
Assignment task
Submit a 2,500 word eportfolio which provides a critical reflection on your learning
journey through this module, taking into consideration the module learning outcomes.
Linked assets should be used to provide evidence of your learning and is likely to include
detailed reflections on specific, relevant learning experiences that you have had during or
prior to this module. References to reading should also be used to support your arguments.
The main body of the portfolio will explain the work and reflect on how the collection
demonstrates your achievements, explains why you selected the particular examples, and/or
describes changes in your knowledge/ability/attitude.
Throughout the work references to reading should also be used to support your arguments.
The total word count for the portfolio is 2500 words. You should include a short introduction
in which you justify your choice of reflective framework. Evidence to illustrate your
reflections, provided as links to assets within the eportfolio, are not included in the word
count. It is only the overall word count (i.e. 2500) that will matter in relation to word count
penalties (see assessment regulations).
Further Guidance
In this assignment you are required, through a reflective approach, to demonstrate the
scope and depth of your learning in relation to the learning outcomes for the module. An
eportfolio presents your arguments with links to further evidence, (known as linked assets),
which illustrate the main points you are trying to make by reflecting on individual learning
experiences you have had.
In reflective work, evidence is not just drawn from literature, but also from your own
personal experiences which you can document in a blog/experience/action plan etc.
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An introductory section is useful in which you briefly discuss and justify your reflective
approach and any frameworks that you are choosing to use. You might also choose to
briefly provide a rationale for your choice of learning outcomes.
In the main section(s) you should critically reflect on your learning and the extent to which
you have achieved the learning outcomes. The main section(s) should provide a discussion
which synthesises the learning outlined in the linked assets. You should use the linked assets
to reflect on individual learning experiences, providing specific examples which can support
the claims that you make about your learning in the main section(s)
When critically reflecting to illustrate learning, it is not sufficient to simply restate what you
have learnt, it is crucial that you discuss aspects such as: the importance or significance of
your learning in relation to knowledge and theory; how your understanding has changed;
what happened to effect this change; how your learning and experiences are related to your
reading and also how you intend to further your learning / use your learning in the future.
Within written linked assets, it is recommended that you apply the headings from one of the
reflective frameworks to structure your writing. As the main text will provide a critical
synthesis of your reflections, it is not necessary to apply a reflective framework in these
sections.
Types of questions that you may ask yourself to help you reflect upon your learning in
relation to the module outcomes might include:

What experience(s) during the module have had the most impact on you? Why? What
have you learnt from them? Could viewing these experiences from a different
perspective help you to learn more?

What is the role played by the regulatory and professional bodies? How do you feel
about professional regulation and how might it influence the way in which you practice?
How do you think that being part of a professional body enhances your chosen
profession?

What are the generic key skills of an allied health professional? How did you come to
these conclusions? Has your perspective on your own future role / responsibility
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changed? Why? If not, what have you read / discussed / seen that confirms your
original thoughts?

How much had you thought about the impact of social, legal, ethical and cultural issues
before the module? How has your understanding of these issues changed? Have you
been able to identify any of these factors in your experiences so far? How did you feel
about these? What was your reaction? How might you use this learning in the future?

What skills are necessary for an effective multi-disciplinary team? What advantages
does MDT working offer for quality of care? Could there be any disadvantages? What
skills do you possess for multi-disciplinary working? What skills might you need to work
on? How would you develop these skills? How would you evaluate these skills?

How does the structure of services impact on the way in which you might contribute to
health and social care? How do current models of care (both here in the UK and
globally) fit with your own feelings about how we should address healthcare issues?
What drivers will impact the way in which we deliver care in the future?

What values, knowledge, behaviours and skills are most important for you as a health
care professional? How have you learnt this? What factors have influenced this
decision? Have your thoughts on this changed?
These sets of questions are only examples of questions you might ask yourself (and each
other) to help you make the most of your learning. Remember a critically reflective account
may question observations and experiences. Linking theory and observations is also an
important aspect of reflection as it helps you to make deeper sense and meaning of
theoretical knowledge which can at times seem abstract. You are therefore expected to
incorporate evidence of your reading into your work and reference appropriately.
Supporting evidence:
In a traditional written assignment, other supporting evidence is often provided as an
appendix.
However, in an eportfolio, rather than the traditional format of attaching
appendices to the end of a document, supporting evidence can be linked as an asset to the
text of your eportfolio in the relevant place. Ensure that you refer to the evidence within your
main text and that you discuss how the evidence illustrates your answer. Irrelevant or
inappropriate evidence may influence your mark.
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Your formative assignment can form one of the linked assets that you can use in the
summative assignment. This will help you to understand how to create evidence for your
summative work.
This supporting evidence may take the form of blogs, reflective diaries, audio files, scanned
documents or Word documents. Supporting evidence can be drawn from your learning
experiences both within and outwith the module. This can include lectures, class discussions,
reading, watching, podcasts, placements, work shadowing, previous work experiences etc.
The reflection on these however should be linked to the module learning. There is no
maximum number of pieces of evidence that may be used but you should ensure that your
evidence is appropriate. ePortfolios which offer evidence of multi-dimensionality will attract
higher marks. Multi-dimensionality occurs when your evidence is drawn from a wide range
of sources. Where you are being more creative, it may not be appropriate to apply reflective
frameworks to structure the piece.
Furthermore, like any piece of academic writing, a reflective account also embeds relevant
references to support your arguments. A reflective assignment will discuss your experiences
in relation to theory in order to try to explain or critique your experiences. It is therefore
expected that your assignment will contain both references to texts, journals as well as other
evidence of learning. It is not necessary to provide a hyperlinks to websites or online
documents. An in-text citation will suffice. Use references where appropriate in your work –
creative assets may not require a reference.
Evidence is not included in the word count.
Structuring the portfolio
Whilst there are no strict stipulations about how you structure your portfolio there are
some suggestions to help you. The work should contain at a minimum: an introduction, main
discussion points, linked assets, conclusions and a reference list. A clear portfolio structure
might use a separate tab for each of these sections.
Although there is no particular requirement to structure your work in a certain way, for the
main discussion, the common approach is to choose individual themes (e.g. communication,
person-centred practice) and discuss your learning in relation to these. Create a separate
tab for each theme. Discuss your learning and how this relates to specific learning outcomes
using linked assets to support your discussion. You may find that there is overlap in learning
across themes.
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Evidence of a critical perspective is also required. You can develop this through exploring
relevant reading and using this to present different ideas on the topic
Presentation of the Coursework Assignment
A sample eportfolio will be made available in the module ATLAS workspace. This may help
you to see how to structure your portfolio and your reflective writing.
All students need to follow the guidelines below:

The work must be generated using the eportfolio software, Pebblepad+

Word count must be stated (standard QMU penalties will apply for exceeding the
word count by 10% or more)
Please include the following information on the first page of your portfolio.
Matriculation Number
Module Code
HS3003
Module Title
Preparing for practice as an AHP
Assessment title if applicable (e.g. if you
have been given a choice of topics state
the topic you have chosen)
Word Count
Do you have an agreed extended
submission date for this assessment e.g.
agreed individual learning plan or agreed
extenuating circumstances?
Assessment criteria
The assignment will be marked according to the divisional undergraduate marking criteria.
On pages 11-13, I offer some guidance about which aspects of the assignment will be
considered under each criteria. The full marking rubric will be made available on the module
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Hub site. In general marks of 80%+ (A*) require you to demonstrate exceptional insight.
Grade A (70%+) requires demonstration of an excellent standard, grade B (60%+) demands
that the work is very good and grade C (50%+) is satisfactory to achieve a pass.
Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism and Collusion
Please refer to the QMU assessment regulations on the Hub site and the Avoiding
Plagiarism Guide at http://libguides.qmu.ac.uk/FindingMyVoice/Home
Referencing
Cite Them Right Online should be used to help you format your references. This guide can be
found at https://libguides.qmu.ac.uk/referencing.
Students with Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
Students who require reasonable adjustments are advised to liaise with tutors in Student
Services for support with needs identified in the Learning Plan agreed with the University
Adviser.
Late Submission of the Assignment
Under exceptional circumstances, and only with the written approval of the programme
leader, normally in advance of the submission date, can a piece of assessed work be
considered after the submission date.
Confidentiality – IMPORTANT
Please ensure that anything you discuss in relation to any patients, family, carers, practice
educators, other health care professionals or clinical sites you have seen whilst either on the
programme or prior to joining the programme, is kept confidential. Do not use real names
anywhere. Please note it is illegal to photocopy medical notes. Failure to adhere to this
guideline may result in referral to the Fitness-to-Practice Panel.
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How this work is aligned with the Divisional Undergraduate Marking Criteria
Criterion
How you might demonstrate this criterion
Understanding of the
You will show knowledge of the module learning outcomes through selection of relevant knowledge from a range
requirements of assessment
of sources. This discussion will reflect the topics that have been discussed during the module. You will
demonstrate how reflection can be used to deepen knowledge and understanding by using reflective processes to
find links and connections within the concepts and ideas presented by the module.
Knowledge of appropriate
Breadth and depth of knowledge will be achieved by reading relevant material and engaging in the directed
reading
learning and classroom activities. You will show evidence of selecting relevant material which includes the
directed reading from the module as well as evidence of having read more widely around the topic. In reflective
work, it is acceptable to consider sources which are not traditionally seen as robust sources of evidence eg blog,
opinion pieces etc. These however should be only used to inform the development of a discussion point and
critically reviewed as such. Evidence of having reviewed textbooks, journal articles etc should also be included.
Problem solving, critical thinking, You will use skills of critical reflection to show an understanding of how practice in your own specialist area as
analysis and evaluation
well as the wider practice of the AHPs is developed. Ability to challenge and develop will arise from developing a
depth of understanding. This is fostered by reading, engaging in class discussions and critical thinking.
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Appraise evidence and
You will use skills of critical reflection to critically appraise the significance or relevant of your learning
synthesise concepts, knowledge
experiences. You will use relevant literature to support your analysis or evaluation of your learning experience.
and theory
You will demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of the evidence used to illustrate or support your
analysis of your learning experiences. Awareness of the strengths and limitations often includes consideration of
the transferability of the evidence to the point under discussion, consideration of the robustness of the research
methods used to collect data or the currency of the evidence
You will synthesise knowledge with your own experiences to offer an original perspective on the application of
the knowledge related to the module learning outcomes. You will use skills of critical reflection to explore the
inter-relationship between concepts, theories, policies and practice explored within the module. For example,
where ideas overlap or influence one another.
Discussion presentation
You will use the eportfolio system to present reflective writing which conveys the development of your own
understanding of the module material. You will show good use of the eportfolio tools to present a creative and
interesting portfolio. Writing will be clear, unambiguous and non-judgemental. There will be appropriate use of
grammar, punctuation and sentence construction in order to develop a logical argument.
Reflexivity and value judgements You will demonstrate awareness of value judgements / assumptions that may be present in subject material and
be able to discuss the implications of this for the development of professional practice.
Referencing
You will include reference to relevant sources within your work and apply the QMU referencing guidelines and
‘Cite Them Right’ to format in-text citations and the reference list (https://libguides.qmu.ac.uk/referencing)
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Overall
The work will be presented in a logical and coherent manner which shows evidence of critical thinking, breadth
and depth of knowledge.
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