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Key Facts

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (Year 1 of the National Diploma)

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (Year 1 of the National Diploma)

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The National Extended Certificate is the first year of the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care and is a practical, work-related course. Your assignments are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you develop the skills you need to start a career including: Emotional intelligence: in order to empathise with patients and act sensitively in difficult situations that others may be facing Communication: a core skill in many professions but especially in healthcare, where staff need to communicate effectively with patients and their families as well as with co-workers Teamwork: needed to work with colleagues for the good of a patient and this might mean taking on extra tasks and responsibilities Time management: when lives are at risk, it's crucial to prioritise what's important and the nature of the profession also means that you will often be pulled in different directions

This qualification is equivalent to one A Level, which means that when you have finished the course you may choose to go into full-time employment. In addition you will study GCSE Mathematics and English Language to gain that all important grade C/4 (if not already achieved)."

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other to include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference/school report.

    For admission on to the Extended Certificate or Diploma pathway (2x A-level equivalent over two years) 4 x GCSE's at 4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above, at Merit or above, in a relevant subject. You will have gained either English and/or maths at GCSE 4 or above or L2 Functional skills. A retake will be required in either English or Maths alongside the Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care.

    For admission on to the National Foundation Diploma / Extended Diploma pathway (3x A-level equivalent over two years) 5 x GCSE's at 4 or above. You will have gained English Language, Mathematics and Science at GCSE grade 4 or above and/or Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    A variety of assessment methods are used including presentations, practical work and case studies. Students study a range of units that may include:

    • Human Lifespan Development
    • Working in Health & Social Care
    • Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs

    Students will undertake a period of work placement and we will arrange for you to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, formally known as the CRB check. This will be explained to you upon enrolment.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Successful completion of the National Extended Certificate leads onto the second year of the Level 3 Diploma (equivalent to 2 A Levels). Alternatively you may go straight into employment where you could work and train in hospitals, nursing homes and health centres.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    This is a full time course. Students under 19 do not pay tuition fees. You may find it useful to read 'BTEC National Health & Social Care Student Book 1: For the 2016 Specification (BTEC Nationals Health & Social Care 2016) by Marilyn Billingham, Pamela Davenport, Hiliary Talman, Nicola Matthews, Beryl Stretch & Elizazbeth Hanworth prior to commencing the course.

    Early application is advisable as this course is popular. For further information please email Peri Williams-Ansah at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Assessment Details


    Two exams (externally assessed) and two coursework (Internally assessed).