BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 3 Pearson

When & Where

10 September 2025 - 26 June 2026 ( 472.5 hours, 35 weeks )
Morning, Afternoon, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
View course timetable
North Kensington Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes (course free to 16-18 year olds)
Tutor Multiple
Course Code K25ESWC05A
Suitable For This course is free for 16-18s

What you will learn

This two-year study programme prepares you for a variety of careers in health and social care, for example, midwifery, nursing, social or youth work and occupational therapy. You will complete a substantial work placement in a clinical healthcare setting as part of your course. BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care courses are designed for Post-16 Level 3 learners wishing to go on to further or higher level study of the sector or directly to employment. All sizes attract UCAS points and are widely recognised by universities and employers. Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress into higher education or find work in a healthcare setting.You will study a variety of optional units in addition to eight mandatory units:Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social CareHuman Lifespan DevelopmentWorking in Health and Social CareMeeting Individual Care And Support NeedsPrinciples of Safe Practice in Health and Social CareEnquiries into Current Research in Health and Social CarePromoting Public HealthWork Experience in Health and Social Care. To develop a better understanding of the demands of the sector and to demonstrate your commitment and interest in the sector when applying for further study, you are required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours’ of work experience as part of the course and for learners.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

There are eight mandatory units, four internal and four external. you must complete and achieve at near pass grade or above in all mandatory external units and achieve a pass or above in all mandatory internal units
You must complete at least five optional units.

On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care [EDEXCEL]

Class format and activities

The course includes units that are externally assessed through written exams set and marked by Pearson. This will help you as you progress either into higher levels of vocational learning or to related academic qualifications. The remaining units are internally assessed. Internal assessment allows you to develop a wider range of skills and provides evidence towards meeting the unit assessment criteria. Evidence for assessment can be generated through a range of activities, including role play, practical performance and verbal presentations. There is also a mandatory synoptic assessment which requires you to apply learning from across the qualification within a defined vocational task. The assessment for Unit 4: Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care, requires that you complete a research commentary based on a pre-released article and your secondary research, drawing together your knowledge and understanding of working practices and provision of services.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths. An enhanced DBS check is required before starting the course. Progressing Morley students will be considered without the requisite entry requirements if they are able to provide a good reference for attitude, behaviour, attendance and punctuality from their current tutor.

What you need to know before you enrol

You will be required to undertake a work placement in a health and social care setting during your course. Start making enquiries with local employers now. Please note, many settings within the health and social care sector require all staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and therefore you may find it difficult to source a placement - and therefore achieve your qualification - if you are not fully vaccinated.

What you need

You should arrive to your lessons prepared to learn with pens, pencils and a writing pad. All other resources and materials you need will be provided. In the event of teaching moving online, you will need a computer with internet access for online lessons via MS Teams on a daily basis.

What you can do next

This qualification is equivalent to three A-Levels, meaning that you will be fully prepared for a range of health and social care degree programmes. The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses, for example:BSc (Hons) in NursingBA (Hons) in Social WorkBSc (Hons) in PhysiotherapyBSc (Hons) in Occupational TherapyBSc (Hons) in Speech TherapyBA (Hons) in Health and Social Care