BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care (Health Studies)
Are you interested in working in a healthcare setting? A career in healthcare is challenging, rewarding, interesting and exciting, requiring you to have a variety of skills, knowledge and expertise to succeed. This course will provide you with a broad scientific base and an opportunity to study health care issues. It is also designed to prepare you to work in health-related careers in a professional capacity and provides the knowledge, skills and understanding required for working in a health environment or a progression route for Higher Education.
Key information
Education & Care / Full Time / Level 3 Extended Diploma
Why choose this course?
Are you interested in working in a healthcare setting? A career in healthcare is challenging, rewarding, interesting and exciting, requiring you to have a variety of skills, knowledge and expertise to succeed. This course will provide you with a broad scientific base and an opportunity to study health care issues. It is also designed to prepare you to work in health-related careers in a professional capacity and provides the knowledge, skills and understanding required for working in a health environment or a progression route for Higher Education.
What will I learn?
One of the great strengths of the Extended Diploma is the integration of theory and practice as you have the opportunity to apply what you have learnt at college to your work placements. The course aims to give you a varied learning experience and will be a combination of a student centred approach to learning, involving research for assignments, visits, guest speakers, lectures, group work and discussions.
This course will enable you to develop your understanding of Human Biology covering body systems and functions as well as exploring some common disorders. As well as learning about how these disorders affect the physical body you will also explore how they impact an individuals, social and emotional health. You will gain knowledge of the Core Principles and Policies in Health and Social Care including Safeguarding and health and Safety to prepare you for work in this industry. You will also learn and develop your academic skills including essay writing and research.
The BTEC Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care is a two year course. After successful completion of the first year you will be a awarded a Foundation diploma which is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels. After two years you will be awarded the Extended Diploma which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. It is essential that you progress to Year 2 to achieve the Extended Diploma for employment and university progression. This is a full-time course which requires you to attend placement one day per week in the second year of study. The content of the course is separated into units of study.
Year 1 - Units
Human Lifespan Development
Working in Health and Social Care
Meeting Individual Care and Support needs
Principles of Safe practice in Health and Social Care
Physiological Disorders
Psychological Perspectives
Year 2 - Units
Anatomy and Physiology
Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
Work Experience in Health and Social Care
Promoting Public Health
Biomedical Science
Scientific Techniques for Health Science
Caring for Individuals with Dementia
Information & Support
Throughout the course you would be required to complete at least 15 hours of independent study time per week. To support you in this you will have access to study materials online and will be provided with appropriate textbooks. An experienced team of lecturers, many of whom have worked in the health and social care profession will support your learning. You will need to prepare to work hard independently, carry out in-depth research and use a variety of information sources.
Throughout the programme lecturers and personal tutors will actively encourage you to develop as individuals and provide ongoing pastoral and academic support. An important part of this course is work experience. You will have the opportunity to be placed in a variety of settings totalling a minimum of 100 hours which is a mandatory part of the course. Previous settings have included hospitals, residential homes for the elderly and day centres for clients with mental health problems or learning disabilities. Our dedicated Work Placement Officer will support you in finding a suitable placement that matches your interests and locality. Please note: A clear DBS certificate will be required in order to complete this course. The college will support you in applying for this and will cover the cost of this.
In order to progress onto a university course in Nursing, Midwifery or the Allied Health Professions, you will also need a C in GCSE Science. It is possible to do this alongside your course if necessary.
Where will it take me?
Successful completion of the two year course should allow entry into Higher Education, employment or training in the health sector. Some possible careers are Nursing, which is accessible via a university degree or an apprenticeship, Physiotherapy, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy and Social Work. Previous students have also progressed into Nutrition, Primary School Teaching and other allied health care professions. Your tutors will support you in preparing for your next steps.
What will I need?
To gain entry onto the course you need to have secured four GCSEs at grade 4 or above including either English or Maths.
Additional Information
Awarding Body:
Pearson
To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk