This subject combines elements of a range of interesting topics that explore both health and social care in private and public sectors. The course includes modules that will prepare students to meet the needs of service users in a holistic way, accounting for their physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs.

You will study a range of topics and modules. Some of these units are assessed through coursework, with some units being assessed by written examination.
Below are examples of some of the units we study -
1) Human lifespan development
2) Working in health and social care
3) Anatomy and physiology
4) Research methods.
5) Meeting individual needs
6) Work experience in health and social care
7) Principles of safe practice in health and social care
8) Promoting public health
9) Sociological Perspectives
10) Psychological Perspectives

Course: BTEC Level 3 Extended certificate (Equivalent to 1 A Level) 50 % coursework 50% exam.

Course: BTEC Level 3 National Extended diploma (old spec.) (Equivalent to 3 A level programme) 52 % coursework. 48 % Examined.

Course: Level 2 BTEC First extended certificate. (Equivalent to 3 GCSE course) Exam
12.5% coursework 87.5%

Health and Social Care is a social science and therefore goes well with numerous other subjects. Many of our students choose to do Health and Social Care alongside a social science subject such as Psychology, Law, Criminology, Sociology and Business Studies. A number of Health-related degree courses often require a science A’ level so some students choose to study Biology A’ Level alongside
this. Health and Social Care also combines well with English A’ Level, as this is a useful subject to have for entry into professions such as Speech Therapy. As Health and Social Care has a broad range of topics, it combines well with a number of A’ Levels.

This is a very popular subject and the class sizes usually range from 20 – 24 students. This is a large department in the college. Class sizes for the level 2 course are normally smaller, approximately 15 students.

This subject provides an excellent opportunity to apply for a number of different courses or apprenticeships. There are a broad range of rewarding careers you can progress onto after studying Health and Social Care. The most popular degree programmes that students go on to study at university are - Nursing, Midwifery,
Social Work, Primary teaching, Paramedic, Occupational therapy, Dietician and Speech therapy. Many students also study Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Law, Youth and Community work degrees and many more. For more information on careers in
the NHS please visit Health Careers.

Each year the department arranges several university trips offering specific health taster days. We also undertake unit specific trips in the local area. We have previously taken Health and Social Care students to Euro Disney in Paris for a Healthcare conference and to London.. In addition, we have a range of visiting speakers from various professions in the Health & Social Care sector who come to talk about their role.

The subject is taught by an outstanding team of teachers, many of whom have a previous background working in the health and social care sector, and bring a wealth of experience with them to the classroom. A range of different resources are provided to students to help support their learning. Students are regularly assessed and monitored; this ensures they do not fall behind and that they receive the right support and guidance. Teachers in the department are approachable and make themselves available to offer drop in sessions to help support students with any areas of difficulty. Revision and ‘skills targeted’ support sessions are offered throughout the year to help with the written exams.

There is a requirement to complete some placement hours. For the full BTEC (3 A Level equivalent) you normally complete 3 block weeks (totalling 100 hours). Our other courses have no compulsory requirement to complete a placement, however we normally arrange at least one placement for students as it helps support learning, through witnessing the practical application of what is learnt in the classroom.

We have a designated placement officer who will interview you at the beginning of the course to see what your career aims are. We then try to find a suitable placement for you, related to your future career plans. We use a range of placements including –
- Hospitals
- GP practices
- Secondary schools
- Residential Care Homes
- Primary Schools
- Pupil Referral Units
- Nurseries
- Midwifery Placements
- Nursing Homes