Health & Social Care

Course Details

Health & Social Care is the study of health and social care and early years learning. The course provides a broad base for further training, further education or for moving into appropriate employment within the care sector.

Units at AS

Promoting quality care – mandatory - Exam
Communication in care settings – mandatory - Portfolio
Promoting good health – mandatory - Portfolio
Health and safety in care settings
Caring for people with additional needs
Working in early years care and education
Health as a lifestyle choice
Complementary therapies
Caring for older people

For the AS Single Award the three mandatory units must be taken.  For the Double Award a further three units will be optional within the exam boards guidelines.

Units at A2

Care practice and provision – mandatory – portfolio
Understanding human behaviour
Anatomy and physiology in practice
Child development
Mental-health issues
Social trends
Research methods in health and social care

For the A2 Single award three units must be taken one of which must be the mandatory unit.  For the Double award a further three units will be optional within the exam board guidelines.

Single Award a total of six units must be taken
Double Award a total of twelve units must be taken.

What are the skills required to start the course?
Students need to be literate and have the ability to investigate, analyse, problem-solve and evaluate. An interest in health, social care and early years learning is essential.

GCSE Requirements

Students are generally expected to have achieved at least a grade B in Health & Social Care.  For a New Start student grade B in English.

Possible Career Pathways

Health & Social Care can be studied at degree level and is relevant in numerous careers such as social work, childminder, nurse, dental hygienist, dentist, paramedic, clinical psychologist.