Free BTEC in Health and Social Care at Collingwood College in Camberley. This full-time daytime course runs over two years and covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in health and social care settings. You'll study topics including human development, anatomy, and care values, and may have a period of work experience as part of your learning. A level 3 btec in health and social care qualification like this also opens routes into higher education, including nursing and social work degrees. Entry requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above; a grade 5 in GCSE English Language is strongly advised.
Who this course is for
These qualifications give you a solid foundation in the Health and Social Care sector, enabling you to develop essential skills.
They are nationally recognised vocationally specific qualifications for entry into employment in the health and social care sector as well as offering a progression route to higher education. Learners can have a period of work experience which acts as a focal point for learning and provides experience of the sectors. Learners will also gain a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
These qualifications are supported by the relevant sector skills councils:
· Skills for Care and Development
· Skills for Health
Entry requirements
Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 (or equivalent). Grade 5 in GCSE English is advised and experience shows that your chances of success are greater in this subject if you have a Grade 5 in English Language.
What you will learn
You'll explore human growth and development across the life stages.
You'll study anatomy and physiology relevant to health and social care practice.
You'll learn the values and principles underpinning care, including safeguarding and person-centred approaches.
You'll develop communication skills for working with individuals in care settings.
You'll examine health and social care services and how they are organised in the UK.
You'll gain practical insight through a period of work experience in a care setting.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom at Collingwood College. BTEC qualifications are assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed examinations. Assignments are set by Pearson Edexcel and marked by the centre. You'll build a portfolio of work over the two years alongside sitting set exams. Work experience forms part of the course and supports your assessed learning.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Collingwood College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults or older people in care homes or at home.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in hospitals or community settings.
Support worker: work with people with learning disabilities or mental health needs.
Early years practitioner: work in nurseries or children's social care settings.
Social care worker: provide day-to-day support to vulnerable adults or young people.
What you could study next
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Health and Social Care: the work-based qualification many employers require for senior care roles.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): a one-year course that prepares you for university if you want to study nursing, midwifery, or social work.
BSc Nursing or Social Work degree: the BTEC National Extended Certificate is accepted by many universities as part of an entry offer for health-related degrees.
