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Free BTEC Health and Social Care Course in Swindon

CostFREE
Duration22 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free BTEC in Health and Social Care in Swindon. Classes run at Great Western Academy, full-time during the day. You'll need GCSEs at grade 4 in Science or Biology and English to enrol. This level 3 BTEC in health and social care course covers the breadth of the health and social care sector over 22 months. It carries the same size as one A Level, and the level 3 BTEC in health and social care qualification supports applications to higher education, particularly alongside other Level 3 qualifications.

Who this course is for

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care aims to provide a broad introduction to the sector. It is for learners who are interested in learning about the health and social care sector as part of a balanced study programme. It is equivalent in size to one A Level. The qualification supports access to a range of higher education courses

possibly, but not exclusively, in health and social care, if taken alongside further Level 3 qualifications. The qualification typically makes up one–third of a study programme.

What does this qualification cover?

The mandatory content of the qualification incorporates topics relevant across the health and social care sector:

  • Human Lifespan and Development
  • Human Health and Biology
  • Principles of Health and Social Care Practice.

Learners will complete one optional unit that covers the biological and sociological topics relevant to the different parts of the

sector to support their progression to specialised degree programmes in the sector.

Optional units include:

  • Health, Policy and Wellbeing
  • Promoting Health Promotion
  • Safe Environments in Health and Social Care
  • Health Science

Entry requirements

GCSEs grade 4 in Science or Biology and English

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the structure and values of the health and social care sector.
  • You'll study human growth, development, and the factors that affect wellbeing.
  • You'll learn how care is planned and delivered to individuals with different needs.
  • You'll understand safeguarding principles and how they protect vulnerable people.
  • You'll examine communication skills used in care settings.
  • You'll look at how health and social care services are organised and funded in the UK.

How you will learn

The Pearson Edexcel BTEC is assessed through a mix of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed units. Internally assessed work is completed in class and submitted to your tutor. External assessments are set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. Classes are delivered in the classroom at Great Western Academy, with coursework and assignments forming the core of your assessment throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Great Western Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support people with daily living in care homes or at home.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Support worker: work with adults or children with additional needs.
  • Community care worker: deliver care to people in their own homes.
  • Mental health support worker: support people with mental health conditions.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Health and Social Care: a work-based qualification that counts toward professional registration and career progression in care.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health): prepares you for university if you want to study nursing, social work, or a related degree.
  • Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: a two-year higher education qualification, often available part-time alongside work.
Apply on gwacademy.co.uk →
Apply now →

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