Need Help Applying for a course?
Student Handbook
Funding Support for Students
The aim of the course is to provide a vocationally related qualification that draws on the main themes of work in the Health and Social Care sector. Learners on this programme have an opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the sector and a specialist understanding of specific aspects of the sector. The National Extended Diploma provides the opportunity to complete work placements which add to the vocational scope of the qualification. These placements can be undertaken locally, regionally or further afield. 100 hundred hours of placement must be completed in primarily in Health and Social Care settings with an opportunity of a maximum of 10 hours spent in a childcare setting. Learners are taught by staff who have vocationally relevant industrial experience and learners will also experience the expertise of guest lecturers or field visits. This qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels.
This course will provide you with a mix of classroom based and blended learning and work placement. A range of mandatory and optional units will be studied which cover a wide variety of subjects giving learners the opportunity to sample different areas within the broad scope of health and social care. These have been carefully selected to reflect the needs of employers. Examples of units include: Human Lifespan Development, Working in Health and Social Care, Anatomy and Physiology, Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care, Meeting individual Care and Support Needs, Working in Health and Social Care, principles of Safe Practice, Promoting Public Health and Infection Prevention and Control. Optional units includes: Sociological Perspectives, Psychological Perspectives, Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs and Understanding Mental Well being. Learners will be guided through the relevant theory and given opportunities to develop the core skills needed.
Four GCSEs at grade A*-C or above. Learners must be vetted in accordance with the requirements of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups N.I. Order (2006) (Access NI). Entry to the course is subject to successful interview. GCSE English will be required if course is oversubscribed.
There is ongoing continuous assessment using assignments, including time constrained assignments, projects, oral presentations, work placement reports, log books and reflective diaries. There are four External set examinations in mandatory modules of Human Lifespan Development, Working in Health and Social Care, Anatomy and Physiology and Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care.
Learners may progress within the college onto the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care, Higher National Certificate in Health and Social Care, Access course or Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies. Learners can also progress onto Level 6 university degree programmes in a wide range of areas such as Teaching, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Social Policy, Housing, Sociology, Criminology and Special Educational Needs. Some learners may wish to enter employment in the health and social care field.
In the event that learners do not have GCSEs in English, Mathematics or ICT they will be required to undertake essential skills in these areas. Learners will also have the opportunity to enrol in GCSE programmes in English and Mathematics. Learners will also have the opportunity to undertake additional qualifications in the area of personal development, employability, First Aid. Virtual learning is also an integral part of this programme with digital badges to complete and on-line courses which add to the qualification portfolio for learners.
P3984DF10A
Session Code
2 Year(s)
Duration
Further Education
Mode of Study
16
Hours per Week
34
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
25/26
Academic Year
01/09/2025
Start Date
Subject to Timetable
Day/s
Lisa.Dougan@swc.ac.uk
Coordinator(s)
Total Annual Fee N/A
Total Concessionary Fee N/A
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
P3984EF10A
Geraldine.Callaghan@swc.ac.uk
P3984OF10A
Alison.Wilson@swc.ac.uk
City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (NI) - Apprenticeship NI
Foundation Degree in Applied and Medical Science validated by Ulster University
The Open University Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice