BTEC National Extended Certificate in
Health and Social Care
Entry Requirements
GCSE Science Grade 4 or higher (Combined Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
Exam Board: Pearson / Edexcel
Why Study Health and Social Care?
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care is equivalent in size to 1 A Level. It is for students interested in learning about the health and social care sector alongside other fields of study. The course allows you to gain the skills, knowledge and understanding of health and social care related careers in a professional capacity. It will suit those who have an interest in science, child care or working with vulnerable people.
Health care encompasses all hospital activities, medical nursing homes and GP services, for example. The social care sector includes residential nursing care, residential nursing facilities, residential care facilities, domiciliary care and social work. Students are able to progress into work in the sector through degree programmes in nursing, midwifery, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pharmacy, for example.
What Topics Will I Study?
There are 3 mandatory units, the first 2 are externally assessed; Human Lifespan Development (90 GLH) and Working in Health and Social Care (120 GLH). There are 2 internally assessed units; Meeting Individual Care and Support (90 GLH) and one optional unit (60 GLH) from the following list;
- Psychological Perspectives
- Sociological Perspectives
-Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs
- Physiological Disorders and Their Care.
How Will I Be Assessed?
You will be assessed externally through written exams (58% of the whole course) and the internal assessment will be completed through reports, presentations, and guest lectures.
An Example of the Type of Work Involved
Evaluate case studies on the care and professionals surrounding people in different circumstances.
Complete reports on the team supporting people with varying needs.
Understanding various physiological orders and writing a care plan including the professionals needed to support the person.
What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?
On completion of this course you will be suited to progress to study for a further education course in Health and Social Care, a health and social care related degree or training or employment. There are more than 300 distinct career paths in this sector. The sector is a major employer, employing almost four million people across the UK.
The following organisations support this course as a way to prepare for careers in the field of study:
Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying this Course
You will be taught by a range of teachers with different specialties. You may also have the opportunity to visit health and social care settings and have visits from health and social care professionals.
Subjects which combine well with this course include:
Recent RR6 Alumni in this Subject include:
Class of 2022 examples:
St George's, University of London studying Occupational Therapy
Birmingham City University studying Adult Nursing with Foundation year
University of Greenwich studying Midwifery
University of Suffolk studying Diagnostic Radiography
Kingston University studying Forensic Psychology
Two students at University of Surrey studying Psychology
University of Sussex studying Primary and Early Years Education (with qualified teacher status)
Nottingham Trent University studying Primary Education (QTS)
University of Roehampton studying Psychology and Criminal Justice
University of Roehampton studying Zoology
University of Roehampton studying Business Management
Nottingham Trent University studying Criminology
City, University of London studying Mathematics and Finance with placement year
Previous Alumni have gone on to, for example :
Children's Nursing at London South Bank University
Forensic Science at London South Bank University
Biomedical Science at Kingston University
Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kingston University
Psychology at University of Westminster & University of Surrey
Social Work at Middlesex University
St George's University of London studying Diagnostic Radiography
Middlesex University studying Social Work
Surrey University studying Nutrition
Surrey University studying International Hospitality Management
Surrey University studying Criminology
Roehampton University studying English Literature
Surrey University studying Biochemistry
Westminster University studying Psychology and Counselling
Westminster University studying Biomedical Science
Leicester University studying Sociology
Westminster University studying Professional Cookery
Bournemouth University studying Adult Nursing
Kingston University studying Pharmacy
Law at City University London
Marketing and Management at Queen Mary University London