Health and Social Care AAQ Level 3 Extended Certificate (Single)

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 24th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Course aims

Students embarking on the AAQ BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care will gain a comprehensive understanding of this vital sector. This course cultivates a deep appreciation for the diverse needs of individuals, the critical role of effective communication, and the ethical considerations fundamental to providing care. Through a dynamic blend of theoretical learning and practical application, students will explore key topics such as human growth and development, safeguarding, public health, and person-centred care, fostering a truly holistic understanding of health and social care practices. Beyond subject specific knowledge, the course develops crucial transferable skills like research, analysis, and problem-solving, preparing students for both higher education and a wide range of rewarding career paths within the health and social care professions.

Course content

Students will study a range of key areas in Health and Social Care such as 'Human lifespan and development' where they will increase their knowledge and understanding of the ways in which people develop physically, emotionally and socially across each stage of their lives. In addition, students will explore how biological and social factors interact and influence human growth, development and health, both positively and negatively, and how health inequalities can have a significant impact on the health of individuals. Other units covered are human biology and health, principles of health and social care practice and safe environments in health and social care.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a combination of external examinations and internal coursework assignments. Total Units: 4 units:

• Mandatory Units: 3 units (75% of the qualification content)
• Optional Units: 1 unit (25% of the qualification content

Assessment Mix: 50% External Assessment (exams) and 50% Internal Assessment (coursework/assignments).

Additional Course Entry Requirements

Students need to achieve five GCSE's at grade 4 and above, including English Language and Science at grade 4.

Progression and career opportunities

Studying the AAQ BTEC National in health and social care opens up a wealth of progression and career opportunities for students passionate about making a difference. This qualification provides a solid foundation for degrees in nursing, social work, midwifery, occupational therapy, and public health, among many others. Alternatively, it also supports progression into a wide range of occupations such as a Healthcare Assistant, Care Worker, or Mental Health Support Worker, with excellent prospects for further training and career advancement.