BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
This course provides opportunity to apply to Degree study at university and to gain practical work placement experiences in an array of health and social care settings. The qualification develops a deep common core of knowledge, understanding and skills in the sector.
Why choose this course
Do you enjoy caring for people and have a compassionate and/or scientific mind? Do you want to develop your communication skills and practical abilities through mandatory work placements in a variety of health and social care settings? The course is structured to support and develop your confidence and individual strengths, from classroom led learning to practical experiences in health and social care settings. The Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is intended as an applied general qualification. It is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in the health and social care sector.
The qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels. On successful completion of year one, students will achieve the Level 3 Foundation Diploma and continue to complete the full Extended National Diploma in the second year.
Apply for this course
Start date: 08/09/2025
Top Course Highlights
Small classes
Excellent tutor support
mandatory work placement
trips and guest speakers
Experience Practical Settings
Mandatory work placement within Health and social Care settings of your choice
Friendly and experienced staff
The Health and Social Care Department is friendly, supportive, ambitious, and hardworking. Achievement in this subject relies heavily on your attendance, punctuality, and commitment to learning, both independently and within lectures.
Successful University Acceptances
Outstanding success rates for University Applications into a broad range of health and social care related subjects such as Adult Nursing, Paramedic Science, Midwifery, Forensic Science, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work and Counselling degrees.
What will i learn?
The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education to ensure it supports progression to higher study. Employers and professional bodies have been involved to confirm that the content is also appropriate for those interested in working in the sector.
It allows you to focus on a particular aspect of the sector through a selection of optional units, including a route that focuses specifically on health studies.
In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin study of the health and social care sector, this qualification gives you experience of the breadth and depth that will prepare you for further study in the sector. This includes the opportunity for you to choose a health studies pathway with options reflecting the progression opportunities in healthcare.
Mandatory Modules
Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
Human Lifespan Development
Working in Health and Social Care
Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
Promoting Public Health
Work Experience in Health and Social Care
Optional Modules for General Pathway
(Learner will study five optional units from their chosen pathway)
Sociological Perspectives
Psychological Perspectives
Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs
Nutritional Health
Caring for Individuals with Dementia
Assessing Children’s Development Support Needs
Optional Modules for Health Studies Pathway
Microbiology for Health Science
Genetics
Where will it take me?
Successful completion of this course should allow entry into Higher Education in a broad range of areas, including nursing, midwifery, teaching, social work, and psychology. Students can also look for employment within the Health and Social Care sector or become a higher-level Apprentice.
This qualification is the focus of a two-year study programme of learning and is equivalent to three A Levels, meaning that you will be fully prepared for a range of health and social care degree programmes.
The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses. You should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific higher education providers.
The health studies pathway in the qualification is more scientific in nature and you will study a wider range of health science units. This will support you when applying for degree programmes that expect larger amounts of prior scientific knowledge.
General Pathway
- BSc (Hons) in Nursing
- BA (Hons) in Social Work
- BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy
- BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy
- BSc (Hons) in Speech Therapy
- BA (Hons) in Health and Social Care
Health Studies Pathway
- Radiography
- Midwifery and Nursing
- Paramedic Science
- Podiatry
- Healthcare Science
- NHS Practitioner Training Programme
Assessment arrangements
Assessment is continuous throughout the course and consists of written tasks, presentations, demonstrations and controlled assessments. You will also be required to sit two external exams in year 1 and another one in year 2 as part of the course requirements. This will aid your time management, organisation and research skills that contributes to effective practice when working within the Health and Social Care Sector.
Internal assessment tasks may include:
- Presentations
- Demonstration of practical skills
- Discussions
- Extended pieces of writing
External assessment tasks will include:
- Exam papers – two in year 1 and one in year 2
- One controlled assessment in year 2
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above. This must include English (Language or Literature) and/or Maths, preferably Science and 1 other GCSE at a minimum of grade 4. You will also be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service clearance check.
Information and Support
Independent practice will be supported through PowerPoints, worksheets, practice exam papers and other guides available through our Moodle support page.
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£26,166
Entry Level Salary
£7,435
Average Salary
£18,388
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£68,038
Entry Level Salary
£27,302
Average Salary
£46,606
Annual openings in Cornwall
16
Potential Salary
£49,275
Entry Level Salary
£18,578
Average Salary
£34,237
Annual openings in Cornwall
16
Potential Salary
£32,071
Entry Level Salary
£7,969
Average Salary
£22,537
Annual openings in Cornwall
37
Potential Salary
£78,747
Entry Level Salary
£13,453
Average Salary
£33,979
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£30,261
Entry Level Salary
£7,031
Average Salary
£19,931
Annual openings in Cornwall
190
Potential Salary
£35,402
Entry Level Salary
£11,392
Average Salary
£21,973
Annual openings in Cornwall
27
Potential Salary
£28,834
Entry Level Salary
£5,919
Average Salary
£16,778
Annual openings in Cornwall
