Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Hove. Classes run at BHASVIC, with daytime sessions of 4.5 hours per week across two years (72 weeks in total). Year one covers principles of care, person-centred approaches, and supporting people with mental health conditions. Year two moves into anatomy and physiology, plus option units on topics such as public health, long-term conditions, and nutrition. You'll need a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or English Literature to apply. Assessment combines two written exams and two pieces of coursework.
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for students planning on a career within health and social care. The BTEC Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A level (2 years) and students must have a commitment to continued assessment via course work. Many of our students undertake relevant work experience placements which are often a requirement for higher education courses, and all students have the opportunity to attend talks with health and social care professionals, such as nurses and occupational therapists. For each unit there is plenty of content to learn, and for coursework units, there are regular deadlines that need to be met, so students need to be very organised. There are two exams, plus two pieces of coursework. Students often take Health and Social Care alongside Psychology, Sociology, Biology and Sport, among others.
Entry requirements
4 in English Language GCSE or 4 in English Literature GCSE
What you will learn
You'll explore the principles of health and social care and what good-quality care looks like in practice.
You'll study person-centred approaches and how practitioners apply them.
You'll examine how legislation, policies, and communication shape professional practice.
You'll learn how to support people living with mental health conditions.
You'll study anatomy and physiology as it applies to health and social care settings.
You'll investigate public health and the factors that affect health and wellbeing.
You'll explore option topics such as long-term health conditions, sexual health, pregnancy, postnatal health, and healthy nutrition.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based teaching at BHASVIC, covering theoretical content across both years. Assessment is by two written exams (each 1.5 hours) and two pieces of written coursework. Coursework is based on applying the knowledge you've built during the course. Many students also undertake relevant work experience placements alongside their studies.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. BHASVIC will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support people in residential or community settings.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Mental health support worker: work with people experiencing mental health conditions.
Social care worker: provide day-to-day support for adults or young people.
Community health worker: deliver health promotion and outreach support.
Domiciliary care worker: provide personal care and support in people's homes.
What you could study next
Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: the natural next step if you want to move into a graduate-level role or registered profession.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): an alternative route into university for nursing, midwifery, or allied health courses.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Health and Social Care: a work-based qualification that counts toward professional registration and career progression in care settings.
