This qualification is equivalent to three A Levels when taken as an Extended Diploma or two A Levels for the Diploma course.
Qualification: Choose from either BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
Exam Board: Pearson
Health and Social Care is an engaging, hands-on course for students who want to make a real difference, combining real-world skills and knowledge to prepare you for careers in healthcare, social work, and beyond.
You can choose to take this course as an Extended Diploma (worth the equivalent of three A Levels) or as a Diploma (worth the equivalent of two A Levels). Students who opt for the Diploma will then choose an additional subject to take alongside.
The Extended Diploma consists of 13 units in total of which 9 are assessed via coursework and 4 are examined units.
The Diploma consists of a total of 8 units of which 5 are assessed via coursework and 3 are examined units.
The qualification develops a deep common core of knowledge, understanding and skills in the health and social care sector.
It allows learners to focus on various aspects of the sector through a selection of contextualised units.
The mandatory units include:
Learners are required to undertake work experience within the health and social care sector to complete the Extended Diploma course.
Extended Diploma:
Diploma:
The qualification is assessed through a combination of internally assessed coursework and externally assessed examination. The coursework is assessed through a variety of methods such as reports and essays.
The Extended Diploma consists of 13 units, 9 are assignment based and 4 are external (exams). Assignment content (58%). External assessment (42%).
The Diploma consists of 8 units in total, 5 are assignment bassed and 3 are external (exams). Assignment content (54%), External assessment (46%).
Students are graded Pass (P), Merit (M), Distinction (D), or Distinction* (D*).
Final overall grades range from PPP to D*D*D* for the Extended Diploma and PP to D*D* for the Diploma.
Four 9-4 grades at GCSE with a minimum of grade 3 in English Language and Maths. Students who achieve grade 3 in in English or Maths will be required to resit these exams.
For this course a minimum of grade 4 in English Language is recommended.
Talks and demonstrations led by professionals in the field of Health & Social Care.
University visits for health related courses
Residential trip. We recently visited Amsterdam to learn about social care in the Netherlands, which included a visit to a care home for a demonstration of rehabilitation software used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists, a visit to the Corpus museum where we walked through a 5D human body, and a meeting with a charity to understand more about drug addiction, homelessness and mental health in the city. Students were able to have a discussion with the charity's representatives about the causes, social consequences, treatment and interventions for the individuals concerned.
Work Experience
This course prepares you well for work or further study.
Many of our students choose to move on to university to study for degrees in subjects such as nursing, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, but also to other degree course subjects. Recently our Health & Social Care students have gained degree places at:
Others have moved into the world of work and have found jobs in areas such as care agencies and the NHS
Students who complete this course, can undertake degrees leading to the following professions:
If students prefer to go straight to work, then they may be able to access careers (including apprenticeships) in areas such as: