The course provides a broad basis of study in the Health and Social Care sector.
First Year:
| Unit | Assessment | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Exam - externally assessed | Covering human lifespan and development, looking at what happens from a biological perspective across the life stages and factors which affect growth and development. |
| Unit 5 | Coursework - internally assessed | Covering the key principles, skills and ethical issues involved when providing care to individuals. It will also investigate the roles of professionals and how they work together to provide care and support to meet individual needs. |
Units 1 and 5 provide a grounding for the second year units. If a student wishes to leave the course in the first year they can achieve a BTEC National Certificate in Health and Social Care which is equivalent to half an A-level.
Second Year:
| Unit | Assessment | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 2 | Exam - externally assessed | Exploring what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsivities of workers and organizations. |
| Coursework | Internally assessed | Internally assessed with coursework throughout the year. |
A minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above, (including English, Mathematics and Science at grade 4) are required for entry onto the course.
You will be assessed through a mixture of exams and assignments. Each unit is awarded points, which are translated into an overall grade (Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*) at the end of the course.
First Year:
| Unit | Assessment | Topic | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | 90 minute exam | Human Lifespan Development | 25% |
| Unit 5 | Coursework | Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs | 25% |
If you choose to leave the course in the first year you can achieve a BTEC National Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science (equivalent to ½ A-level).
Second Year:
| Unit | Assessment | Topic | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 2 | 90 minute exam | Working in Health and Social Care 90 minute exam in June - 33.3% | 33.3% |
| Coursework | Internal assignment | Optional unit Internal assignment 16.6% | 16.6% |
After the second year, you will have achieved a BTEC National Level 3 certificate in Health and Social Care (equivalent to one A-level).
A background in GCSE Psychology will help but it is not required. If possible you can look through some GCSE Psychology books to get some background on growth and development.
The most worthwhile work you can do for this course is to get experience in the sector. You could look into getting some work experience in a care setting such as a nursery, care home or a charity that supports individuals with additional needs.
The health and social care sector comprises two sub-sectors; health care and social care. Health care encompasses all hospital activities, medical nursing homes and GP services, for example. The social care sector includes residential nursing care, residential nursing facilities, residential care facilities, domiciliary care and social work. Students are able to progress into work in the sector through degree programmes in nursing, midwifery, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pharmacy, for example. There are more than 300 distinct career paths in this sector.
The qualification is generally taken alongside other qualifications, as part of a two-year programme of learning, students will be able to choose a wide range of degree programmes to progress to, depending on the other subjects they have chosen.
The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by HE providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many courses. The requirements of the qualification are such that students will develop transferable skills which are valued by both higher education and employers. Students should always check entry requirements for degrees on the UCAS website.