Health and Social Care Summary

A BTEC in Health and Social Care provides students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the sector and working practices within it. With a vocational focus, students learn to link theory and practice in order to progress into a career within the sector or related areas. Students complete four separate units which cover a diverse range of areas including Human Growth and Development, Working in Health and Social Care, Caring for Individuals with Additional Needs and Sociological Perspectives of Health. Students will learn how individuals grow and develop over time and the impact that factors such as genetics, social experiences and economic factors impact on health and wellbeing. They will also explore the impact that factors such as gender and sexuality have on individual health and experience of medical care. The course draws subject knowledge and theory from other disciplines including Psychology, Sociology and Biology. Due to the nature of the vocational qualification, many students are able to gain employment following completion of the course or continue onto university study.  

Entry Requirements

  • A grade 5 in English.
  • A Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care is beneficial but not essential.

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care 

How you will study

The course is made up of 4 units. In year 12, students complete the Unit 1 exam (Human Growth and Development) and Unit 7 coursework (Sociological Perspectives). In year 13, students complete the Unit 2 exam (Working in Health and Social Care) and the Unit 5 coursework (Meeting Individual Needs).  

Component breakdown

Unit 1: Human Growth and Development (exam)

Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care (exam)

Unit 5: Meeting Individual Needs (coursework)

Unit 7: Sociological Perspectives (coursework)

  • Nursing
  • Midwifery
  • Social Worker
  • Physiotherapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Support Worker
  • Healthcare Assistant