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Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) - Level 3

Overview

IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.

This course is part of our 2+1 offer and MUST be studied alongside two other A Level courses only. It is the equivalent to 1 A Level.

This qualification allows students to engage in a broad investigation of various aspects of the health and social care sector. Whilst it has a strongly contextualised approach to learning, and explores a wide range of possible careers in the sector, it is primarily intended for students who wish to progress into higher education (either at university or through a higher-level apprenticeship) as a pathway to employment.

What does it combine with?

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What will I study?

  • Human lifespan and development - PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment.
  • Human biology and health - Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders.
  • Health and social care practice - Core principles, values and legislation that underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants on an individual health status.
  • Health, social policy and wellbeing - Public health policy and its influences, including health-related organisations/groups and a range of strategic factors.
  • Entry requirements
    • GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths 4-9
    • GCSE Double Science 4/4 and another GCSE grade 4-9

    OR

    • GCSE Triple Science grade 4/4/3 with 4 in Biology
    • An overall average of a grade 4*.

    *To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Assessment

    There are two externally examined units and two internally assessed units. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their health and social care knowledge.

  • Progression

    The course is designed for students with an interest in health and social care and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Typical next steps are degree courses* or higher-level apprenticeships in fields such as:

    • Health and Social Care
    • Social Work
    • Nursing
    • Healthcare Science
    • Paramedicine.

    *As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626.

  • Careers

    Students often go on to pursue careers in fields such as:

    • Nursing
    • Dental professions
    • Ambulance Service
    • Midwifery
    • Primary Care
    • Psychological professions.
  • Qualifications gained
    • Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)
    • EDEXCEL
  • Studying A Levels at WNC

    Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.

    You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.

    Visit the subject area page

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

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