Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Newport. Classes run at The Island Sixth Form, full-time over two years. This Pearson Edexcel BTEC health and social care qualification is equivalent to two A Levels. You'll study eight units covering topics such as human lifespan development, public health, and supporting individuals with additional needs. Assessment is 40% exams and 60% coursework. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 to 9 (or A* to C), including English, Maths or Science, to enrol. The course prepares you for work in health and social care settings or progression to higher education.
Who this course is for
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care (equivalent to 2 GCE A Levels). This course is 40% exam and 60% course work based and includes 8 units over 2 years which includes: Working in Health and Social Care (Exam); Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care (Moderated Task); Promoting Public Health; Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs; Human Lifespan Development (Exam); Working in Health and Social Care (Exam); Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs ; Nutritional Health. This is a two year course assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams which is designed for students wishing to gain employment in the health and social care sectors or progress to further study at a higher level. The course is suitable for those who wish to follow a career in the caring industry, social work, nursing, speech therapy, podiatry, youth and community work or radiology.
Entry requirements
5 GCSE A* to C or 9 to 5 including English, Maths or Science
What you will learn
You'll explore how health and social care services are organised and how professionals work within them.
You'll study human lifespan development, from infancy through to old age.
You'll learn how to support individuals with additional needs in care settings.
You'll investigate current research in health and social care through a moderated assessment task.
You'll examine how public health is promoted and why it matters.
You'll develop understanding of how to meet individual care and support needs.
You'll build skills in written analysis and evidence-based argument through coursework and exam preparation.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom full-time over two years. Assessment is split: 60% coursework (including a moderated research task and unit assignments) and 40% written exams. Two units, Working in Health and Social Care and Human Lifespan Development, are assessed by exam. Other units are assessed through coursework submitted over the course of the programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The Island Sixth Form 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 NHS or private settings.
Mental health support worker: work alongside people with mental health needs.
Learning disability support worker: provide day-to-day care and support.
Early years practitioner: work in nursery or childcare settings with young children.
Social care administrator: coordinate care plans and service delivery.
What you could study next
Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: a natural next step if you want to move into a graduate-level role or management.
BSc Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Learning Disabilities): universities accept the BTEC National Diploma as an entry qualification for nursing degrees.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education route if you want to progress without a full degree.
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (NVQ-style): if you move into work and want a work-based qualification alongside employment.
