Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (BTEC Level 3)
What is the Course About?
This comprehensive, full-time course explores health and social care from birth right through to end of life, giving you a deep understanding of people, care principles and the support needs of individuals across the lifespan.
A key feature of this qualification is work placement, which plays an essential role in helping you develop confidence, practical experience and insight into real world care environments. This experience supports progression into a wide range of roles within the sector or prepares you for higher level study leading to careers such as nursing, midwifery, psychology, therapy and other allied health professions.
The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and carries a maximum of 168 UCAS tariff points.
You will study full time across a broad range of subjects, with one placement day per week included in the second year of the course.
While at UCM, you’ll also have opportunities to get involved in fundraising, community projects and a variety of enrichment activities.
You will complete 13 units in total. The following eight units are mandatory:
• 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
• Work Experience in Health and Social Care
• Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
• Promoting Public Health
In addition, you will study five specialist units, which may include:
• Understanding Mental Wellbeing
• Sociological Perspectives
• Psychological Perspectives
• Physiological Disorders and their Care
• Understanding Dementia
These units give you strong theoretical knowledge alongside practical vocational learning.
Will I need a DBS check for this course?
Yes, you will not need a DBS check for this course.
Will I need any specific resources, uniform and/or kit?
Yes - you will be provided with a uniform which must be worn to healthcare placements. No other uniform is required.
What are the days and hours of the course?
The course usually runs over three days per week at UCM (9am–4:30pm).
Your placement day brings your commitment to four days per week overall.
Timetables are issued during Induction in September.
Will I undertake work experience as part of the course?
Yes, you will undertake a minimum of 100 hours on placements throughout the course. These could be in any area of health or social care, and but we aim to match at least part of the 100 hours to your interests or aspirations.
A structured work placement forms part of the second-year curriculum.
Where opportunities allow, first year students may also take part in short placement experiences to build confidence and skills.
Opportunities to visit UCM
Useful links
Induction for further education students
Free school meals and transport
What are my progression and career options?
This qualification prepares you for employment in health and social care or progression to higher education.
Career options include:
• Health care assistant
• Support worker
• Police officer
• Education support officer
With further study, you could progress into:
• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Social work
• Psychology
• Teaching
• Allied health professions
How will I be assessed?
The first four mandatory units are externally assessed.
The remaining nine units include a variety of assessment methods such as:
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Written assignments
• Work based assessments
• Projects
• Performance observations
• Time constrained assessments
These assessments will form a portfolio of coursework.
Work related learning is embedded throughout, and many assignments are linked directly to your placement experience.
Entry requirements
• Four GCSEs at C or above or equivalent including Maths and English language
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure that you are suitable to work with vulnerable people
• A health check will need to be completed prior to the start of the course.
International applicants can find out further information here.
Please note, functional skills level 2 pass is equivalent to grade C.
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