Health and Social Care – Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma

Health and social care will appeal to you if you are interested in working with people within a health care setting or a social care setting. Although no prior knowledge of the subject is required, you will need to have a good work ethic in order to meet the demands of a course assessed by a high proportion of coursework. You will also benefit from organising your own work placement in a health or social care setting alongside your timetabled hours of study.

What will you study and learn?

This course is available to study as an Introductory Diploma, worth 1 A-level, a Diploma, worth 2 A-levels and an Extended Diploma, worth 3.

You will apply communication and relationship building skills in a practical way, considering how different factors, including context, can impact on the building of positive relationships. Students will also be introduced to the concept of the person-centred approach which will help with their relationship building skills. Students will begin to understand the implications of diversity in practice and also the effects of discriminatory practice on individuals who require care or support.

Throughout the variety of modules you will develop an understanding of different theories and be able to explain them through the use of case studies and real life experiences from your work placement. Students will also learn how to analyse the benefits and weaknesses of these theories which can be applied to context such as health, education and child care.

Course content and examinations

The course will be a mixture of mandatory and optional units.

Mandatory units:

For the Introductory Diploma:

• Developing effective communication in health and social care

For the Diploma:

• As above, plus:
• Equality, diversity and rights
• Health, safety and security
• Development through the life stages
• Sociological perspectives
• Psychological perspectives

For the Extended Diploma:

• As above, plus:
• Anatomy and physiology

For each qualification, there are a range of optional units, including:

• Personal and professional development
• Caring for children and young people
• Nutrition for health and social care
• Dementia care

Where could the subject take you?

This qualification will support further study in Further Education or higher education, such as degrees or foundation degrees. The qualification will also support progression into any type of care service such as child care or specialist support workers in any health or social care settings.