Entry Requirements
You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English Language
Assessment Method
This course is assessed by coursework & exams
About this course
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who:
Wish to progress onto a career within the Allied Health Professions
Wish to progress to university to study a course in the Health Profession such as Physiotherapy, Midwifery, Nursing, Social Work Speech and Language Therapist and many more
Wish to develop (through placement experience) the special strengths and qualities needed for work in the health and social care sectors (100 hours of work placement are required for the full Diploma qualification)
Have a high level of commitment to study and to helping people
Are willing to embrace a flexible approach to their own learning
We recommend any student who has an interest in studying Health and Social Care, also studies a science based subject alongside this. This is especially applicable for those who would like to progress into Health Professions.
What will you learn?
This qualification has been developed with input from universities to make sure you gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to succeed in higher education and future careers in health and social care.
You’ll study three mandatory units that cover:
Human Lifespan and Development – Learn how people grow and develop throughout their lives, the factors that can affect their health and wellbeing, and how different professionals provide care and support.
Human Biology and Health – Explore how the human body works, how its systems function, and how common health conditions can affect people’s lives.
Health and Social Care Practice – Understand the values, principles, and laws that shape health and social care services, and how social factors can influence a person’s health.
In addition, your teachers will select one optional unit each year. This is carefully chosen to reflect the interests, career ambitions, and future study plans of the students on the course. Optional topics include:
Health, Social Policy and Wellbeing – Discover how public health policies are made and the role of organisations and strategies in promoting health.
Promoting Health Education – Learn how health education campaigns work and the different ways to encourage people to improve their health.
Safe Environments in Health and Social Care – Understand how to create safe, supportive environments for people in care settings and the regulations that guide this.
Health Science – Study different types of infections and their effects locally, nationally, and globally.
What skills will you develop?
This course will help you build a wide range of valuable skills for further study and future careers in health and social care.
You’ll develop:
Professional values and communication skills, including listening, teamwork and empathy.
Organisational and critical thinking skills to support decision-making and problem-solving.
Cultural awareness and the ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Interpersonal skills, such as compassion, adaptability and managing challenging situations.
Time management, independent learning and academic research skills.
These skills will not only prepare you for health and social care-related degrees but are also highly transferable to a wide range of careers and study pathways.
Related Courses
Looking for something that works well with this course? Here are some related courses to consider.
Health
Applied Science
Childcare
Progression routes
After completing this qualification, many students go on to higher education, with popular degree choices including:
BSc Nursing
BSc Social Work
BSc degrees in Health and Social Care-related subjects
It’s an ideal course if you’re aiming for a career in health, social care, or related professions, providing a strong foundation for university and beyond.