Level 3 BTEC Health and Social Care Course at Clarendon Sixth Form College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 BTEC National in Health and Social Care Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Clarendon Sixth Form College, full-time during the day. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, to apply. An interview may also be required. Over two years, the Pearson Edexcel btec national in health and social care qualification covers health sciences, social care practice, and the knowledge needed for roles in care, social work, and allied health. It also prepares you for higher education in health-related subjects. Pearson Edexcel Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care Extended Certificate with certificate.

Who this course is for

If you are interested in health, wellbeing and social care, and want to develop knowledge and practical understanding relevant to healthcare and support professions, this course offers a strong applied route into higher education and related careers.

This is a Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care. It is designed to be studied alongside other A Level or Level 3 qualifications as part of a two-year programme and supports progression to higher education. Pearson states that the Extended Certificate has 360 guided learning hours and is intended to complement study programmes for students aiming to progress to degree-level study.

Students complete four units.

In the current programme, these are:

  • Unit 1: Human Lifespan and Development
  • Unit 2: Human Biology and Health
  • Unit 3: Principles of Health and Social Care Practice
  • Unit 4: Health, Policy and Wellbeing.

In the specification, Units 1, 2 and 3 are mandatory, and Unit 4 is the optional unit chosen by the centre.

In Human Lifespan and Development, students explore physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the life stages and consider factors that influence development and health outcomes.

In Human Biology and Health, students study the structure and function of the human body, body systems, common disorders and the effects these can have on individuals' health and wellbeing.

In Principles of Health and Social Care Practice, students examine the values, approaches and professional responsibilities that underpin effective health and social care practice. This includes person-centred care, communication, confidentiality, duty of care, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the way organisations, legislation and guidance shape care delivery.

In Health, Policy and Wellbeing, students explore links between the origins of public health policy and current frameworks.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for A Level courses

  • Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics.
  • A strong interest in and enthusiasm for, the subject chosen.
  • A willingness to commit to regular Independent Study outside of lesson time, as A Level courses require a high level of motivation, organisation and academic commitment.
  • An interview may be required as part of the application process.

Please note: some courses have additional entry requirements.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the foundations of health sciences and how the body works.
  • You'll study social care values, ethics, and person-centred approaches.
  • You'll learn how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
  • You'll develop understanding of safeguarding, equality, and diversity in care settings.
  • You'll build knowledge of mental health, well-being, and factors that affect health.
  • You'll practise applying theory to real care scenarios through coursework and assignments.

How you will learn

This is a classroom-based course studied full-time over two years. Assessment is coursework-based, with assignments and applied tasks throughout the course. You'll need a commitment to independent learning alongside your classroom sessions. There are no written exams in the traditional sense; your progress is assessed through the work you produce and submit across the two years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Clarendon Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support people in residential or home care settings.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in hospitals or GP surgeries.
  • Social care worker: work with vulnerable adults or children in community settings.
  • Mental health support worker: provide day-to-day support for people with mental health needs.
  • Early years practitioner: work in nurseries or children's centres with young children.
  • Domiciliary care worker: deliver personal care and support in people's own homes.

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: the btec national in health and social care qualification is recognised for university entry, making this a direct route into degree-level study.
  • BSc Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): universities accept this qualification for nursing degree applications.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education option if you want to progress without a full degree.
  • CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care: if you want to specialise in working with children.

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