Course Overview
What is changing?
The Government has recently reviewed the qualifications on offer for 16-19 year olds. As a result of the review, the Level 3 OCR Health and Social Care Extended Certification that you applied for will no longer exist after the academic year 2024/25. This is being replaced by an Alternative Academic qualification and we are offering the Level 3 BTEC National in Health and Social Care as its replacements for September 2025.
Entry Qualifications
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 – 9, or equivalent, including a 4 in English Language and a 3 in Science. The Extended Certificate is for students who are interested in learning about the Health and Social Care sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily always in Health and Social Care-related subjects. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes A Levels or other Alternative Academic Qualifications.
What will I study?
Students will complete and achieve in all three mandatory units:
| Unit Number | Unit Title | GLH | Type | How assessed |
| 1 | Human Lifespan and Development | 90 | Mandatory | External |
| 2 | Human Biology and Health | 90 | Mandatory | External |
| 3 | Principles of Health and Social Care Practice | 90 | Mandatory | Internal |
Students will also study one optional unit from:
| Unit Number | Unit Title | GLH | Type | How assessed |
| 4 | Health, Policy and Wellbeing | 90 | Optional | Internal |
| 5 | Promoting Health Education | 90 | Optional | Internal |
| 6 | Safe Environments in Health and Social Care | 90 | Optional | Internal |
| 7 | Health Science | 90 | Optional | Internal |
How will I study?
This course really focuses on the vocational aspects of Health & Social Care so you will find a lot of teaching is based on real life scenarios, work experience, placement visits or case studies/role plays. In the classroom you can expect an engaging environment where students work together to explore all aspects of Health and Social Care. You will develop a number of skills including literacy, presentation, ICT, problem solving, independent study, research and teamwork. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work experience placement where you will be able to apply some of the knowledge gained in lessons and develop your young professional skills. This course will provide you with an up to date and relevant insight into the world of Health and Social Care and will prepare you well for a career in this field or other professional areas.
How is the course examined?
Students will be assessed by a mixture of assignments and written exams. Units 1 and 2 will be assessed by external examination. The remaining units will be assessed by internal coursework assignments. These assignments could include written reports, presentations, role plays or practical demonstrations.
Where next?
The majority of students who complete an extended certificate have continued into further/higher education or training. Many of our students have chosen careers in social work, nursing, health management, radiography & teaching.
What does the course combine well with?
Complementary subjects include Sociology, Psychology, Sport and Science, especially if interested in a career in Health and Social Care. However, Health and Social Care goes well with many subjects.
Equivalents
This qualification is equivalent to one A-Level and has comparable UCAS points.
College Entry Requirements
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 – 9, or equivalent, including a 4 in English Language and a 3 in Science.
