HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Advanced Technical Award Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Lurgan Campus
Banbridge Campus
Pearson

Overview

The Level 3 Advanced Technical Award in Health and Social Care is a comprehensive programme designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required for a career in the health and social care sector. This course offers a balanced blend of theoretical learning and hands-on experience, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of the industry and the skills necessary to provide high-quality care.

This course provides much of the underpinning knowledge for the national occupational standards in health and social care and consequently acts as a robust introduction to the sector. Students will benefit from gaining a number of mandatory units as well as a wide range of optional and specialist optional units. They will also benefit from gaining work experience in the sector.

Throughout the course, students will study various aspects of health and social care, including human development, communication skills, and the principles and values that underpin effective care provision. They will explore topics such as anatomy and physiology, mental health and well-being, diversity and inclusion, and ethical considerations within the sector. Students will also gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern health and social care practice.

This course is equivalent to three A-Levels and will prepare students for employment in the health and social care sector or progression to higher education.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July 2024 and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Modules

Human Lifespan Development
Working in Health and Social Care
Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs

The course is assessed through a combination of external, internal and synoptic assessments. This balanced approach ensures that students can demonstrate their theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ability to apply health and social care concepts to real-world scenarios. Regular feedback and guidance from lecturers will support students' learning and progress throughout the course.

On successful completion of this course students may enter into professional training or university courses in areas such as nursing, midwifery, social work and occupational therapy. Alternatively student's may progress to the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or the Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice offered at Southern Regional College.

Upon successful completion of this course students may seek employment opportunities in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, community care organisations, or social service agencies.

Studying to higher level opens up many careers option such as nursing, midwifery, social work, health care management or other careers within the healthcare sector.