BTEC HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE - TRIPLE

The BTEC National Extended Certificate is equivalent in size to three A-Levels. This vocational qualification is an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career in nursing, social work, care or other health related professions.

12 units are studied throughout the 2-year course.

Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development (exam). Learners cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing. 

Unit 2 – Working in Health and Social Care (exam). Learners explore 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 (exam). Learners cover 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 (exam). Learners explore the methodologies of contemporary research and investigate the implications for health and social care.

Unit 5 – Meeting individual care and support needs (coursework). Learners focus 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 (coursework). Learners explore the benefits of work experience. They carry out and reflect on a period of 100 hours of work experience, and plan for personal and professional development. 

Unit 7 – Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care (coursework). Learners explore the importance of safe working practices, safeguarding procedures and responding to emergency situations in health and social care settings.

Unit 8 – Promoting Public Health (coursework). 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 12 – Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs (coursework). Learners explore the role of health and social care services in providing care and support to individuals with additional needs.

Unit 18- Assessing Children’s Development Support Needs (coursework). Learners explore theories that explain how children develop, the factors that may affect development, and how growth and development is monitored and supported.

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

Unit 20 - Understanding Mental Health (coursework) Learners explore the nature of and strategies to promote mental wellbeing and mental health, and the impact of mental ill health on individuals.

Four 5-day work placements are included as part of the course and provide valuable practical experience in both a health and social care setting. 

At the moment Health and Social Care is under a government review until Christmas 2024, we will not know the outcome of this until after students have applied. Please be aware, if the government decides to remove funding for these courses we will be unable to offer them and you will need to select alternative subjects.