Course Overview

Entry requirements

Grade 4 English Language GCSE, 5 GCSEs at grade 4 including Maths OR English

Course information

A two-year course that explores many aspects of health and social care ranging from human lifespan development and public health to complimentary medicines and individual care and support.

There is an emphasis on real world experience through work placements and the chance to hear from and speak to professionals. Speakers include nurses, therapists and meditators.

Visits are made to the Nursing Department at UEL where they have a state of the art ward simulation, we also have links with The Barts Health Trust, this gives you the opportunity to carry out 1-week Nurse shadowing placements. There is also an opportunity for a fully funded two-week placement in a care home or nursery in Portugal through Erasmus+.

This extended diploma is a two-year course. Students begin with a Foundation Diploma in the first year and, upon successful completion, progress to the Extended Diploma in the second year.

Key topics

The course will be taught within a variety of learning environments, ranging from classrooms, the Learning Resource Centre, Think Tank and computer suites. The course is taught by three members of staff with vast teaching experience.

How you are assessed

There is continuous assessment mostly through written assignments but also other methods such as practical activities, presentations and professional discussions. There are no examinations but there are 2 Extended Controlled Assessments which are externally marked. All students carry out 175 hours of work placement over the 2 years, students find their own placements giving you control over where you go and how many types of work environment you experience.

Select your campus option to apply

Dates

Start: 01/09/2025

End: 03/07/2026

Choose this course

What Can This Course Lead To

Successful completion of the course can lead onto various degree courses at university ranging from Nursing and Social work to criminology, sociology, psychology, occupational therapy, probation or counselling services, housing, youth and community work, early years and education studies. Alternatively, you can enter employment or apprenticeships in the health or care sector. The health and social care sector is one of the biggest employers in the UK with nearly four million people working in the sector. The demand for jobs is expected to increase by another 126,000 by 2020 (UK commission for employment and skills) Nurses and Social workers average pay is around £27,000 a year while Public Health managers can earn up to £55,000 a year.

Explore Your Careers Option