Health and Social Care - Vocational

In addition to the College Entry Requirements, to qualify for this course you will also need to achieve a minimum of:

• Grade 4 GCSE English Language

The Health and Social Care AAQ, equivalent to one A Level, has four units;

• Unit 1 – Human Lifespan and Development – covers physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, the factors affecting development, and the effects of aging. This unit gives you a knowledge base for working with people in every stage of their lives, from the cradle to the grave. (exam unit).
• Unit 2 – Human Biology and Health – (exam unit).
• Unit 3 – Principles of Health and Social Care Practice – (coursework unit).
• One optional unit which could include -Health Policy and Wellbeing, Promoting Health Education, Safe Environments in Health and Social Care ).

This course consists of four units studied over two years. Two units are exams assessment.  The other two units are coursework.

Health and Social Care AAQ is equivalent to one A Level and not a complete programme in itself. You will need to choose two more courses, or a diploma (equivalent to two A Levels), to complete your study programme.  Courses which are commonly taken alongside it and combine well in supporting this subject include; Sociology, Psychology, Biology, Geography, History, Physical Education, and Human Biology AAQ. 

The Health and Social Care AAQ is a recognised route to university.

Here are some typical University Destinations that our Health and Social Care students go on to. Click on a destination to see some examples of courses they have taken;

Royal Holloway, University of London

Typical courses: Social Science / Criminology and Psychology

Birmingham City University

Typical courses: Nursing – Adult and Child (Dual Award)

Bournemouth University

Typical courses: Criminology with Law

University of Brighton

Typical courses: Psychology with Counselling Studies

King's College London

Typical courses: Nursing with Registration as an Adult Nurse

Kingston University

Typical courses: Adult Nursing

Oxford Brookes University

Typical courses: Child Nursing

University of Surrey

Typical courses: Midwifery: Registered Midwife

Students can progress to university for a wide variety of courses including Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Midwifery, Primary Teaching, Early Childhood Studies and Social Work.

Other students have gone straight into employment in a variety of fields related to the course – for example, going on to work as Nursery Assistants or Care Assistants or to join the Ambulance Service.

Is it a good idea to take another vocational course with the Health and Social Care AAQ?
Taking a programme with coursework units can be demanding in relation to the sheer volume of assignments and deadlines you would be managing, but it may be the right thing to do in particular circumstances.  However, including one or more A Level course in your study programme can also help you to develop your skills for example in essay writing, which is helpful for progression to study at a higher level afterwards. For guidance on how to decide on a study programmes, visit Choosing the Right Subjects

What extra support/enrichment activities are on offer?
Many students on these courses take part in the College’s Community Volunteers. These involve assisting in a local nursery or school or daycentre on a weekly basis for two terms.

There may also be an opportunity to carry out work experience at a local hospice. In addition, the department provides support in terms of guidance on careers, including support with personal statements and mock interviews.

How many lessons do I have a week?
For the Health and Social Care AAQ, equivalent to one A Level, you will receive four time-tabled lessons a week and an expectation to complete a further six hours working on research and completing coursework.