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Health & Social Care BTEC National Extended Certificate

Equivalent to one A Level

This BTEC qualification is for those interested in learning about the health and social care sector. It is equivalent to one A Level and typically makes up one third of a full time two year study programme.

What does the course involve?

The course consists of a combination of continual assessment through written assignments and end of year examinations.

You will gain an introductory understanding of the health and social care sector through the study of the following units:

Year One

Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs

  • Assignment
  • You will focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals' care and support needs, which are the foundation of all the care disciplines.

Human Lifespan Development

  • Examined
  • You will cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing.

Year Two

Psychological Perspectives

  • Assignment
  • You will explore key theoretical perspectives that have been put forward on psychological and physical development and how they are applied to different health and care settings.

Working in Health and Social Care

  • Examined
  • You will explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations.

Work experience

Although not compulsory, it is useful to arrange relevant work experience in a health and social care setting as this will help you gather evidence for your assignments and will support your understanding of the examined material.

What can you do after the course?

When taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications, this course will enable you to progress to degree programmes chosen from the health and social care sector. For example when studied alongside A Levels in Biology and Psychology, you could consider a BSC(Hons) in Nursing.

Want to know more?

These factsheets provide lots more information about BTECs in general and about the Health & Social Care courses.

BTEC Health & Social Care Factsheet

BTEC Health & Social Care Case Study