With the demographics in the UK changing rapidly and the population living longer, the Health and Social Care sectors will experience huge growth over the next few years. The BTEC Extended Certificate offers students a broad and in-depth foundation to progress to the modern workplace or further studies.

Learners will benefit from gaining a number of mandatory units as well as a range of specialist units.

Units of study include:

• Communication in Health and Social Care
• Individual rights in Health and Social Care
• Individual needs in Health and Social Care
• Ensuring safe environments in Health and Social Care
• Cultural diversity in Health and Social Care
• Anatomy and physiology for Health and Social Care
• Creative therapeutic activities in Health and Social Care
• The impact of diet on health

This is a full-time 1 year course. You will spend 3 days per week in College, one study day and you will be expected to undertake a minimum of 35 hours mandatory work experience on the other day.

In addition to the main vocational qualification, learners will be required to study an English and Maths programme tailored to their individual needs.

There will be a cost to students of £120 which includes a security check (DBS) and course materials, 19+ fees apply.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

The BTEC Extended Certificate has units which are internally assessed by your tutor and two units that are set and marked externally (1 hour exams). Internal units are assessed using a range of methods which could include written assignments or tasks, such as designing a leaflet or booklet, charts or diagrams and presentations.

The qualification is graded pass, merit or distinction and all assessment criteria for a pass at a minimum must be achieved.

Entry requirements

You will need 3 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, or successful completion of a full level 1 in Health and Social Care or Early Years (or equivalent). In addition to the entry qualifications listed, the offer of a place on the course is subject to the outcomes of initial assessment, which will be taken at the College as part of the admissions process. Please note that entry criteria may vary quite significantly between courses at the same level. This is to take account of the specific skills needed for success on particular courses, the length of the course and the requirements for progression to the next level. Entry criteria are given as a guide, and the exact requirements in order to obtain a place on a particular course will be confirmed following attendance at a Welcome Event/Interview.

Your next steps...

Successful completion of the BTEC Extended Certificate will enable you to progress on to the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care. Alternatively you could apply for any level 3 course (subject to specific course requirements). You may also seek employment in the Health and Social Care sector as an assistant, in a non-supervisory role.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.