BTEC National Diploma Health and Social Care

BTEC National Diploma Health and Social Care

What is the National Diploma in Health and Social Care?
You will study 18 units over two years covering a range of social science related subjects which give you an understanding of people â€" biologically, psychologically and socially. These include Developing Effective Communication in Health and Social Care, Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care, Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology and Sociological and Psychological Perspectives. The unit Personal and Professional Development involves completing a minimum of 100 hours of work experience. The college will help you to arrange this.

The diploma is equivalent to three A levels and for most students it will make up the great majority of their programme at college. Much of the work you do will involve looking at local health and social care settings which will give you an understanding of how the ideas, theories and legislation you have studied in college affect people's lives. Health and Social Care may sound like a course only for social workers and nurses but it has, in reality, a much wider relevance than that and provides a recognised qualification for career training in many allied professions.

In addition to the mandatory units, a variety of optional units are studied each year. The selection of these units is made to reflect the interests of a particular year group and to ensure that a range of areas are covered.

It may be possible to study 12 units over two years in order to achieve a BTEC National Certificate.

Is the National Diploma in Health and Social Care suitable for me?
Many students like BTEC courses because there are no exams and since course work is assessed throughout the course they have a clear idea of how they are doing and what grades they are achieving. Staffprovide students with regular feedback about their work and students tell us that they appreciate the support given. Continuous assessment does mean that students need to work consistently hard throughout the two year, often on more than one piece of coursework at a time, to achieve a good grade. Good time management skills are therefore very important.

Work experience is an important part of the course and gives students a real insight into the various professions and the opportunity to practise their skills. It can also help students to make decisions about future careers.

The range of units you study is very wide so it is provides a suitable foundation for a wide variety of careers.

It is possible for students to study an AS level alongside their National course, although this is likely to be a challenging programme of study. If you are interested in becoming a primary school teacher you may want to think about this as some courses require you to have studied a national curriculum subject at A level.

How will I learn?
You will have a mixture of formal and less formal learning experiences. Some sessions will be in the form of lectures but you will also participate in a mixture of activities whether working individually or in groups. You will participate in role plays, discussions and presentations. Some time will be available for supported independent study to help you with coursework and your own research.

As with other Advanced level courses homework is a vital part of your studies. On average you will be expected to do between 8 and 10hours per week but you may need to allocate more time when assignments are due.

As part of your course you will register with vinvolved and spend a few hours each week at a placement of your choice. In addition at the end of the first year you will be able to spend two full weeks at work experience.

You will also study Key Skills in ICT.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework: Year 1- 100%.

Year 2 - 100%

All units are assessed internally by your staff and then moderated by the exam board (Edexcel). Your work will be graded pass, merit or distinction and at the end of the course these grades combine together to generate three overall grades, which carry UCAS points in line with those of 'A' level grades.

Progression
Students go on to a variety of higher education courses and jobs. In the past students have taken courses leading to professional qualifications in primary teaching, nursing, occupational therapy, midwifery, speech therapy, social work, and youth and community work. Some students have opted to take a subject oriented degree course at university, such as psychology, social policy, early years studies and health studies. Other students have immediately entered employment where they have taken up places in nurseries, nursing and residential homes where they have pursued further training. Some students have chosen to work less directly with people and gone on to work in administration in social care services.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbooks, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate).

Essential Costs: £20 - £40 for books.

There may be one or two visits planned during the two years.

In addition you will need to pay for a CRB check, if you have not already had one.

If the cost of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: Edexcel

Entry Requirements You should have at least five C grades or above at GCSE, one of which must be Maths or English.