Health & Social Care (A Level Equivalent)

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health & Social Care is an excellent general qualification that combines well with a wide range of other courses. Students study in a positive, creative and friendly environment where they will be motivated and feel confident to express empathy and understanding with a diverse range of human needs.

The content is varied and interesting, ranging from Human Biology and Health and Lifespan Development to Health and Social Care Practice and Safe Environments. Learning methods include independently researched assignment, talks from visiting speakers and work experience.

This is a two-year course (equivalent to one A Level).

Please be aware that the themes and topics in Unit 3: Principles of Health and Social Care Practice and Unit 6: Safe Environments in Health and Social Care may contain mentions of upsetting or difficult topics which are related to the subject, including references to the following: child protection and welfare; safeguarding; child abuse; physical abuse and injury, neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and domestic abuse.

The following subjects would be suitable to combine with this qualification:

• Psychology
• Biology
• English

What further learning will this qualification lead to?

Health & Social Care students may decide to take up a place at university studying one of a number of degrees related to this subject. Popular courses include Nursing, Midwifery, Speech and Language Therapy, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Teaching.

The Extended Certificate qualification in Health & Social Care will provide essential knowledge of the industry and help prepare students for Higher Education or the world of work.

See what some of our former Health & Social Care students have gone on to do.

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Alternative Academic Qualification – AAQ) includes the following mandatory units:

• Human Lifespan and Development
• Human Biology and Health
• Health & Social Care Practice

Plus one optional unit

Course Specific Trips, Visits & Experiences

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (AAQ) in Health & Social Care students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of course related experiences. In the last couple of years, these have included:

• ‘Meet the Practitioner Day’ where several health professionals share their experiences
• First Aid Course where students can achieve a valid certificate
• Parenting Simulation Project
• Virtual Work Experience and In-person work experience
• Extra-curricular activities

In addition to course specific experiences, students also have the opportunity to get involved in the College’s Activities Programme.

All students need to gain an experience of the work place during their time at College and for students studying vocational courses it should ideally be linked to one of their subject areas.

The course is assessed by coursework and externally assessed examinations.

The exam board for this Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care is Pearson BTEC.

All students need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (and an excellent school reference) in order to be accepted on an A Level or A Level equivalent programme.
In addition, students should meet the following minimum combination of GCSE grades:

• Grade 4 in a numerate subject such as Maths or Science, and
• Grade 4 in a literate subject such as English Language, English Literature or History

Students on this course should be:

• Interested in the care industry
• Able to carry out independent research
• Able to meet coursework deadlines

Students should enjoy working with others, have good verbal and written communication skills and be computer literate. The ability to plan and organise their own learning is also important.

What is health & social care about?

Health and social care is the treatment of ill health and medical conditions in hospitals, health centres and in the community. Social care is the care and support of vulnerable people, usually in the community. Our topics are varied and cover all of the stages of life from conception and birth, right through to adulthood and later life.   We also explore the structure, organisation and function of the human body and common disorders that affect it. Additionally, we study the principles of health and social practice that underpin meeting the care and support needs of individuals, examining how organisation, legislation and guidance inform practice.

How is the course taught?

Our aim is to foster an interest in caring skills and encourage a holistic approach, we do this by developing your presentation and communication skills and helping you to become a critical thinker. We encourage you to research and explore a range of different viewpoints on key issues and we discuss and debate these within our activities. The course will support you to become a confident, independent and reflective thinker equipped with the skills to meet the challenges of working within the health and social care sector and the ever-changing world that we live in.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for students who are interested in working with people in a health or social care role. This includes a wide range of fulfilling careers such as Primary Teaching, Nursing, Social Work, Midwifery, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science, and health care roles.

Is there a work placement?

Currently there is no work experience included in the course, but there is an expectation that all students will complete a work placement within the first year. We inspire students to undertake paid work as well as gaining voluntary experience. Some students gain valuable experience of patient care through employment as Ward Assistants at East Surrey Hospital, or as Care Assistants in residential homes.

How would I progress into my chosen career?

Many career routes now offer apprenticeship schemes with benefits such as a paid degree course, a salary and offer of full-time employment once qualified. There are also many university degree courses available.  To explore university course options visit:

www.ucas.com/explore/subjects?scheme=undergraduate

Which universities have students gone to in the past?

In recent years Health & Social Care students have secured places on the following university courses:

• Early Childhood Studies – University of Surrey
• Children, Young People & Education – University of Greenwich
• Diagnostic Radiography – St George’s University of London
• Health & Social Care – University of Winchester
• Midwifery – University of Northumbria, University of Surrey
• Nursing – Bournemouth University, King’s College University of London, University of Manchester, University of Southampton
• Occupational Therapy – St George’s University of London
• Paramedic Science – Liverpool John Moores University
• Primary Education – University of Winchester
• Social Work – Solent University, Southampton

What are the units of study and how are they assessed?

The Extended Certificate has four units of study spread across the two year course and they comprise a combination of exams and assessed coursework.

When will I sit my exams? What happens if I‘m not happy with my grade?

For the Extended Certificate, you will sit an exam in each year of the course (in May or January).

You will have an opportunity to resit the exam, should you wish to improve on your grade.