Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)
Qualification number: 610/3964/0
Course Leader: Tracy Druce – tracydruce@KBA.uk
Equivalent in size to one A-Level.
WHAT WILL I NEED BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE?
Students with an interest in Health and Social Care are encouraged to apply. Achievement in English and Maths will support success on the course, and all applications will be considered on their individual merits.
You should have a genuine interest in working with people and supporting individuals with a range of needs. Good communication, empathy, patience and a willingness to learn about health, development and care are important qualities for this course.
WHAT WILL I DO?
If you are passionate about helping others and are considering a future in Health, Social Care or Education, this course provides an excellent foundation.
It is particularly suited to students who are interested in supporting children, young people and adults with a range of additional or specific needs, empowering them to thrive, achieve and succeed.
Through a blend of theory and real-world application, you will explore physical, psychological and social aspects of health and development. You will investigate how individuals develop throughout their lives, how the human body works, and how health and social care practitioners provide effective support to meet individual needs.
You will develop valuable knowledge and practical skills that are highly regarded by employers, universities and apprenticeship providers. The course will help you build confidence, empathy, communication and problem-solving skills while exploring the challenges and rewards of working in caring professions.
COURSE CONTENT AND COMPONENTS
The qualification consists of four units: three mandatory units and one optional unit.
Unit 1: Human Lifespan and Development
You will explore how people develop and change throughout their lives, from birth to later adulthood.
Topics include:
- Physical, intellectual, emotional and social development
- Factors that influence development and wellbeing
- Life events and their impact on individuals
- How people adapt and respond to change
- The role of health and social care practitioners in supporting individuals at different life stages
You will develop an understanding of how people's needs change throughout their lives and how care professionals can provide appropriate support.
Unit 2: Human Biology and Health
You will investigate the structure and function of the human body and explore how different body systems work together to maintain health.
Topics include:
- The organisation of the human body
- The structure and function of major body systems
- Normal physiological processes
- Common disorders and their effects on health
- The relationship between body systems and overall health and wellbeing
You will develop an understanding of how the body works and how health conditions can affect individuals.
Unit 3: Principles of Health and Social Care Practice
You will explore the principles that underpin effective health and social care practice and how professionals meet the needs of individuals.
Topics include:
- Person-centred approaches to care
- The rights, dignity and independence of individuals
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Communication and professional relationships
- Safeguarding and the duty of care
- Working effectively with individuals, families and other professionals
You will consider how care professionals provide safe, respectful and inclusive support that promotes individual wellbeing.
Optional Unit: One of the following
You will also study one optional unit, selected by the department.
- Unit 4: Health, Policy and Wellbeing – explores health policy, public health and the factors that influence individual and community wellbeing.
- Unit 5: Promoting Health Education – focuses on health education, health promotion and encouraging individuals to make informed choices about their health.
- Unit 6: Safe Environments in Health and Social Care – explores how safe environments are created and maintained within health and social care settings.
- Unit 7: Health Science – investigates health science and microbiology, including microorganisms, infection and their impact on health.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
The qualification is assessed through a combination of external examinations and internally assessed assignments.
There are four units in total, each worth 25% of the final qualification.
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Unit
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Assessment
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Weighting
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Unit 1: Human Lifespan and Development
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External examination
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25%
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|
Unit 2: Human Biology and Health
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External examination
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25%
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|
Unit 3: Principles of Health and Social Care Practice
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Internal assessment
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25%
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One optional unit
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Internal assessment
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25%
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The two external examinations account for 50% of the qualification. The remaining 50% is assessed through internally set assignments.
You will receive regular feedback to help you develop your knowledge and improve your work. This includes verbal feedback during lessons, written feedback on submitted assignments and guidance on how to improve your examination technique.
You will also complete regular homework and formal assessments to check your understanding and monitor your progress. Where appropriate, you will have opportunities to improve your work in line with assessment requirements.
PROGRESSION – WHAT CAN I DO AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
This qualification provides a strong foundation for progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment within health, social care and related sectors.
Possible further study routes include:
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Teaching and Education
- Social Work
- Early Childhood Studies
- Health and Social Care
- Psychology
- Occupational Therapy and other allied health professions
Career opportunities may include working in nursing and healthcare, social care, childcare, education, support work, community services and other roles supporting individuals and families.
Whether your ambition is to become a teacher, nurse, social worker, therapist, childcare practitioner or another support professional, this qualification provides an excellent stepping stone to a wide range of future opportunities.