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Health & Social Care (BTEC)

Health and Social Care will prepare you for a range of related occupations without limiting your choices too early. It allows a flexible approach to learning through coursework, placements and exams to prepare you for your chosen career.

You will put the theory you have learned into practice by carrying out a range of activities and doing your own research. The skills you gain will prepare you for employment or further study at university or college.

Future Opportunities

Previous students have gone on to university to study adult nursing, child nursing, childhood studies and mental health nursing.

Level 3 Diploma

Course Introduction

This course is equivalent to 2 A Levels.

As part of the course you will have the opportunity to take part in Health and Social Care related work experience. Previous students have taken part in placements with the NHS, in education and with the prison service.

What are the entry requirements?

Five or more GCSEs Grade 9-4 or equivalent, including English. Minimum of a Grade 4 or equivalent if you have previously studied Health and Social Care.

What will I study?

You will study 8 units over the course:

  • Human lifespan development
  • Working in Health and Social Care
  • Current research into Health and Social Care
  • Meeting individual care and support needs
  • Principles of safe practice in Health and Social Care
  • Promoting public health
  • Physiological disorders and their care
  • Nutritional Health.
How will I be assessed?

Over the two-year course you will have 3 external assessments (2 exams and 1 synoptic task). The remaining 5 units are assessed internally through coursework.

Level 3 Extended Diploma 

Course Introduction

This course is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

After successfully completing this course (alongside your other Level 3 qualifications), you could gain entry to higher education and Degree courses relating to areas of medicine, childcare, healthcare, nutrition and social care. With training, you could go into a job related to Health and Social Care such as a Nurse, Midwife, Dietician, Teacher or areas of Social Work, or many other Health Care related careers.

What are the entry requirements?

Five or more GCSEs Grade 9-4 or equivalent, including English. Minimum of a Grade 4 or equivalent if you have previously studied Health and Social Care.

What will I study?

You will study 13 units over the course. These will include all 8 units from the Diploma and the following:

  • Anatomy and physiology in Health and Social Care
  • Work Experience
  • Infection prevention and control

A further two units will be delivered, taking into account the needs and preferences of the learners who have chosen the course. These can be in

  • Psychological perspectives
  • Sociological perspectives
  • Caring for people with dementia
  • Mental wellbeing
  • Complementary therapies.
How will I be assessed?

Over the two-year course you will have 4 external assessments (3 exams and 1 synoptic task). The remaining 9 units are assessed internally through coursework.