BTEC Health and Social Care (Diploma)

Why BTEC Health & Social Care?

The Health and Social Care course provides students with a sound foundation for a career in the allied caring services or as a spring board into higher education. The modules of work are designed to develop employment related skills. The course aims to give students foundation knowledge on legislation, policies and procedures within the health and social sector. It covers a diverse selection of topics such as sociology, psychology and biology to incorporate all aspects of health and development.

Course Type: BTEC
Exam Board: Pearson
Weight: Double
Specific Entry Requirements:
Grade 4 in Mathematics and English
Course Assessment:
The course involves 8 units, 6 are mandatory, and 2 optional units. External assessment (46% of which 29% external exam and 17% controlled assessment).
Contact Curriculum Leader for more information:
Mrs Chapman
Download Course Leaflet
Health and Social Care students can move on to Higher Education courses and careers in the following areas:
Nursing, Midwifery, Education, Community Work, Social Work, Welfare Work, Housing Services, Public Health, Health Services

Course Outline

Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development (Exam, externally assessed)

In this introductory unit, learners cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing. Learners will explore the key aspects of growth and development, and the experience of health and wellbeing. They will also learn about the factors that can influence human growth, development and human health. Some of these are inherited and some are acquired through our lifespan. A number of theories and models to explain human behaviour will also be studied. This unit is assessed by a written examination lasting 1 hour 30 minutes which contains both short and long answer questions.

Unit 2 – Working in Health and Social Care (Exam, externally assessed)

In this unit learners will understand what it is like to work in the health and social care sector. This will include gaining an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations. Learners will learn about the ways services are provide and delivered according to the needs of service users and also about the barriers that can prevent people getting the help they need. Legislation will also be studied and you will understand how services are regulated and monitored.

This unit is assessed by a written examination lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. The paper will comprise four sections each based on a different short scenario relevant to a different service user group. The paper will contain both short and long answer questions.

Unit 4 – Enquires into Current Research in Health and Social Care Practice (Controlled assessment – Externally assessed)

In this unit learners explore the method of research and investigate the implications for health and social care practice and services. Learners will study how the different research methods are used to gather information and the ethical issues that need to be considered. This unit will develop the skills needed to complete secondary research into an issue and you will also review research that has already been carried out and consider how the findings may benefit service users or improve practice. This unit is assessed under supervised conditions. Learners will be provided with Part A of the assessment six weeks prior to the supervised assessment period and will spend time researching this issue. The supervised assessment period lasts three hours and during this part learners will be given Part B which will assess their understanding of the research methods, the issues involved in planning research and the impact of research findings

Unit 5 - Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs (Coursework, Internally assessed)

In this unit learners focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals care and support needs which are the foundation for all the care disciplines. In this unit learners will study the values and principles of meeting care and support needs and look at some of the ethical issues that arise when personalising care. Factors that can impact on professionals who provide care and support will also be examined. The experience gained from this unit will be invaluable for anyone who wishes to pursue a health or social care related career or further education.

Unit 7 - Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care (Coursework, Internally assessed)

In this unit learners will explore the importance of safe working practices, safeguarding procedures and responding to emergency situations in health and social care settings. In this unit you will learn about the legal duty of care, the importance of legislation, policies and procedures in protecting individuals from harm, upholding their rights and promoting their welfare. This unit provides essential knowledge and understanding and forms a good basis for further study in health and social work and nursing qualifications. It also prepares you for work in this sector.

Unit 8 - Promoting Public Health (Coursework, Internally assessed)

In this unit learners will explore the aims of public health policy and the current approaches to promoting and protecting health and encouraging behaviour change in the population. In this unit leaners will discover how patterns of health and ill health of the population are monitored and how this leads to the development of public health policy.

Two further optional units – (Coursework, Internally assessed)

Learners will have an opportunity to study two further optional units in either sociology, biology or psychology. The units range from sociological perspectives, psychological perspectives physiological disorders and their care and nutritional health. Learners will submit a portfolio of work for each of the two units to be internally assessed.

Important Documents

Questions or Queries?

Should you have any queries or comments please contact Miss Duncombe (Sixth Form Admissions Officer) by either:

Email: sixthformadmissions@sandwellacademy.com

Or by post:

Sixth Form Admissions Officer,
Sandwell Academy,
Halfords Lane,
West Bromwich,
West Midlands,
B71 4LG.

Please ensure that the correct postage is paid for the size of envelope used.