Health and Social Care (=2 A Level)

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above

Including English Language or English Literature GCSE grade 4

Science GCSE grade 4 preferred but not essential

Maths GCSE at grade 3 or above

This course is the equivalent to two A-Levels.

All students will study:

Year One

Unit 1 – Building positive relationships in health and social care

Unit 2 – Equality and diversity

Unit 3 - Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care

Unit 3 - Health safety and security in Health and Social Care

Unit 9 - Supporting people with learning difficulties

Unit 10 – Nutrition for Health

Year Two

Unit 5 – Infection control

Unit 6 - Personalised and Person-centred approach to care

Unit 7 – Safeguarding

Unit 13 – Sexual Health in Health and Social Care

Unit 14 – The impact of Long-term physiological conditions

Unit 17 – Supporting people with Mental Health conditions

Each unit includes teaching, student research and presentations, coursework writing and practical skills. Well-qualified and experienced teachers support and guide the progress of coursework and co-ordinate links with professionals and care settings.

We strongly advise each student to arrange a regular voluntary placement in a health and social care setting to complement their classroom studies. This could be helping with scouts or brownies or supporting in a primary school or in a care home.

Students may need to update or apply for a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) certificate to work or volunteer with vulnerable people, and this may have an additional cost attached.

46% exam + 54% coursework

Each unit has a variety of coursework assignments. Students will write assignments and be graded pass, merit or distinction. They will sit external exams in five units in January and June. The course is worth the equivalent of 2 A-levels. It would generally be studied alongside one other A-level, as well as the Tutorial and RPE programmes.

The Diploma provides greater depth and breadth for students specifically considering the Health or Care sectors as future career or Higher Education paths.

Students should have class materials for each lesson, and be able to meet their printing and photocopying costs as needed.

As this qualification is equivalent to two A-levels, it would generally be studied alongside one additional qualification as part of your study programme.

Progression opportunities (H2 title) progressionOpportunities

This qualification carries UCAS points and can support progression to:

Nursing

Midwifery

Social Work

Education and Teaching

Occupational Therapy

Childhood Studies

Public Health

Health and Social Care degrees

Healthcare apprenticeships

Students may also progress directly into employment within health and social care services.

Students may have opportunities to enhance their learning through:

Guest speakers from health and care professions

Careers and progression events

Volunteering opportunities

Wider college enrichment activities

These experiences help you develop valuable insight into the sector and strengthen future applications.