BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care (Social Care)

Education & Care / Full Time / Level 3 Extended Diploma

This course will provide you with a broad understanding health and social care issues. It is also designed to prepare you to work in social care 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.

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 the challenges individuals face at various life stages and the support they may require. You will explore the needs of various vulnerable groups including, children, older people, those with physical disabilities and Mental ill 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
Caring for Individuals with Dementia
Assessing Children’s Development and Support Needs
Supporting individuals with additional needs

Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods including: Exams, written assignments, portfolio and project work and discussions.

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.

Successful completion of the two year course should allow entry into Higher Education, employment or training in the health and community sector. Some possible careers are Social Work, Teaching, Youth Work, Counselling, Probation officer, Domiciliary Carer.

To gain entry onto the course you need to have secured four GCSEs at grade 4 or above including either English or Maths.

Awarding Body:
Pearson

To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk