Health and Social Care (Extended Diploma) Level 3

Course Code: HS032

The course is aimed at people wishing to pursue a career in Health or Social Care. It will allow an insight into a range of health & care related topics and will include a substantial amount of relevant work experience.

The course aims to provide a firm foundation in many topics of Care or Health to enable students to build on their interests and skills. Learning should be fun. In our experience, students enjoy BTEC programmes because they can specialise in areas of learning linked with work that they are interested in. A day in the life of a Health & Social Care student may involve:-

• Carrying out practical care activities
• Visiting local employers and different care or health settings
• Applying to University
• Researching Health & Care related careers
• Running a health promotion campaign

The course is made up of 18 Health & Social Care units – 8 core units and 10 specialist units. The specialist units explore particular topics in depth. All students study these 8 mandatory units:-

• Developing effective communication in Health & Social Care settings
• Equality, Diversity & Rights in Health & Social Care settings
• Health, Safety & Security in Care Settings
• Development through the life stages
• Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology
• Personal and Professional Development in H&SC
• Sociological perspectives for Health & Social Care
• Psychological perspectives for Health & Social Care

Learners also study at least 10 optional units which may include:-

• Health Education
• Nutrition for Health & Social Care
• Safeguarding Adults and Promoting Independence
• Complementary Therapies for Health & Social Care

You will also have to complete a substantial amount of mandatory work experience linked to some of your units. You will also have the opportunity to study functional skills in English, Maths and ICT if required.

This qualification is suitable for students aged 16 upwards and recommended for those who have achieved five or more A*- C Grade GCSEs including English or have completed a BTEC First at Merit or Distinction Grade. You will also need a satisfactory
police check (CRB).

This is a 2 year course starting in September.

BTECs are not exam-based qualifications, a number of different methods of assessment are used. Students may be assessed individually or through group work assignments, they will study real-life, work-based case studies and complete projects and assessments, which contribute to achieving each unit studied. The assessment process is ongoing, so it allows the student to analyse and improve their own performance throughout their course in much the same way as they would in a real workplace. The projects that students undertake are graded as a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction.

BTECs offer practical experience that is often lacking in more traditional routes such as A Levels. This allows them to demonstrate their skill and knowledge in practical situations. Students who gain BTEC qualifications will also earn UCAS points at the same time. Students completing BTEC qualifications can apply for university places through UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

You will achieve a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

This qualification can be a stepping stone to university for anyone wanting to study nursing, social work, youth work, paramedic or other related Health or Care careers.

Please telephone The Hub on 01254 292929.