Health and Social Care Level 3

The Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care is a one-year, full-time course that gives a coherent study of the Health and Social Care sector. It is intended as an Applied General qualification, and is equivalent in size to 1.5 A Levels.

The Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is intended as an Applied General qualification. It is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in the health and social care sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels. The qualification develops a deep common core of knowledge, understanding and skills in the sector through mandatory content. It allows learners to focus on a particular aspect of the sector through a selection of optional units, including a route that focuses specifically on health studies.

The course is comprised of academic units and professional practice placements in health and social care settings.

Units will include:

• Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology for health and social care
• Caring for children and young people
• Supporting and protecting adults
• Physiological disorders
• Equality, diversity and rights in health and social care
• Development through the life stages
• Health psychology

In your second year you can specialise in either Health and Social Care or Health Science and choose one of the pathways below:

Employability route: This pathway provides you with the opportunity to significantly develop your employability skills whilst studying a suite of sector specific qualifications.

Higher Education: This pathway provides the opportunity to engage in an Extended Diploma in Health and Social or Health Science, and will focus on the development of employability skills as well as readiness for progression to Higher Education.

This course is most suited for people aged 16-18 who are just starting (out on their) vocational learning.

Five full GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English language and preferably maths; or a related Level 2 qualification at Merit.
Interview.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

There will be classroom-based academic sessions and practical learning as well as placements in a variety of health and social care settings.

The course is delivered over two years and will be timetabled over four days in College with one day working in health and social care settings.

There will be continuous assessment by coursework and assessment of competence in practice.

Move on to a health sciences related career.

Progress on to university to study in a range of fields including adult nursing, mental health nursing, psychology, sociology or primary education. Below is a list of recent examples of degree courses and universities which students from this course have progressed on to:

Resources fee
A polo shirt to wear in practice
Disclosure and Barring Service check
Two recommended course text books at approximately £20 each
Travelling to and from placements

If you are employed you may be eligible to become an apprentice. For more information on work-based learning options and apprenticeships please visit our Apprenticeships page.

This course is most suited for people aged 16-18 and may also meet the needs of mature students up to 25 years.

Online: Click the "Apply" button and fill out an online application form.

By post: download the Full-Time Application Form and send to Student Advice Centre, Bath College, Avon Street, Bath BA1 1UP.

In person: Visit the Student Advice Centre in either of our campuses

To find out more about the application process, please go to the How to Apply page.