BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care
Equivalent in size to two A Levels
The content of this qualification has been designed to ensure it supports progression towards higher study. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been involved in order to confirm that the content is also appropriate for those interested in working in the sector.
Subject Modules and Assessment
Each unit studied is awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction and the combined marks produce the final overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction or Distinction*.
Learners taking this qualification will study six mandatory units:
- Human Lifespan Development – Exam
- Working in Health and Social Care – Exam
- Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs – coursework
- Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care – coursework
- Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care – Exam
- Promoting Public Health – coursework
- Caring for Individuals with Additional Needs – coursework
- Physiological Disorders and their Care – coursework
The course consists of three externally examined units and five coursework units. Exams will be taken in January and May Year 1 and January in Year 2, enabling resits if necessary.
Assessment of coursework is ongoing throughout the year, so from the outset students will have a clear idea of their level of achievement, and this will guide and support careers advice, which is also ongoing throughout the course, and run on an individual basis.
Learning styles
The Health and Social Care course is designed to develop transferrable skills such as managing yourself and your learning, interpersonal skills, solving problems and personal strength and resilience. We use a range of different teaching methods and you will be helped to identify your own learning style preferences, and how to make best use of these to help you succeed.
Subject Combinations and Progression
Health and Social Care combines well with many other subjects, and the choice will largely be determined by the longer term goals of the student. Biology, applied science, psychology, sociology, and English all work well. We can recommend combinations to you, depending on your career aspirations.
Entry requirements
English and Maths at Grade 4.