Why choose Level 3 health and social care?

The health and social care course has been designed to prepare you for the next stage of your education or working life. It provides a solid foundation in understanding how to work in the health and social care sector and highlights the importance of key policies, procedures and legislation in practice.

You are introduced to the complexities of supporting individuals with diverse needs and will explore how care values are applied across a range of contexts. Units are sequenced to develop knowledge and practical skills in a way that supports progression and promotes employability.

This qualification is ideal if you are interested in a career in healthcare, education, or social services and want a practical, real-world approach to learning.

Course type: Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National Extended Certificate

Board: Pearson

Entry requirements: Five grade 4s or above at GCSE including English language and/or maths

How will Level 3 health and social care be delivered?

Health and social care is delivered through a combination of:

  • Direct teaching and guided learning
  • Hands-on activities and role play
  • Independent research and written tasks
  • Exploration of different care settings through videos, guest speakers and educational visits

Course content

You will study a combination of core and optional units, giving you a broad and applied understanding of the sector.

Mandatory units – students complete all units:

  • Unit 1: Human lifespan and development
  • Unit 2: Human biology and health
  • Unit 3: Principles of health and social care practice

Optional units – students complete one unit:

  • Unit 4: Health, policy and wellbeing
  • Unit 5: Promoting health education
  • Unit 6: Safe environments in health and social care
  • Unit 7: Health science

Assessment

Health and social care is assessed through a combination of externally assessed exams and internally assessed controlled assessments.

Unit 1: Human lifespan and development – 25%

  • External written exam

Unit 2: Human biology and health – 33%

  • External written exam

Unit 3: Principles of health and social care practice – 25%

  • Internal controlled assessment (coursework)

Optional unit – 17%

  • Internal controlled assessment (coursework)

Progression

Health and social care is an excellent foundation for a wide range of university courses and careers. This qualification can support progression to degrees in:

  • Nursing
  • Social work
  • Midwifery
  • Occupational therapy
  • Paramedic science
  • Public health
  • Healthcare science

It also supports routes into employment or further training in the health and social care sector.