16-18 Courses, 16-18: A Levels

Health and Social Care (Level 3 Extended Certificate)

Course Overview

Entry requirements

Enrolment on an A Level programme requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 4, including English and maths.

Specific criteria for this subject:

  • A minimum average point score of 4.25

Course information

If you are applying to Havering Sixth Form Campus:

The Health and Social Care BTEC Extended Certificate qualification is a two-year course and is equivalent to one A Level. It has to be taken alongside two other A Levels and it aims to support access to a range of higher education courses in health and social care disciplines.

This course aims to inspire and motivate students who are considering a career in health and social care, or a related sector, by providing knowledge and understanding of meeting individual care and support needs in a range of health and social care settings.

It consists of three mandatory units and one optional unit, the content of which has been designed to ensure it supports students with a keen interest in working in the health and social care sector.

The mandatory units focus on how to support and care for individuals in different settings, whereas the optional unit provides students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the specialist topics relevant to the different parts of the sector.

The Health and Social Care Extended Certificate must be taken alongside two other A Levels. It links well with other social science subjects such as A Level Sociology, Psychology or Law.

If you are applying to Epping, Hackney or Hackney Sixth Form Campuses:

The Health and Social Care BTEC Extended Certificate is a two-year course for students who have passed the Level 2 qualification and are interested in learning more about the health and social care sector. It assesses students' understanding of health and social care through vocational scenarios and a majority of coursework. This course is taken alongside GCSE English and Maths.

The course aims to inspire and motivate students who are considering a career in health and social care, or a related sector, by providing knowledge and understanding of meeting individual care and support needs in a range of health and social care settings.

It consists of three mandatory units and one optional unit, the content of which has been designed to ensure it supports students with a keen interest in working in the health and social care sector.

The mandatory units focus on how to support and care for individuals in different settings, whereas the optional unit provides students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the specialist topics relevant to the different parts of the sector.

Key topics

  • Develop an understanding of how to meet individual care and support needs
  • Be motivated to work consistently and independently to achieve the requirements of each unit
  • Understand the importance of deadlines and manage your time in order to meet them
  • Take part in discussions, debates, role plays and give presentations
  • Develop independent research skills
  • Develop communication skills and apply them to a range of health and social care settings
  • How you are assessed

    42% coursework internally assessed

    58% coursework externally assessed

  • Next steps

    This is a two-year Level 3 BTEC, equivalent to 1 A Level. At Havering Sixth Form Campus it is studied alongside two other A Level subjects and can lead students to progression options such as university, apprenticeships or other training schemes. At Ardleigh Green, Hackney and Redbridge Campuses, it is studied alongside GCSE English and Maths and can help students progress to other courses, apprenticeships, employment or training schemes. Former students have gone on to work as occupational therapists, healthcare assistants, social workers, nurses, and primary school teachers.
  • Why study at NCC?

    • We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
    • Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
    • Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
    • Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
    • One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
    • Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
    • Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
    • Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
    • A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed

    At New City College, you’ll train for a career in Health and Social Care, one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most vital sectors. Learning from experienced tutors with real industry backgrounds, you’ll study in professional-standard facilities including simulation wards and specialist classrooms that mirror real healthcare settings.

    With strong partnerships across the NHS, private nurseries and care homes, you’ll gain hands-on placements that prepare you for careers in nursing, midwifery, social work, teaching and more. And it’s not just about the qualification, you’ll boost your skills with First Aid certification, dementia awareness training, workshops, guest speakers, educational visits and even international trips.

Select your campus option to apply

What Can This Course Lead To

Progress to university, further study, a higher level apprenticeship or employment.

After successful study of this course, students can progress to other courses in further or higher education, a Health Studies or other degree, or to training schemes in the health and social care sector, such as nurse or social work training. It is also suitable for students intending to progress to full-time employment, such as higher apprenticeships to become practitioners in healthcare. It can also be a good foundation for those looking for a career in primary school teaching.

Life At NCC

Discover what life is like at the largest college in East London today!

Facilities for Students

At New City College we have a range of world-class facilities across our campuses.

Financial Support

There are several ways we can help you cover the cost of your studies.

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