Key Facts

BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care (Year 1 of the Extended Diploma)

BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care (Year 1 of the Extended Diploma)

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A National Foundation Diploma in Health & Social Care is a practical, work-related course. Your assignments are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and commitment demands. As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you develop the skills you need to start a career including:

Emotional intelligence: in order to empathise with patients and act sensitively in difficult situations that others may be facing Communication: a core skill in many professions but especially in healthcare, where staff need to communicate effectively with patients and their families as well as with co-workers Teamwork: needed to work with colleagues for the good of a patient and this might mean taking on extra tasks and responsibilities Time management: when lives are at risk, it's crucial to prioritise what's important and the nature of the profession also means that you will often be pulled in different directions

This qualification is equivalent to 1½ A Levels and the natural progression is the year two Extended Diploma Programme.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence- based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.

    For admission on to the Extended Certificate or Diploma pathway (2x A-level equivalent over two years) 4 x GCSE's at 4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above, at Merit or above, in a relevant subject.

    You will have gained either English and/or maths at GCSE 4 or above or L2 Functional skills in English or Maths.

    For admission on to the National Foundation Diploma / Extended Diploma pathway (3x A-level equivalent over two years) 5 x GCSE's at 4 or above. Including English, Science and maths GSCE at 4 or above or Functional skills Level 2 in English and maths.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    Student are assessed using a range of methods including practical work, presentations and case studies. Students study a number of units that may include:

    • Human Lifespan Development
    • Working in Health & Social Care
    • Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
    • Principles of Safe Practice in Health & Social Care

    You will undertake a period of work placement and we will arrange for you to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, formally known as the CRB check. This will be explained to you upon enrolment.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Successful completion of the National Foundation Diploma in Health & Social Care leads onto the second year - the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A Levels). Alternatively, you could go straight into employment where you could work and train in hospitals, residential homes and health centres. If you decide to go into Higher Education you need to complete year two of the programme to enable you to achieve the necessary grades.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    This is a full time course. Students under 19 do not pay tuition fees. You may find it useful to read 'BTEC National Health & Social Care Student Book 1: For the 2016 Specification (BTEC Nationals Health & Social Care 2016) by Marilyn Billingham, Pamela Davenport, Hiliary Talman, Nicola Matthews, Beryl Stretch & Elizazbeth Hanworth prior to commencing the course. For more information please contact our Admissions Team on 020 8268 3073 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Assessment Details


    Two exams (externally assessed) and four coursework (Internally assessed).