Health & Social Care

Health and Social Care is a broad term that relates to integrated services that are available from health and social care providers. As a subject health and social care combines elements of sociology, biology, nutrition, law and ethics and includes units such as:

  • Communication in health and social care
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Individual rights in health and social care
  • Human lifespan development.

    Students on health and social care courses always have some work experience alongside their academic studies, such a placement in a nursery, residential home, hospital or other caring establishment.
  • Entry requirements

    4 GSCEs (including English and/or Maths, ideally at grade 3 or above). This course will appeal to those students who are interested in a career in the NHS and social sector, want the opportunity to discover and develop the skills necessary to help and care for others and enjoy studying a subject that is relevant to their own lives and experiences.

  • Who is the course for?

    This course is for students who wish to acquire skills and knowledge to prepare them for working in the health and social care sector. Within the course you will gain knowledge and understanding of a wide range of subject areas relating to health and social care, involving the elderly, people with additional needs and children. You will spend some of your time in a range of work related placements. Successful completion can lead to employment within the sector or progression to our Level 3 course. Learners will need to:

    • Have good writing and analytical skills
    • Like working with people of all ages
    • Have good time management
    • be an independent learner.
  • Study methods

    All 8 mandatory units must be completed successfully - The course is assessed continuously through assignments. These may be written projects, presentations or discussions.

  • How is the course assessed?

    Assessment of your coursework is carried out at the end of each unit to confirm understanding and ability to move on to the next unit. All students undertake a work placement. External OCR moderated qualification.

  • Where Next – Job Opportunities

    There are many employment opportunities with substantial government support.

  • Where Next – Further Studies

    Upon successful completion you may be able to progress to a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or Early Years Workforce (Childcare) at Richmond upon Thames College. You may be able to progress to the Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care provided you have the required entry points.

    You might progress onto one of the childcare courses, which in turn lead to employment working with children. To progress to a Level 3 qualification, you may also be required to have passed Maths and English GCSE at grade 4(C) or achieve passes at Level 2 Functional Skills in communications and application of number. On completion of a Level 3 qualification you can progress to university.

  • How to apply

    To apply for a course either click the APPLY NOW button - fill out the form online and submit

    OR download an application form here and post it to the address on the form.
    When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.

Course starting Sep 2024

Starts 2 September 2024

Duration 1 Year(s)

Location Richmond upon Thames Campus