Health and Social Care – Progression
Health and Social Care – Progression
WJEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care: Principles and Context
It is the Welsh Government’s ambition to develop a skilled health and social care workforce, which is highly regarded as a profession and a career of choice, and recognised for the vital role the Health and Social Care sector plays in supporting individuals throughout their life.
Is this course right for me?
This qualification is knowledge-based and for those who want to develop a breadth and depth of knowledge related to the health and social care/science sector and progress onto University or who wish to seek employment in the health or social care sector.
Successful completion of the Extended Diploma in year two is equivalent to three A-levels.
What are the entry requirements?
- Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh and Mathematics/Numeracy
- Entry is subject to an enhanced DBS check
- Each application is considered on individual merit
- Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
Current student - what are the entry requirements?
- Successful completion of relevant Level 2 programme (including skills) and decision from progression board meeting
- GCSE English Language/First Language Welsh at grade C or above
- GCSE Mathematics/Numeracy at grade C or above
- Entry is subject to an enhanced DBS check
What will I learn?
Over two years, learners will study:
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care: Principles and Context qualification
- VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health
Health & Social Care: Principles and Context
This will cover the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills required by the health and social care sectors, providing a broad basis for further and/or higher education or employment.
The qualification will include the following units:
- Principles of care and safe practice within outcome focused person-centred care
- Factors affecting individuals growth and development across the lifespan
- Promoting the rights of individuals across the lifespan
- Understanding how the human body is affected by common conditions
- Supporting individuals at risk to achieve their desired outcomes
- Working in the health and social care sector
- Anatomy and Physiology for health and social care
- Supporting the health and well-being of adults in Wales to achieve positive outcomes
- Investigating contemporary issues in health and social care in Wales
Work Experience
Learners will be required to undertake 100 hours of employer engagement, including a minimum of 60 hours work placement. This is integral and a mandatory part of completing this course.
Learners will also start an extended project, to be completed in Year 2.
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
You may need to study an additional skills course depending on:
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
Click below to find out what skills course you may be taking at College.
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications
All other courses:
- Upskilling Destination Programme – an hour and half session a week developing essential research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing techniques, supporting literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For English:
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For Maths:
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
- A two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
Learners studying on a Jobs Growth Wales (JGW+) programme will be timetabled into literacy and numeracy sessions. To discuss the opportunity of attending a GCSE resit programme, in addition to their JGW+ timetable, please contact skills@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Can I do this course in Welsh?
How will I be assessed?
- Continuous assessment during the course
- Internal assessment
- Written examination
What can I do next?
Successful completion of this course and progression to a higher level programme could lead to a number of future career opportunities including: Ambulance Care Assistant, Health Care Assistant, Care Worker, Social Worker, Support Worker, Learning Mentor.
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
- A memory stick/a small portable USB hard drive
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Are there any additional costs?
- No tuition fee
- We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2025/26
- Enhanced DBS Fee - £49.50, payable on enrolment
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Additional information
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Sports Academy: While on this course you may be able to join our Sports Academy, if you have a talent for sport, find out what we offer on our Sports Academy page.
