Health and Social Care BTEC
What is Health and Social Care all about?
The course gives a broad overview of the Health and Care sector covering all age groups from birth to caring for the elderly.
The course is the equivalent of 1,2 or 3 A levels depending on the number of optional units taken. Work experience in various settings will be provided.
Course Content
The course will be offered as a 1, 2 or 3 A level equivalent—Extended Certificate, Diploma or Extended diploma. More units will be taken for the larger courses.
First Year Course Content
Unit 1—Human Lifespan Development
This compulsory unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of patterns of human growth and development. Physical, intellectual, emotional and social development are studied in all age groups. The course also covers theories and models to interpret behaviour throughout the lifespan of a person.
Unit 2—Working in Health and Social Care
This compulsory unit will help you understand what it is like to work in the health and social care sector. You will look at the roles and responsibilities within the sector such as midwives, social workers, care workers and doctors. People with specific needs such as learning disabilities are also studied.
Second Year Course Content
Unit 5 - Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
This course is about being able to provide the correct care for a person when and where it is needed. It looks at how agencies must work together to produce the best care and also the need for preventing discrimination. The skills and personal qualities of the care giver are also examined.
Optional units— examples include:-
- Sociological perspectives
- Psychological perspectives
- Work Experience in the Health and Social Sector
- Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs
- Promoting Public Health
- Working with dementia patients
Assessment Criteria
Units 1 and 2 are assessed by written examinations.
Unit 5 and any optional units taken are examined by assessed coursework.
Students can achieve a pass, merit or distintion grade.
Future careers linked to this subject:
- Midwife/nurse/health visitor
- Early years teacher
- Occupational therapist/physiotherapist
- Social worker
- Paramedic
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 in English, Maths and Science
Examination Board
BTEC Level 3 Examination in Health and Social Care
Teacher to Contact: