Health and Social Care Extended Diploma

The Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a two-year vocational course, equivalent to three A Levels, with the same UCAS points, which offers a mix of study and work based experience. We offer the Health Studies Pathway with a range of units designed for students interested in a career in health, social care or social work. The course provides an excellent preparation for university, employment or professional training.   Students have progressed to a range of degree routes including physiotherapy, nursing, occupational therapy, paramedic science, social work, nutrition and  teaching.

The course comprises four days study in college and one day a week on work placement. Throughout the two years you will be assessed in a number of different ways, through assignments, projects, case studies and work placement activities.

The course consists of eighteen different units of study, each covering an area of health and care, including units relating to psychology, science, communication, nutrition, complementary therapies and public health. The skills and values needed in Health/Care are embedded throughout the course. .

Students are required to carry out work placement one day a week, throughout the course.  Two placements are specified and four placements are of the student’s own choice.  Placements are identified and then contacted directly by the students, with guidance from Tutors.   These could include a range of settings, for example, nursery/playgroup, school, hospital, elder care, special needs, charity organisations and day centres.  A minimum of 300 placement hours must be achieved by June in the second year.  Students have found that the skills and experience gained in practical placement have been important factors in gaining places on higher education/professional courses.

Health and Social Care is an excellent choice for those who know the broad area they eventually wish to work in; and we would strongly recommend it as a very good option for students wishing to progress to professional training.