Health and Social Care Level 2 (2-Year)

Step 1: Apply

Step 2: Interviews and taster events

As part of your application you will be invited to book an interview, to discuss your chosen course, where you will meet with an academic tutor from your chosen area of study for an informal discussion about your course choices, to ensure you have chosen the best course for your future ambitions.

This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss anything about the course that you are unsure about. Please ensure you check your confirmation email for full details, so you do not miss your appointment.

You are initially only able to book an interview for your first choice course, please let us know if you would subsequently like to be able to book interviews for other courses by emailing admissions@paston.ac.uk

Step 3: Offer

This stage provides you with an outcome of your recent interview, which will confirm if you have been made an offer of a place on your chosen course.

All offers are provisional until the point of enrolment and most of our course offers are conditional, meaning there is entry criteria you need to meet before enrolling. This will be outlined in your offer letter.

Sometimes we are unable to offer you a place on your chosen course. If this happens the reasons will be discussed with you at your appointment and we will look at alternative options with you. We will be in contact to confirm the outcome and what to do next. We also have a team of specialist Course Advisers who are more than happy to look at alternative options with you and answer any questions you may have.

Step 4: Enrolment

Enrolment is the final stage before starting your course with us and takes place within the last two weeks of August. We require you to be available to attend your appointment in person at college, so we can complete all the required steps to enrolling you on your chosen course.

We may ask you to bring some documents with you so please read your enrolment invitation carefully.

Our Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care is a two year, full-time programme designed to help you develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed for success at college and beyond.

This pathway is perfect if you would benefit from a supportive environment, structured progression, and the opportunity to continue improving GCSE English and Maths alongside your vocational studies. The course blends classroom learning, practical activities, real world scenarios and pastoral support to ensure you feel prepared, motivated and ready for your next steps.

You will study a range of engaging and practical units that introduce you to life in the health and social care sector. These include:

Core Themes

Human Lifespan Development – how people grow and change from infancy to later adulthood, and the factors that influence development.

Health and Social Care Values – dignity, respect, safeguarding, confidentiality and person centred practice.

Effective Communication – how to communicate clearly and sensitively with different people, and how to overcome communication barriers.

Healthy Living – the impact of lifestyle choices on wellbeing and how to promote healthier habits.

Specialist Option Areas

Depending on course planning, you may also explore:

Social influences on health and wellbeing

Nutrition and dietary needs

Equality, diversity and individual rights

First aid, infection control and basic care skills

Creative and therapeutic activities

Child development or community based work

These units will help you build a broad foundation of knowledge, practical experience and confidence in working with others.

Alongside your vocational learning, you will also take part in:

GCSE English and maths resit classes, with dedicated support

Pastoral sessions to develop study skills, wellbeing and confidence

Career guidance to help you plan your next steps

Assessment is varied and designed to suit different learning styles. You will be assessed through:

Internal Assignments

These may include:

Written tasks and coursework

Creating leaflets, posters or digital materials

Presentations and role plays

Practical demonstrations

Case study analysis

Observations and witness statements

All internal assessments follow clear criteria and allow you to showcase your understanding through real world scenarios.

External Exams

You will take two short exams set by Pearson (the exam board):

Human Lifespan Development

Healthy Living

These are one hour written papers, taken under exam conditions.

Teachers provide structured guidance, feedback and practice opportunities so that you can progress with confidence.

Three GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English language and maths.

This programme is designed to support a smooth transition into further education. On completion, you could progress to:

Level 3 Courses, such as:

Health and Social Care

Early Years

Our Level 2 Diploma opens the door to a wide range of future opportunities. You could go on to pursue careers such as:

Social care, counselling or mental health support

Community care

Allied health professions (via further study)

Support roles within hospitals, GP practices or care settings

By the end of the course, you will leave with a recognised Level 2 qualification, increased confidence and independence, strong foundations for an apprenticeship/the world of work and a clear understanding of what working in care and health involves.

Sport, Public Services or other vocational areas

Apprenticeships:

Healthcare support roles

Social care apprenticeships

Future training and employment:

The course develops strong transferable skills including communication, problem solving, teamwork and independence - all skills that employers in many sectors value highly.