Health & Social Care Extended Diploma Level 3 (A0348))

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

4 A level programme

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

Vocational programmes

Minimum of five grade 4 at GCSE (or old grade C) or Merit/Distinction in a relevant BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 grade 4 (or old grade 4) at GCSE. You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

Level 2 programme

Minimum of three grade 4 at GCSE (or old Grade C).

This programme is designed for those students who just miss our entry requirements for level 3 study. It includes an opportunity to improve your GCSE English Language and Maths grades, alongside a Workskills course to develop the skills required for progression into employment or onto a level 3 programme.

THIS TWO YEAR COURSE HAS A STRONG EMPHASIS ON HELPING YOU DEVELOP THE PRACTICAL SKILLS, ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING SKILLS TO ENABLE YOU TO PROGRESS ON TO EMPLOYMENT, APPRENTICESHIPS OR DEGREE LEVEL COURSES. SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE FIRST YEAR OF THIS COURSE WILL ALLOW YOU TO CONTINUE ON TO A SECOND YEAR TO COMPLETE THE BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO 3 A LEVELS.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?

You will cover topics such as human lifespan development, anatomy and physiology, promoting public health, dementia awareness and physiological disorders. You will take part in a range of theoretical and practical tasks such as taking part in role plays and scenarios to practise your communication skills, carrying out a risk assessment in a care setting to allow you to identify and manage potential hazards and using case studies to explore the effects of ageing and/or disability.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

You are required to carry out a weekly work experience day in a health or social care setting to help you enhance your skills in the work place. You will choose three placements over the two years with opportunities to work in settings such as nurseries, primary schools, nursing or residential homes or day centres.

IS IT SUITABLE FOR YOU?

This course is suitable for you if you’re interested in working within the health and social care sector in roles such as nurse, midwife or social worker.

You will be assessed through a range of 8 units of coursework and 4 external examinations over the two years. Forms of assessment include, written reports, practical projects, oral presentations and a reflective journal from your work placements.

• 5 GCSE's at grade C/4 including English & Maths
• A successful completion of Disclosure Baring Service (DBS) check.

Alternative entry: via successful completion of Health and Social Care Level 2 programme

YOU CAN GO ON TO DO...

A wide range of degree level courses at university including those related to health or social care such as nursing, midwifery and teaching or early childhood studies. Some students go straight into employment which is often a direct result of successful work placements or progress on to an apprenticeship.