Health and Social Care Extended Level 3 Diploma

Course Information

What does the course involve?

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma allows you to study a broad selection of health-related topics, as an introduction to the many career opportunities in the Health, Social or Early Years’ services. As the course develops the knowledge, skills and qualities that are necessary for professional practice in the Health or Care sectors, you should have a real passion to help people in one of these fields.

Although the course is highly varied, it focuses on three core sectors (Health; Adult Social Care; and the Children and Young People’s Workforce), which support the care and development of people in society. As such, you will gain an insight into the intrinsic value of human beings, and how society caters for their many diverse needs. 

As well as discovering about current research in Health and Social Care; the principles of safe practice; and the ways to promote public health; the course will develop your knowledge of a range of fascinating topics, including:

• Human lifespan development: where you will investigate the physical, intellectual, emotional and social changes we experience throughout life, including the effects of ageing
• Working in the Health and Social Care sector: where you will explore what it is like to work in Health and Social Care roles, and the responsibilities of workers in these organisations
• Anatomy and physiology: in which you will consider the structure and function of the human body, looking at medical research about a range of health disorders
• Nutritional health: including the factors that can influence nutritional health, such as lifestyle choices and eating habits, and the role of good nutrition in recovery and care plans
• Sociological perspectives: where you will discover issues within social inequalities, demographic change, and patterns and trends in social groups.
• Caring for individuals with dementia: in which you will learn about the causes, symptoms and effects of dementia
• Assessing children’s development and support needs: which considers how children develop and the factors affecting this process.

Finally, a highlight of this course is the opportunity to complete four work experience placements of up to ten weeks in a range of professional organisations, including Ipswich NHS Trust, local Nurseries, Primary Schools and Care Homes. These placements are arranged for you by a dedicated member of staff.

For further course information please click here

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements, plus: 

• Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.   

Can I take additional qualifications?

This course is equivalent to three A Levels.  However, unlike other Level 3 qualifications, it is not possible to take another subject alongside this one due to the large work experience component.

How will I be assessed?

42% of the course is assessed externally, with a mixture of 3 written examinations and 1 set task, completed under supervised conditions.  The rest of the course is assessed internally, through the completion of on-going coursework units.

What are the costs?

In order to carry-out the exciting work experience placements, it is necessary to pay for a DBS (safeguarding) Certificate; mandatory training in Manual Handling and First Aid; and a One work experience Polo shirt. These incur a one-off cost of around £90 at the start of this two-year course. Further details are on the Web Shop.

What is the duration?

This is a two year course.

What is the UCAS points tariff for this course?

BTEC Extended Diploma

How do I apply?

Click here to apply