Cornwall College, FE, Health and Social Care

We offer first class post 16 education, to ensure students are equipped to progress either to university or employment within the sector.

BTEC Level 2 Diploma - Health & Social Care
Who is this course for?
The course is for anyone who wishes to work in the health and caring professions. It aims to develop the skills required for a wide range of health and care-related careers and offers a route to level 3 in further education. It is a well-established course covering topics related to health and social care, which provides a direct route into employment in care services.

Entry requirements
Students must be at least 16 years of age with a minimum of 4 GCSE passes at grade D or above in relevant subjects. Learners need to show commitment and enthusiasm and to demonstrate a basic ability in written work. Applicants are invited to a formal interview. Prospective students are also encouraged to sit in on one or more sessions with current students studying for the course. Once accepted onto the course the students will attend an induction programme at the start of the academic year, during which time they will be provided with information about the course and college.

What will I be doing on the course?
Students will study a range of subjects or ‘units’ of study. These include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, health and safety and lifespan development.

An integral part of the course is work placement experience and the students will complete a range of work placements. The students are encouraged to seek out their own placements, but help is available for anyone who requires advice regarding this aspect of the course. The work placements will provide a wealth of practical experience and will help students in their decisions regarding future careers. There are no formal examinations for this course. The students are assessed on course work. Assessment is continuous and based on projects, assignments, case studies, practical exercises and reports. Learners also study Functional Skills, including English, maths and Information Communication Technology. Students will also be given the opportunity to complete a number of short courses including First Aid.

What can I do after the course?
This is a rewarding course which has an equivalent value of 4 full GCSE’s at grade A*-C. There is also a high level of retention and achievement and the students are taught by a well-qualified and knowledgeable team. Learners acquire knowledge in a wide range of subject areas and successful students could progress onto a level 3 in Health and Social Care (Health Studies). An NVQ in Care, levels 2 and 3 is another option, as is employment as a care assistant in a residential/nursing home or other caring environments.

BTEC Level 3Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care (Health Studies)
Who is this course for?
This two year full time course is for anyone who wishes to work in the health and caring professions. It aims to develop the skills required for a wide range of health and care-related careers and offers a route to higher education. It is a well-established course covering topics related to health and social care and is delivered by a well-qualified and knowledgeable team.

Entry requirements
You should be at least 16 years of age with a minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade C or above in relevant subjects, including maths, English and science subjects. We also accept students who have completed the First Diploma in Health and Social Care who have achieved merits and distinctions overall as well as level 2 English and maths. Learners need to show commitment and enthusiasm and to demonstrate a basic ability in written work. Applicants are invited to a formal interview. Prospective students are also encouraged to sit in on one or more sessions with current students studying for the course. Once accepted onto the course the students will attend an induction programme at the start of the academic year, during which time they will be provided with more information about the course and college.

What will I be doing on the course?
You will study a total of 18 units over the course of two years. These include Anatomy and Physiology, Public Health, Sociology, Psychology and Research. An integral part of the course is work placement experience and the students will complete a wide range of mandatory work placements. The students are encouraged to seek out their own placements, but help is available for anyone who requires advice regarding this aspect of the course. The work placements will provide a wealth of practical experience and will help students in their decisions regarding future careers. There are no formal examinations for this course. The students are assessed on course work. Assessment is continuous and based on projects, assignments, case studies, practical exercises and reports. Learners also study research skills, which are valuable for those applying for higher education courses. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to study towards one or more functional skills, such as ICT.

What can I do after the course?
This is a demanding but rewarding course which has an equivalent value of 3 full ‘A’ levels and as such is particularly suited to those individuals who wish to progress to studying for a degree in a variety of areas. It is highly valued y universities and the majority of our students successfully apply for higher education courses upon achievement of this course. Learners acquire knowledge in a wide range of subject areas, including psychology and physiology to allow progression to a wide range of courses, including nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, social work, teacher training and paramedics. Students could also find work as Care Assistants, Nursing Auxiliaries, and Assistants in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Radiography and Dietetics.

Students who wish to progress into higher education may also need to have GCSE grade A-C in English and a Science. Some higher education courses also require Mathematics GCSE grade A-C. Many universities will consider key skills literacy and numeracy at level 2 as an alternative to GCSE English and maths. We support the students throughout the process of applying to universities and help with the completion of UCAS and NMAS forms at the appropriate times.

Additional Information
This is a 2-year full time course starting in September. The students will be timetabled for taught sessions for 3- 3 ½ days (the college day starts at 9.00 am and finishes at 4.30 pm). The students attend work placement at set intervals during term time. As this is an intensive level 3 course students will also be required to study outside of college hours. There is always support available and we provide additional study support sessions outside the normal timetable sessions.