BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care

(new AAQ from 2025)

Year 12

Year 13

BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care is made up of four units over two years and is worth the equivalent of an A level when completed.

The course involves the study of the health and social care sector, how the NHS developed, the structure, issues that affect it, organisations and employment.  Visits to healthcare settings, and visits from social work professionals form an integral part of the course as first-hand experience is important for coursework.

The course involves using a range of skills including, report writing, investigation, presentation, communication, and IT.

Unit 1 - Human Lifespan Development

Written Exam – 90 mins

Health and social care practitioners need to develop a knowledge base for working with people in every stage of their lives, and they need to know how their own experiences relate to health and wellbeing. Although it is generally accepted that there may be deterioration in health with age following adulthood, medical intervention means people are living longer and have better life prospects.

Unit 3 – Principles of Health and Social Care Practice

Coursework assignment

In this unit, students will need to understand the principles of health and social care practice which underpin meeting the care and support needs of individuals. They will examine how organisation, legislation and guidance inform practice in health and social care. Students will also examine how social determinants affect the health status of individuals and the

importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in practice.

Unit 2 – Human Biology and Health  

Written exam – 90 mins

Students will need to know and understand the organisation of the human body, body systems, disorders of the body and effect on body systems. This includes understanding cells, tissues, bones, cartilage etc. This unit requires an in-depth understanding of the biology element of Science GCSE.

Unit 5: Promoting Health Education

Coursework assignment

Students will explore the purpose of health education, models and approaches to educating the public and encouraging behaviour change in the population.

Health education aims to promote awareness of health issues and to prioritise the health of the population. It helps reduce susceptibility to developing particular illnesses and provides advice and information on disease prevention. Health education can be tailored to target specific populations on health issues and can support behaviour change.

Links Well With:

BTEC Health and Social Care links particularly well with Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Business Studies, English Literature, or Language.

Progression Routes:

The BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care provides UCAS points for university. You can study for a degree, BTEC L4, HNC or HND. Alternatively, you can apply for an Advanced Apprenticeship in Health Care, Nursery assistant, Childcare or Administration. Employment opportunities are diverse and include Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work or Caring roles. The skills learnt enable you to gain employment in Health Care, Social Care and childcare.

Entry Requirements:

GCSE average point score of Grade 5 or above (Combined Science GCSE at grade 5 minimum)