Health and Social Care – BTEC National

 Course Leader: Mr Richard Bethell

What is Health and Social Care?  

Health and social care is the treatment of ill health and medical conditions in hospitals, health centres and in the community. Social care is the care and support of vulnerable people, usually in the community. 

Why study this course?

• This course provides students with a broad understanding about the health and social care sector.  This qualification is designed to support progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels.
• Compulsory units include modules on human lifespan, working in health and social care and individualised support needs for people over their lifespan.  In essence the course considers developmental processes from childhood through to late adulthood and the subsequent needs of people as they progress through their lives.
   
  Who would the course be suitable for and what are the entry requirements?
  You will need 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 includig English and maths.
   
  The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care aims to provide an introduction to the sector. It is for learners who are interested in learning about the health and social care sector as part of a balanced study programme. It is equivalent in size to one A Level. The qualification supports access to a range of higher education courses possibly, but not exclusively, in health and social care, if taken alongside further Level 3 qualifications. The qualification typically makes up one–third of a study programme.
   
  This course is suitable for Level 3 students.  It may benefit students who prefer a mixture of exam and coursework elements.  You need to have gained the entry requirements for a Level 3 course.
   
  What will I learn on the Health and Social Care Course?

• Health and social care practitioners need to develop a knowledge base for working with people in every stage of their lives and they need to know how their own experiences relate to health and wellbeing.  One of our Units studies the developmental phases people go through in their lifetimes and the factors that influence this.
• Medical intervention means people are living longer and have better life prospects.  A theme of this course is the effective discharge of professional responsibilities which connect to health related issues in society.
• For you to be able to provide the care and support that individual’s need, it is important that you have a good understanding of the principles behind providing quality care and support. Consequently, one of the compulsory units introduces you to the values and issues that need to be considered when planning care and support that meet the needs of an individual in a health and social care environment.
   
  How will I be assessed?
   

Unlike many other Level 3 courses, HSC offers a combination of external and internal assessments.  As the subject is modular, it also means you will have more than one opportunity to improve your final grade throughout the course for both exam and coursework units.

UMS points are added together from the four different units to determine final grade overall.

 What can I do with Health and Social Care?

• Higher Education:  This qualification is generally taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two year programme of learning. This will enable learners to progress to a degree programme chosen from a range of programmes in the health and social care sector. The qualification is recognised by higher education institutions as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses.  For example those going on to study a BSc (Hons) in Nursing, a BA (Hons) in Primary Education or a BSc (Hons) in Social Work, to name a few.  It would also combine well with a BTEC in Sport, which could lead to a Foundation Degree in Sports Studies and Development.

• Careers:  This is also a foundation course for entry into the job market.  There are many opportunities in the Health and Social Care sectors, which is a large employment area in West Somerset and beyond.  Some careers include:  NHS, care worker, social worker, community support worker, occupational therapy, end of life care and many more.

Is there anything else I need to know?

For more information go to the exam board website (make sure you select the extended certificate from the qualification list):  https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/health-and-social-care-2016.html

Who can I contact for further information? Nicola.Wainwright@WestSomersetCollege.org