Why choose this course?
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 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 also been involved in order to confirm that the content is also appropriate for those interested in working in the health and social care sector.
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Start date: 08/09/2025
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Experienced tutors
industry-standard facilities
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learn from experts
You will be taught by staff with a wide range of experience who will advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of working in the sector. Our Level 3 team are dedicated to ensuring you have the most enjoyable and successful start at college life.
Develop work-related skills
During your tutorial programme, you will also develop personal and work-related skills which will help prepare you for the challenges you will face within progression in education and/or full-time work.
Dedicated work experience
You will need to undertake a minimum of 100 hours work placement as part of the course which will support you in developing relevant and current sector specific skills.
What will I learn?
The qualification develops a deep common core of knowledge, understanding care values and professional skills in the sector through mandatory content and a range of first year units. In the second year, the course is designed to explore a range of health and social care related modules related to health, well-being and social care.
We will also tailor your work placement experience to your chosen pathway to ensure you are maximising your opportunities to learn in a range of settings.
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.
Mandatory Modules
- Unit 1: Working in Health and Social Care
- Unit 2: Human Lifespan Development
- Unit 3: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
- Unit 4: Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
- Unit 5: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
- Unit 6: Work Experience in Health and Social Care
- Unit 7: Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
- Unit 8: Promoting Public Health
Optional Modules (Learners will study a further 5 optional units from the list below)
- Unit 10: Sociological Perspectives
- Unit 11: Psychological Perspectives
- Unit 12: Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs
- Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care
- Unit 16: Policy in Health and Social Care
- Unit 19: Nutritional Health
- Unit 20: Understanding Mental Wellbeing
- Unit 25: Complementary Therapies for Health and Social Care
- Unit 26: Health Psychology
Work Placement
To develop a better understanding of the demands of the sector and to demonstrate your commitment and interest in the sector when applying for further study, you are required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours’ of work experience as part of the course. Within this we will support you to develop a Placement Experience Portfolio to take on to university and work interviews to demonstrate the skills you have developed throughout the course.
Where will it take me?
Successful completion of the course should leave you fully prepared for a range of health and social care degree-level programmes, including Nursing, Midwifery, Teaching and Psychology. It will also provide opportunities for employment or further training within the sector. Previous students have also progressed onto Sociology, Nutrition, Dental Nursing, and other allied health care professions.
This qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses including:
- 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
You should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific higher education providers.
Assessment arrangements
Assessment is continuous throughout the course and consists of a range of internal and external tasks including:
- 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
These external assessments will aid your time management, organisation and research skills that contributes to effective practice when working within the Health and Social Care Sector.
entry requirements
Four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above. This must include English (Language or Literature) and/or Maths, preferably Science and one other GCSE at a minimum of Grade 4. You will also be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service clearance check for work placement.
information & support
On successful completion of year one, students will achieve the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care and continue to complete the full Level 3 Extended National Diploma in the second year.
Awarding body: Pearson
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