Free Level 3 BTEC National in Health and Social Care Course in Ipswich. Classes run at One Sixth Form College. This two-year, full-time daytime course is designed to sit alongside A levels as part of a broader study programme. The Pearson Edexcel level 3 btec national in health and social care qualification covers human development, biology, health practice, and your choice of an optional specialist unit. It carries the same UCAS points as one A level and supports progression to degrees in nursing, social work, paramedic science, and allied health. You'll need six GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
Who this course is for
The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A levels such as Psychology, Biology or English. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.
Entry requirements
6 GCSE’s grade 9-4, including grade 4 in GCSE English Language
What you will learn
You'll explore human lifespan and development across different life stages.
You'll study human biology and how it relates to health conditions.
You'll examine health and social care practice, including how services are delivered.
You'll investigate one optional specialist area: health policy and wellbeing, promoting health education, safe environments in health and social care, or health science.
You'll develop the subject knowledge needed to apply for health and social care degree courses.
How you will learn
Assessment is split equally between external and internal components. External assessment accounts for 50% of the qualification, through two written exams of one hour and thirty minutes each. Internal assessment covers the remaining 50% across two units, with tasks completed under supervision. Each internal assessment runs between 15 and 17 hours in total. You complete four units overall: three mandatory and one optional.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. One Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: entry-level support role in residential or home care.
Healthcare support worker: assisting clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Social care worker: supporting adults or children in community settings.
Mental health support worker: working alongside mental health teams.
Nursing (via degree): this qualification supports university applications for nursing programmes.
What you could study next
BSc Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): a common degree destination for students completing this qualification.
BSc Social Work: degree-level training required to work as a qualified social worker.
BSc Paramedic Science: another allied health degree this qualification supports entry to.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education route if a full degree isn't the immediate goal.
