Health and Social Care
The OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) designed for post-16 students with an interest in the Health & Social Care sector and aims to help prepare learners for progression to undergraduate study or employment in the sector. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and practical skills in Health & Social Care as part of a study programme alongside A Levels or other vocational courses.
It is a versatile subject that is commonly combined with other subjects such as Applied Science, Psychology, Sociology, English (Lit/Lang), Criminology, Law and Public Services.
The course is made up of 6 units in total and is the equivalent of 1 A level.
Exam Units
Principles of health and social care:
This unit is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the key topics that are important to develop underpinning knowledge and understanding relevant to health and social care.
Topics include:
- Equality, diversity, and rights in health and social care settings
- Managing hazards, health and safety in health and social care settings
- Legislation in health and social care settings
- Best practice in health and social care settings
Anatomy and physiology for health and social care:
This unit is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the arrangement of body systems and the structure and function of the component parts. You will learn about key processes within each body system, that enable them to function properly. You will then explore conditions affecting these systems, specifically learning about the biological basis, monitoring, treatment and impact on lifestyle and independence.
Topics include:
- Cardiovascular system
- Respiratory system
- Digestive system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Control and regulatory systems
- Reproductive system
Coursework Units
Person-centred approach to care:
This unit is assessed by an assignment. In this unit you will learn the principles and values that underpin a person-centred approach to care and the practical tools that can be used to develop care plans for individuals. You will explore how to communicate in health and social care, how to build relationships and the barriers that need to be overcome to achieve person-centred care. You will learn to write outline care plans to suit individuals, using person-centred approaches and develop your reflective practice skills.
Topics Include:
- Taking a person-centred approach
- Meeting needs and providing support in a person-centred way Communication skills needed to offer person-centred care
Supporting people with mental health conditions
This unit is assessed by an assignment. In this unit you will learn about how individuals with mental health conditions can be cared for and supported in a way which is suitable for their needs. You will do this through exploring the meaning of mental health and mental health needs, and considering the main types of mental health conditions and how these may affect the life of individuals. You will explore the different ways that individuals may be supported to promote their mental wellbeing, manage their condition, and different forms of treatment and support that may be available.
Topics Include:
- Definitions and views of mental health
- Mental health conditions
- Provision of mental health services
- Treatment and support for mental health conditions
PLUS 2 further coursework units TBC
*Units and the Exam Board may be subject to change based on Governmental decisions/changes.
This course is generally taken alongside other qualifications which will allow progression on to a range of degree programmes within the health and social care sector. These include:
- Child Care
- Counselling
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Social Work
- Sports Studies
- Teaching
- Working with those with additional needs
This course provides skill development in: cognitive and problem-solving skills, critical thinking, intrapersonal skills, and interpersonal skills.
- Enrichment
- Guest Speakers
- Health Care Group
- Social Science and Beyond Careers Fair
Related Courses
Skip CoursesApplied Science
The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) is designed for post-16 students interested in pursuing science beyond GCSE. Equivalent to one A Level[...]
Biology
Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from[...]
Psychology
The Psychology course is an investigation into mind and behaviour. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and will appeal to anyone who is interested in understanding and[...]
Sociology
The study of Sociology provides you with alternative ways of looking at society and examines how people interact as individuals and in differing social groups within Britain and the world.
Latest From Aquinas
Two representatives from Waterbear Music College visited Aquinas on 7th October 2026 to deliver a presentation on the Music Industry and related careers. Waterbear is a relatively new Popular Music based institution with campuses in Sheffield and Brighton, offering degrees up to Masters level accredited by Falmouth University, formerly Dartington Arts College. All Lower 6th […]
Hard work and original storytelling have paid off for college student Rebecca Smith, whose short film Death is a Teenage Girl won the Comedy Genre Prize at the STEEL-TO-REEL College Film Competition. Developed during last year’s Filmmaking Enrichment program, Rebecca spearheaded the project entirely from scratch- from initial screenwriting and storyboarding to managing her own […]
A bumper crop of 30 Chemistry students took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Lower 6th Competition in June this year. The Cambridge Challenge extends students beyond the A-level specification with problem-solving questions that, this year, featured a mix force constants (pushing physical chemistry calculations) and IR spectroscopy (analysing complex structures from wavenumbers). They also […]
Aquinas College and the University of Salford have formalised their long standing partnership, cementing a relationship which will provide Aquinas students even greater access to the university’s world class facilities, industry leading expertise and academic insights.
