Health & Social Care
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Introduction
Course Title: Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health
and Social Care (Extended Certificate)
LARS/QAN: 61039640
Level: 3
Awarding body: Pearson
Who this course is for
This course is designed for learners who are interested in working with and supporting people across all stages of life, from young children to older adults. It is particularly suited to:
Post-16 students who want to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in health, social care, or early years settings.
Learners considering careers in areas such as nursing, midwifery, social work, teaching, occupational therapy, paramedicine, or care services.
Those who enjoy working with people, have an interest in supporting others, and want to understand how health and social care services operate.
Students who want a mix of academic learning and hands-on, applied study, as the qualification often combines coursework with practical experience.
Entry requirements
There are no subject specific entry requirements. Students need to have an average GCSE point score of 3.6.
Topics I am Likely to Study
What you’ll learn
The qualification has three mandatory units covering the following topics:
Human Lifespan and Development – PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment
Human Biology and Health – Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders
Health and Social Care Practice – Core principles, values and legislation that underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants on an individual’s health status.
Students have a choice from four optional units covering the following topics:
Health, Social Policy and Wellbeing – Public health policy and its influences, including health-related organisations/groups and a range of strategic factors
Promoting Health Education – Health education, its purpose and use of different approaches and models to achieve positive health outcomes
Safe Environments in Health and Social Care – Appropriate provisions in services relevant to different needs; governance relating to safe environments
Health Science – Types of infections and their potential impact on a local, national and international scale.
How you’ll learn
Through classroom-based learning.
Online and computer-based work
Research tasks
Course Assessment Methods
What you’ll need to bring
Nothing, we provide all resources. You will just need a passion and interest in Health and Social Care
How you'll be assessed
Students will be assessed through coursework and examinations.
Career Pathways
What you can do next
Students can choose to go to University, apprenticeships or employment within the following career pathways:
Health sector Careers
Nursing (adult, children’s, mental health, learning disability)
Midwifery
Speech and language therapy
Healthcare assistant / support worker
Social Care Careers
Social work
Youth work
Family support work
Early Years & Education Careers
Teaching (primary, secondary, or special needs)
Early years practitioner / nursery nurse