Health and Social Care BTEC Level 3

Why should I follow this course?

You may be considering this course if you have an interest in caring for the under-fives, children in care, adults who are vulnerable or who have special needs and older people. You may also be interested in finding out more about caring for people who use health services at different points in their lives. During this course you will develop an understanding of the national context of Health and Social Care, you will develop a range of skills linked to this sector which will enable you to progress to degree level courses or apprenticeships. The course is delivered through a range of units which may be assessed by examination and internal assessment.

What will I learn?

EXTENDED CERTIFICATE (equivalent to 1 A Level)

Unit 1 Human Lifespan and Development: This unit develops knowledge and understanding of growth and development, and the experience of health and wellbeing is explored (written exam: 1.5 hours).
Unit 2 - Working in Health and Social Care: Explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations (written exam: 1.5 hours).
Unit 5 Meeting Individual Care and Support: An introduction to the values and issues that need to be considered when planning care and support for an individual, including ethical issues and challenges that must be overcome (internal assessment).
Unit 14 Physiological Disorders and their care: In this unit you will investigate the causes and effects of physiological disorders as well as examining the investigation and diagnosis of them (internal assessment).

How will I learn?

BTEC Nationals require applied learning that brings together knowledge and understanding with practical and technical skills. This is achieved through learners performing vocational tasks that encourage the development of appropriate vocational behaviours and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are valued in both higher education and the workplace these are utilised throughout the course. Students will therefore collaboratively work together on research tasks and presentations, students will be expected to communicate their ideas verbally and in writing. Learners will be expected to demonstrate interpersonal skills required by the health and social care sector in their lessons. It is not a compulsory part of the course however should you wish to apply for a health related career you are strongly advised to find your own placement.  We can provide advice on this.

What can I do with my qualification?

By studying health and social care you will gain knowledge and understanding of theory and practice within this field and you will study in ways similar to those expected at university. You may progress from this course into university study, or enter training or employment. In the past many students have successfully progressed to careers in nursing, child care, midwifery and other caring and allied health care professions.

What do students say?

“Health and social care has got a good balance between coursework and exams, and it’s nice to just have to focus on one aspect at a time.”  - Elizabeth

“I wish to study physiotherapy next year and health and social care has helped me by putting me on the right pathway.  Also, the teachers are very helpful.” - Aleema