Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (BTEC Level 3)
What is the Course About?
A broad course that covers birth to death and everything in between. Work placement is an integral part of the course which equips students to move on into a wide range of roles within the sector or to undertake further study to train to enter professions such as nursing, midwifery, psychology, therapy and many others.
This qualification is equivalent to three A-Levels with a maximum UCAS tariff of 168 points.
The course is full time and covers a broad range of subjects with a one day a week work placement built into the second year of the course.
Whilst studying at UCM, you will be encouraged to become involved in fundraising and enrichment activities.
What will I study?
You will study 13 units, the following eight are mandatory:
• Human Lifespan Development
• Working in Health and Social Care
• Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
• Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
• Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
• Work Experience in Health and Social Care
• Principals of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
• Promoting Public Health
There will also be an additional 5 specialist units that could include:
Understanding Mental Wellbeing
Sociological Perspectives
Psychological Perspectives
Physiological Disorders and their Care
Understanding Dementia
Will I need a DBS check for this course?
Yes
Will I need any specific resources, uniform and/or kit?
Students will be provided with a uniform which must be worn to healthcare placements.
What are the days and hours of the course?
The course typically runs over 3 days per week (9-4.30) in UCM and placement day takes the course to 4 days per week overall.
Timetables are issued during Induction in September.
Will I undertake work experience as part of the course?
Work placement takes place throughout second year of the course as part of the work placement unit. Where placements are available, first year students will have the opportunity to experience a period of relevant work placement.
Opportunities to visit UCM
Useful links
Induction for further education students
What are my progression and career options?
This qualification will help to prepare you for employment in the Health and Social Care sector or to progress onto higher education.
Possible career opportunities include becoming a health care assistant, support worker, police officer, education support officer and with further study, you could also possibly enter careers in nursing, midwifery, social work, psychology and teaching.
How will I be assessed?
The first four mandatory units are externally assessed. The remaining 9 units consist of a variety of assessment methods including: case studies, presentations, assignments and work-based assessments, along with projects, performance observation and time constrained assessments. These assignments will form a portfolio of course work. Work Related Learning is built into the course and many aspects of the course assignments will be based on relevant work experience.
Entry requirements
• Four GCSEs at C or above or equivalent including Maths and English language
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure that you are suitable to work with vulnerable people and a health check will need to be completed prior to the start of the course.