Health and Social Care BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

Why study BTEC Health & Social Care?

This qualification provides an introduction to those students who are interested in a career within the health and social care sector. It supports progression to higher education or training, employment or an apprenticeship.

The course provides excellent opportunities to develop the following employability skills.

• cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology

• intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation

• interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.

What will I study?

Students will be assessed in 13 specialised units, over 2 years.

Unit 1 - Human Lifespan Development (Assessment: 1.5 hour written examination) Physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing.

Unit 2 - Working in Health and Social Care (Assessment: 1.5 hour written examination) An Exploration of what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations.

Unit 3 - Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care (Assessment: 1.5 hour written examination) The structure, organisation and function of the human body, and anatomical and physiological systems and medical research related to disorders affecting these systems.

Unit 4 - Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care (Assessment: controlled assessment) Learners explore the methodologies of contemporary research and investigate the implications for health and social care practice and services.

Unit 5 - Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs (Assessment: Internal assessment) Focusing on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, which are the foundation of all the care disciplines.

Unit 6 - Work Experience in Health and Social Care (Assessment: Internal assessment) Learners explore the benefits of work experience. They carry out and reflect on a period of work experience, and plan for personal and professional development.

Unit 7 - Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care (Assessment: Internal assessment) The importance of safe working practices, safeguarding procedures and responding to emergency situations in health and social care settings.

Unit 8 - Promoting Public Health (Assessment: Internal assessment) Learners explore the aims of public health policy and the current approaches to promoting and protecting health and encouraging behaviour change in the population.

Unit 11 - Psychological Perspectives (Assessment: Internal assessment) Learners explore key theoretical perspectives that have been put forward on psychological and physical development and how they are applied in different health and social care settings.

Unit 12 - Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs (Assessment: Internal assessment) The role of health and social care services in providing care and support to individuals with additional needs.

Unit 17 - Caring for Individuals with Dementia (Assessment: Internal assessment) Learners explore conditions leading to dementia, their causes, symptoms, the effects on individuals and the support required to ensure independence and dignity for individuals.

Unit 18 - Assessing Children’s Development Support Needs (Assessment: Internal assessment) Theories that explain how children develop, the factors that may affect development, and how growth and development is monitored and supported. Internal assessment.

Unit 19 - Nutritional Health (Assessment: Internal assessment) Learners explore concepts of nutritional health and influences on dietary intake, and learn how to assess and improve health through nutrition plans for individuals. Internal assessment.

BTEC Health & Social Care Extras

You will be required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours’ work experience in a wide variety of Health, Social Care and Early Years settings. There are coursework assignments and activities which need to be completed in a care setting. These form part of your portfolio. We will assist you with placements and organising voluntary work.

Minimum Entry Requirements:

5 x 4s

4 in English and Maths

Subject Entry Requirements:

At least a Pass in if taken at Level 2

What can I do with Health and Social Care BTEC after Sixth Form?

A Health and Social Care qualification will not only enable access to Higher Education courses ranging from midwifery to social policy, but also health sciences such as biomedical science. It will also provide a route to large number of healthcare roles such as health care assistant, pathology laboratory assistant or youth worker.