Health & Social Care / Psychology & Counselling

This course is designed for school leavers or those progressing from a Level 2 Heath & Social Care qualification who are looking to pursue a career in the health and social care sector. Individuals should be caring and compassionate, have a keen interest in mental and physiological wellbeing and wish to study at an advanced level whilst also gaining invaluable “on the job” experience.

The BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care is aimed at preparing 16–18-year-olds for work, higher level apprenticeships or higher education. Students who achieve this qualification could look forward to a future career in Paramedic Science, Psychology, Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work or Professional Policing.

This Level 3 course is an in-depth study of the health and social care sector through the study of the following eight mandatory units:

1. Human Lifespan Development
2. Working in Health and Social Care
3. Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
4. Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
5. Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
6. Work Experience in Health and Social Care
7. Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
8. Promoting Public Health

You will also study an additional four optional units which may include the following:

• Infection Prevention and Control
• Sociological Perspectives
• Psychological Perspectives
• Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs
• Physiological Disorders and their Care
• Policy in Health and Social Care
• Caring for Individuals with Dementia
• Assessing Children’s Development Support Needs
• Nutritional Health
• Understanding Mental Wellbeing
• Biochemistry for Health

As part of this programme, you will take part in an industry placement where you will put the theory you have learned into practice. You will learn how to communicate with professional practitioners, as well as, patients/clients/service users. You will contribute to care plans, and support with activities designed to help individuals remain physically and mentally active whilst, at the same time, maintaining high care and safety standards, and putting patients at the heart of your decisions

The course will be delivered in a number of ways to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for future career success. Classroom lessons will be engaging and will include individual tasks, group activities, projects, presentations, role plays, research, videos and Q and A’s.

At BLC we have links to many local employers and alumnus, who are happy to come in to give guest talks, careers advice and participate in marketing activity such as case studies. There may also be the opportunity to get paid employment with these employers whilst you study.

In addition to your classroom studies, you will participate in trips and visits to places such as, the Live Simulation Suite at the University of Derby, Leeds Medical Museum and the live operating theatre at Keele University.

You will have the opportunity to gain enrichment qualifications, such as, British Sign Language, first aid and food hygiene. These have helped previous BLC students secure part time work in the sector during their studies.

You will be encouraged to participate in a range of fund-raising events throughout the year in support of various charities, and have access to a Virtual Work Experience module which you will complete independently. Activities that can gain you extra qualifications and add value to your CV and personal statements.

Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care

Equivalent to studying 3 A levels and carries the same UCAS (University points).

Depending on your chosen occupational specialism you could progress on to;

• employment in the health and public sectors,
• a higher/degree level apprenticeship.
• or a university course.

You will be assessed on your core knowledge through a combination of examinations and written assignments which will take place at various times over the 2-year course period.

You will need a minimum of a four Grade 4 GCSEs including English language and maths.

As this programme will involve working with vulnerable adults and/or children, you will be required to undertake a satisfactory disclosure and barring service (DBS) check (at your own cost).

This qualification has been designed for practitioners who are currently employed (either paid or voluntary) in a health and social care setting. The Foundation Degree builds on your work experience and will involve support from your employer via a mentor and gives you the chance to earn whilst you learn.

The Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Derby and will be delivered by the College, by tutors from a vocational background. It is open to practitioners from all types of health and social care settings.

The Foundation Degree is work-based and many tasks are carried out in the workplace with the support of a work-based mentor. You’ll also need to allow time at home for research.

At each stage you will study the core modules, which are to be confirmed, through work based activities, creative presentations, discussions and research.

• Five GCSE grades C or above, one of these must include English.
• A relevant and current Level 3 qualification such as the BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.

If you do not have these qualifications, are over 21 and have relevant work experience, the entry requirements are negotiable.

Students should be working in a health and social care setting for at least two days each week, paid or voluntary.

You’ll be assessed through a range of:

• presentations

• essays

• case studies

• portfolios.

The Foundation Degree counts as 240 credits towards a full Honours Degree. Students may wish to study for a full Honours Degree in Education, Early Childhood Studies or Health and Social Care upon competition of the course.