Health, Science and Social Care Professions

Health and Social Care Level 3 Full-time

In Brief

Start Date

The course starts in September 2025 and will run for two years.

Entry requirements

  • You will need to hold five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and Maths or an Extended Diploma at Level 2 at Merit grade in a related subject with GCSE English and Maths at grade 4.
  • You will also take part in an interview prior to enrolling on the course.
  • You must undertake the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) process and provide the result.

You will achieve

You will achieve a BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care after successful completion of your first year of study and a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care after successful completion of your second year of study.

Course Code

FHSC

Course overview

If you want to pursue a career in the Health and Social Care sector, then this is the course for you!

This two-year programme will equip you with the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes required to work in the health and social care sector. Plus, you’ll have lots of work experience, as you complete a work placement of at least 100 hours.

This course has been created for those who wish to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to Higher Education or employment in the health and social care sector. The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels.

Course content

This course has been created for students who wish to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to Higher Education or employment in the health and social care sector. The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels.

By studying this course, you will develop a deep common core of knowledge, understanding and skills in the sector through mandatory content. It will allow you to focus on a particular aspect of the sector through a selection of optional units.

You will study eight mandatory units as part of your course. These are:

  • Anatomy and physiology for health and social care
  • Human lifespan development
  • Working in health and social care
  • Meeting individual care and support needs
  • Principles of safe practice in health and social care
  • Enquiries into current research in health and social care
  • Promoting public health
  • Work experience

To develop a better understanding of the demands of the sector and to enable you to be able to demonstrate your commitment and interest in the sector, you are required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours of work experience as part of the course. This is really beneficial when applying for further study or a job!

You will also have the opportunity to study a further five optional units which will be discussed throughout your course. These are subject to change each year but may include:

  • Infection protection and control
  • Sociological perspectives
  • Psychological perspectives
  • Understanding mental wellbeing
  • Supporting individuals with additional needs

The qualification is assessed through a range of methods including:

  • Internally set and assessed units.
  • Externally set and assessed units (these are examinations and synoptic assessments).

You will need to provide writing materials and stationery, a folder, a USB stick and have access to a computer (computers can be accessed in College).

This qualification is equivalent to three A Levels, which means students will be fully prepared for a range of health and social care degree programmes, higher level apprenticeships or employment. Upon completion, you could progress onto a range of our university-level courses including Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship, Professional Practice in Health and Social Care Foundation Degree or Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Apprenticeship.

See what careers are available in the Health and Social Care and Applied Science sectors. Use our online careers tool, Career Coach, to find out what your next steps could be.

How much does the course cost?

16 – 18 year olds

Full-time Barnsley College students aged 16-18 years old do not have to pay tuition fees.

Extra information

This course may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

For eligibility information and details about how to apply, visit the Advanced Learner Loan page. Or contact our Information Team by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

For further information please contact our friendly Information Team on +44 (0)1226 216 123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk

Having good English and Maths qualifications are important for most careers and we want to give you the help you need to succeed.

If you are aged 16 – 19 and don’t hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths, you will automatically be included in your study programme. If you want to work towards achieving a higher grade in English and Maths, we can help you do that too and we offer Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) which can be added to your study programme.

If you’re aged 19 or above and don’t hold a a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths we can help. We offer FREE English and Maths qualifications that can be studied on a part-time basis, subject to eligibility.

If you need any further information, please contact our Information Team by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing info@barnsley.ac.uk

Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Health and Social Care Level 3 Full-time

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