Health & Social Care

Health & Social Care

Qualification

Applied

Studying Health and Social Care here at QE will give you a valuable insight into the many different aspects of health and social care; the skills, knowledge and job roles that exist.

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This recognised qualification provides skills and knowledge for how to work in the health and social care sector. Through a blend of exams and coursework, you’ll develop the confidence and competence to work safely and professionally. You’ll explore vital topics such as safeguarding, anatomy and physiology, health, safety and security, equality and diversity, psychology, and nutrition.

Our course opens the door to the full spectrum of careers across health, social care, and early years provision. You’ll gain hands‑on experience through a work placement and have the chance to connect with a range of practising professionals, giving you real insight into the sector and helping you shape your future path.

Course Content

Topics include…

  • Principles of Health and Social Care
  • Person‑Centred Approaches to Care
  • Supporting People with Mental Health ConditionsAnatomy and Physiology
  • Supporting People with Long‑Term Physiological Conditions
  • Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles


L3 AAQ Health and Social Care – Extended Certificate
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How it is Taught

You will have the opportunity to work independently and as part of a group in class-based learning activities. In addition, you will speak to practitioners and service users from a range of health, social care and early years organisations. If you enjoy meeting new people and gaining information first hand you will find this course interesting.

Work experience will be arranged during the course to enable you to complete coursework and to assist with career planning.

You will develop and use skills of planning, research, report writing, self-reflection and evaluation.

Assessment Information

Assessment is delivered through a mix of exams and coursework, giving you the chance to show what you can do in different ways.

Over two years you will study two exams and four coursework units.

The qualification is equivalent to one A Level.

Entry Requirements

It is strongly recommended for you to have a grade 4 in GCSE English & Science. You must also meet the College general entry requirements for Advanced Level study. Please see the current Prospectus – Advanced Programmes, entry requirements.

In this subject, particular skills and aptitudes will be required, many of which will be demonstrated by students’ GCSE profiles.

Students will also need to meet the general College entry requirements. Entry requirements are subjects to change.

Careers & HE Information

The Level 3 Extended Certificate gives a firm foundation if you wish to work in the variety of careers available within the Health and Social Care sector. The wide variety of units enables you to meets the needs of people in any setting, in any job role. The course gives a vocational and academic grounding in all aspects of Health & Social Care. You have the opportunity to consider a range of options within each vocational pathway – health, social care and early years care and education.

Useful Subject Combinations

For progression into some careers, you are advised to combine Health and Social Care with other specific subjects. a career in teaching:

For a career in teaching: Students taking this course should also be studying a National Curriculum subject at advanced level e.g. English or History. You must also have at least Grade 4 in GCSE Maths, English and Science. or a career in nursing:

For a careers in nursing: You should also consider taking Applied Science, Psychology or Sociology with Health and Social Care.  Physiotherapy:

For Physiotherapy: You are advised to take a combination of Biology, Applied Science or PE. Physiotherapy is very popular and there is competition for places on courses with high grades required at A Level.

For Social Work: Sociology, Psychology or English combine well with Health and Social Care. Experience of working with different client groups and voluntary work is essential.

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Apply now for September entry 2026