Free Level 3 BTEC National in Health and Social Care Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Fairfax Academy. To enrol, you'll need at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English and Maths. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers how health and social care professionals support individuals and communities, alongside human growth, development, and wellbeing. The Pearson Edexcel level 3 BTEC National in Health and Social Care qualification is equivalent to one A Level, so you can study it alongside other subjects.
Who this course is for
If you are passionate about helping others and are considering a future career in healthcare, social work, or childcare, this course is for you. It allows you to explore how health and social care professionals support individuals and communities while developing your understanding of human growth, development and well-being. The qualification, equivalent to one A level, can be studied alongside other subjects and will help you build transferable skills such as empathy, communication, teamwork and organisation. These skills are valuable for careers in nursing, midwifery, counselling, or a range of health and social care professions.
Entry requirements
Applicants will need to have a minimum of 5 grades 9-4 GCSE’s including English and Mathematics. Internal applicants who meet the minimum academic entrance requirements will be offered a place automatically (subject to availability of courses). All successful applicants will be required to sign a sixth form code of conduct in recognition of the Academy’s expectations of sixth form students in terms of their behaviour, punctuality and attendance.
What you will learn
You'll explore how health and social care professionals support individuals and communities.
You'll develop your understanding of human growth, development, and wellbeing across the life course.
You'll build communication skills used in care settings.
You'll study the values and ethics that underpin health and social care practice.
You'll develop empathy and teamwork skills transferable across care, social work, and childcare roles.
You'll examine how social factors affect health and wellbeing.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Fairfax Academy. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed examinations. Assignments are completed throughout the course and marked by your teachers. External assessments are set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. There are no end-of-year exams for every unit; assessment is spread across the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Fairfax Academy 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 NHS or private settings.
Social care worker: support vulnerable adults or children in the community.
Childcare worker: work in nurseries, schools, or family support services.
Mental health support worker: assist people with mental health needs day to day.
Community support worker: help individuals live independently in their communities.
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care: a larger qualification if you want more depth before university.
Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: a two-year higher education route into professional roles.
BSc (Hons) Nursing, Social Work, or Midwifery: university degrees this qualification can support entry to.
T Level in Health: a technical alternative combining classroom study with an industry placement.
