Tel: 01481 227500

Health & Social Care

Qualifications

Level 2 Health & Social Care
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care 

Course duration

Level 2 – one year, full time
Level 3 – two years full time

Campus 

Delancey

 

 

Download course brochure

Purpose of the Course

We offer two qualifications in Health & Social Care dependent upon your starting points. Our Level 2 course is ideal if you would like to work in any area of health, social care or early years. Our Level 3 course acts as a stepping stone to higher education at university or college as well as having the purpose of helping you to become occupationally ready to take up employment locally in the health & social care sector.

Course Outline

Level 2 in Health and Social Care 

Core units covered:

  • Working in a person-centred way
  • Safeguarding 
  • Principles of working in health, social care and childcare
  • Health and safety in practice

Health and Social Care pathway:

  • Working in adult health and social care environments
  • Working with individuals in adult health and social care environments 

Early years pathway:

  • Working in childcare environments
  • Working with children in childcare environments 

The Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care 

This course is equivalent to three A’ levels. 

You will study 13 units in total. Eight of these units are mandatory and must be completed to achieve the qualification.

The mandatory units are: 

  • Human lifespan development 
  • Working in health and social care
  • Anatomy and physiology for health and social care
  • Enquiries into current research in health and social care
  • Meeting individual care and support needs
  • Work experience in health and social care
  • Principles of safe practice in health and social care
  • Promoting public health 

You will also be required to complete a minimum of 100 work experience hours as part of your course.

Entry Criteria

Level 2: four GCSEs at grade D/3 or above, in a range of subjects preferably English language and maths or successful completion of a level 1 qualification, or relevant experience for mature students. 

Level 3: five GCSEs at grades C/4 or above in a range of subjects including English language and preferably maths, or a relevant Level 2 qualification at merit or above, or relevant experience for mature students. 

Personal Development & Skills

This course will provide opportunities for you to go beyond purely academic theory, as there is a strong thread of personal and skills development embedded in your course allowing you to become reflective, independent participants, leaving the course with self-awareness and an ability to access and apply the knowledge you have gained in a variety of settings.  In addition, you will participate in enrichment activities such as healthy cooking, basic car maintenance, communication skills and develop a deeper understanding of the society we live in by having the opportunity to explore and discuss current affairs.

Assessment Method

You will be assessed through a range of methods including observation, written and practical assignments and externally set exams. Assignments are assessed by your lecturers, internally verified, then externally verified by the awarding organisation.

Progression Opportunities

o progress onto the Level 3 course you will need to have successfully completed your Level 2 programme with a merit or distinction, English language at Level 2 and attained overall attendance greater than 88%. There are also a range of employment opportunities into the local health & social care or child care sectors or progression onto an alternative Level 3 programme. The Level 3 course is recognised by higher education providers and is ideal if you wish to progress to a social care or health-related degree. It also provides opportunities to work in the health & social care sector such as care assistant, youth work or pharmacy, pre-schools and crèches. If you have pre-school experience, work as a learning support assistant is also possible.

Your tutors will provide information, advice and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Additional Learning Support

As part of your learning programme, if you have not yet attained a grade C/4 or equivalent in mathematics and English language, you will be required to study a Functional Skill or GCSE in these subjects.

Some students may require additional support for a number of reasons. At the start of your course you will be asked to complete an initial assessment in order for us to identify any additional needs that you may have. During your course, your personal tutor will be able to guide you on how best to access support.

We can offer the following:

  • Progress Coaches
  • Learner Support assistance (1:1)
  • Learner Support assistance (group)
  • Learner Support assistance (drop-ins)
  • Specialist ESOL teaching
  • Study lab sessions
  • In-class support
  • Special arrangements for exams

Equality & Diversity

We welcome and celebrate the diversity of our student population. We value and recognise differences in race, gender, sexual orientation,  disability, religion or belief and age.  Our aim is to provide a learning environment that is inclusive and we are committed to removing conditions that put anyone at a disadvantage.

Enquiries

Please contact Gemma Honey – gemmah@gcfe.net