Course Overview

This two-year course, is designed to deliver you into employment in the sector or to support you to progress on to a university programme at University Centre Somerset or other universities. It is equivalent to three A Levels and has the same UCAS points as other Level 3 qualifications. If you are considering a career in the health care sector, nursing or social work, this course will support you to discover the range of employment options within the health and social care sector.

The course offers valuable work experience opportunities in a range of placements with local care providers, including care of the elderly and specialist care placements. It will help you develop key skills that are valued by employers and universities and gain confidence by developing independent learning skills that will support you to access further training and qualifications.

Units may include:

• Human growth and development
• Working in health and social care
• Anatomy and physiology for health and social care
• Psychological and sociological perspectives in health and social care
• Infection prevention in health and social care.

You will have an opportunity to apply learning in a practical and realistic way, both in the classroom and on work placements.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence using a range of assessment methods. These may include assignments, individual research, project work, presentations, and written assignments. There are two external independent tasks that must be completed over the two years. You will also complete 100 hours of work placements in health and social care related settings in each year of the course.

Progression Options

On completion of your course, you will have a learnt a variety of transferable skills that are in great demand and recognised by employers, universities and colleges as being of great value. These skills will help you gain access to a range of career opportunities in the health sector, residential settings, in the community, primary care and acute health environments and community-based support work. If you wish to continue your studies, you can study higher education level courses at University Centre Somerset or other universities.