Welcome to Health & Social Care

Do you care about children? Would you like to work with older people? Do you believe in principals of quality and good communication?

The diverse units available for students studying Health & Social Care range from communication to counselling and complimentary therapies and human development across a lifespan. You will develop a good understanding about the principals and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, and roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations within the healthcare system.

Assessment is based around a portfolio, which allows you to develop an excellent range of work relating to skills such as independence, organisation and team working. There may also be an opportunity to complete work experience as a part of your qualification.

Assessment

This qualification can be taken as a Single Award (the Subsidiary Diploma, which is equivalent to one A-level), or a Double Award (the Diploma, which is equivalent to two A-levels).

Subsidiary Diploma (1 A-level)

When studying the Subsidiary Diploma, you will complete 3 mandatory units:

• Developing effective communication.
• Equality, Diversity & Rights.
• Health, Safety & Security, all in relation to the Health & Social Care setting.

You will also complete 3 optional units, that are selected from a wide range of available units. Options include the likes of caring for older people or complementary therapies.

Diploma (2 A-levels)

If you choose to study the Diploma, then you will cover 8 mandatory units, and 4 optional units.

You will also have the opportunity to complete 120 hours of work experience as a part of the course.

Each unit of work will be assessed through coursework and a portfolio of evidence that you have assembled.

Career & Progression Opportunities

This qualification will equip you with the knowledge and the skills required to continue into higher education, or to follow a career. The most obvious pathways following completion of the Health & Social Care course would be as a Health Visitor, or a Social Worker. However, there are many more possible careers, such as a counsellor, dietician, health and safety advisor, mental health worker, nursery nurse and a teacher.

Entry Requirements

If you’d like to study Health & Social Care, then you will need at least a Distinction at BTEC Level 2 Health & Social Care, as well as at least a Grade 5 in GCSE English (we may consider a Grade 4 in GCSE English).

If you have gained a L2 Merit in BTEC Health & Social Care, you may be admitted to the course following an interview with the Head of Department. This course is suitable even if you have not previously studied Health & Social Care.

If you’d like to study Applied Science, you will need at least a Grade 4 in Combined Science (or Grade 4’s in Biology, Chemistry & Physics), plus, a Grade 4 in English and a Grade 4 in Mathematics.

If you’d like to, you can download this information as a PDF file. Download the Health & Social Care course information sheet (opens in a new tab) →