Health and Social Care – Level 2 First Diploma

Entry Requirements:

Minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 (or D) or better

OR

Level 2 Vocational Programme at Merit or above (e.g. BTEC/NVQ/OCR National) PLUS two GCSEs 9-4 (or A*-C)

Course details

BTEC Level 2 First Diploma in Health and Social Care is a one year course ideal for any student who would like a career in the health or social care sector.You will study a range of units with a combination of coursework and exams and if successful it will also allow you to progress onto a Level 3 qualification. From Level 3 you can then apply to do a university degree course.

• 12.5% Exam
• 87.5% Coursework

Exam Component:

• Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development
• Unit 9: Healthy Living

There is a one-hour exam for each of the units, consisting of a short and long answer questions, with an opportunity for extended writing within the exam.

Coursework component:

• Effective Communication in Health and Social Care (30 GLH)
• Equality and Diversity in Health and Social Care (30 GLH)
• Individual Rights in Health and Social Care (30 GLH)
• The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Well-being (30 GLH)

Method of assessment

Students will complete a range of coursework tasks in order to meet the set learning requirements for each unit. Tasks vary between traditional reports and newer exploratory learning assessments. Coursework can be assessed in a variety of ways including practical activities. All tasks have a kinaesthetic, vocational educational basis and are marked and moderated continuously throughout the year. There are also two examined based units which require some short and long answers and counts at 12.5 % towards the overall grade on the course. Part of the course assessment is based upon completion of a one-week period of a practical work placement within a local health and social care service.

The coursework assessment really suits the way I learn.

-BTEC Health and Social Care student

Course Structure

BTEC First Diploma features 12 units and counts as 4 GCSEs. You will be awarded a pass, merit or distinction on each unit and then your overall grade for the 12 units will be calculated giving you your final result for the course. The course also features a period of work placement. The work placement is arranged to suit student living arrangements, transportation and interest in further careers.

Skills

Skills and knowledge acquired are transferable and will enable individuals to meet changing circumstances, in their own lives, or future employment.

• They gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment as a health or social care worker, or progress to Degree level at University.
• It develops knowledge, understanding and skills of learners to meet the needs of the Health & Social Care sectors and also the academic requirements of study at University.
• Health and Social care sectors and also the academic requirements of study at University.
• It looks in detail at the role of the Health or Social care worker, their relationship with patients/service users and their responsibilities towards patients/service users and the wider health and social care sectors.
• It provides opportunities for learners to develop key skills, such as improving own learning and performance and working with others.
• It provides opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

Careers/Destinations

• Many students progress onto the BTEC level 3 qualification from completion of this course.
• Some students progress onto apprenticeships in the health and social care sector.
• Due to the broad nature of the course there are a range of careers that would relate to this course working with adults or children in a carer’s role.

Who does this subject?

This subject is ideal for students who want to follow a career in a caring profession either in Health or Social Care. It is particularly useful for those students who would like to progress onto an A level advanced course possibly the BTEC 3 A level Course. After completing this one-year course, as long as students gain a minimum of an overall merit with evidence of distinction in at least two of your units you will be able to progress to BTEC advanced courses, which are the equivalent to A levels.