BTEC Health and Social Care AAQ Level 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of various aspects of the health and social care sector. There are two mandatory examined units and one mandatory internally assessed unit. Students will select a further optional unit from the four available. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their health and social care knowledge.

Students must complete 3 mandatory units and 1 optional unit.

Unit 1 Human Lifespan and Development - External

Students examine physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, the interaction between biological and social factors in health and well-being and how health care professionals provide effective care.

Unit 2 Human Biology and Health - External

You will learn how the body is organised into cells, tissues, organs and organ systems and how healthy bodily function is achieved. You will start by developing your knowledge on cellular structure and function, the different tissue types, including where they are found in the body and how their structure supports their function. You will explore respiration and energy metabolism in the human body and the homeostatic mechanisms that work to maintain the internal environment of the body

Unit 3 Principles of Health and Social Care - Internal

In this unit, you will learn about the values, skills and principles of meeting care and support needs and how these should be applied in practice. You will look at some of the challenges and approaches that may arise when personalising care and how legislation, governance and regulation affect the provision of care and support to meet individuals’ needs.

Unit 5 Promoting Health Education - Internal

In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the purpose of health education, learning about organisations and legislations that support the implementation of health education including how they work as part of an integrated team to ensure the nation’s health is a priority.

Four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Grade 3 or above in English Language.

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in health and social care and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in health and social care alongside two A Levels.

Careers: Social Work, Paramedic Science, Nursing, Radiography, Teaching, Public Health, Police Force