Health & Social Care (Vocational A Level)

If you are interested in health, wellbeing and social care, and want to develop knowledge and practical understanding relevant to healthcare and support professions, this course offers a strong applied route into higher education and related careers.

This is a Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care. It is designed to be studied alongside other A Level or Level 3 qualifications as part of a two-year programme and supports progression to higher education. Pearson states that the Extended Certificate has 360 guided learning hours and is intended to complement study programmes for students aiming to progress to degree-level study.

Students complete four units. In the current programme, these are:

●  Unit 1: Human Lifespan and Development

●  Unit 2: Human Biology and Health

●  Unit 3: Principles of Health and Social Care Practice

●  Unit 4: Health, Policy and Wellbeing.

In the specification, Units 1, 2 and 3 are mandatory, and Unit 4 is the optional unit chosen by the centre.

In Human Lifespan and Development, students explore physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the life stages and consider factors that influence development and health outcomes.

In Human Biology and Health, students study the structure and function of the human body, body systems, common disorders and the effects these can have on individuals’ health and wellbeing.

In Principles of Health and Social Care Practice, students examine the values, approaches and professional responsibilities that underpin effective health and social care practice. This includes person-centred care, communication, confidentiality, duty of care, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the way organisations, legislation and guidance shape care delivery.

In Health, Policy and Wellbeing, students explore links between the origins of public health policy and current frameworks and consider factors that influence public health and wellbeing in local health and social care settings.
This course combines academic study with applied learning. You will develop an understanding of health and social care through the study of human development, biology, professional practice and health policy, while also learning how to apply your knowledge to realistic scenarios.

The course is well suited to students considering progression into areas such as nursing, midwifery, social work, public health, psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and other health-related professions. Pearson describes the qualification as supporting progression to higher education and graduate-level pathways.

You will also develop transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, evaluation and independent study, all of which are valuable in both further education and employment.
Entry requirements for A Level courses

●  Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics.

●  A strong interest in and enthusiasm for, the subject chosen.

●  A willingness to commit to regular Independent Study outside of lesson time, as A Level courses require a high level of motivation, organisation and academic commitment.

●  An interview may be required as part of the application process.

Please note: some courses have additional entry requirements.
Assessment is through a combination of external and internal assessment.

For the Extended Certificate:

●  Unit 1: Human Lifespan and Development — external

●  Unit 2: Human Biology and Health — external

●  Unit 3: Principles of Health and Social Care Practice — internal

●  Unit 4: Health, Policy and Wellbeing — internal.

That means the overall balance is 50% external assessment and 50% internal assessment, which matches the way your current page describes the split, but the newer wording should refer to external and internal assessment rather than just “exam” and “coursework”. Pearson also notes that internally assessed units are completed through Pearson Set Assignment Briefs set by Pearson, marked by centres and verified by Pearson.

Final grades are awarded on the BTEC scale, including Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*.
This qualification supports progression to:

●  Higher Education

●  Apprenticeships

●  Employment in health- and people-focused sectors.

It can support progression into degree courses and career pathways such as:

●  Nursing

●  Midwifery

●  Social Work

●  Psychology

●  Public Health

●  Occupational Therapy

●  Physiotherapy

●  Allied Health Professions

●  Health and Social Care Management

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