Health and Social Care AAQ

Applications open: 10 November 2025

Application deadline: 13th February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x GCSEs Grade 4-9 including English. Maths desirable. Please see individual courses for subject entry requirements. Please visit our website for more information https://www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk/830/welcome

Subject Choices: - You will need to select a minimum of 3 subjects to study and these can be a mixture of A Levels and BTECs with SEFA and MWBA in addition to your full time studies.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

AAQ (new BTEC) Health and Social Care offers a broad basis of study for the health and social care sector. It is a highly successful course which stretches students and gives them a varied insight into the world of health and social care and the importance of thought when dealing with vulnerable individuals. The course is composed of both internally assessed units (coursework) and externally assessed units (examination) in both Year 12 and Year 13.

The AAQ (new BTEC) Health and Social Care course, when combined with A levels, offers an excellent route to university for a variety of degrees. Students have progressed to higher education or employment within nursing, midwifery, primary education, social work as well as many other areas where interaction with the public is important.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (AAQ) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in the Health and Social Care sector and aiming to progress to higher education or a related apprenticeship or employment opportunity. 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 as part of a study programme alongside A levels.

This is equivalent to 1 A-level.

The BTEC Level 3 AAQ in Health and Social Care is designed as a standalone qualification that provides learners with knowledge and understanding of the health and social care sectors, and specialist knowledge and understanding according to the units studied.

The BTEC Level 3 AAQ in Health and Social Care can provide a springboard to a university degree or Foundation Degree in an appropriate vocational discipline, to BTEC HNCs and HNDs, or to employment.

Year 12

Unit 1

Human Lifespan and Development – PIES and factors affecting growth and

development, interventions, and the different professionals providing care and

treatment (external exam)

Unit 3

Health and Social Care Practice – Core principles, values, and legislation that

underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants.on an individual health status (internal)

Year 13

Unit 2

Human Biology and Health – Human body structure and systems, normal

physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders (external)

You will need to choose one from the following four optional units, covering the following topics:

Unit 4

Health, Social Policy and Wellbeing – Public health policy and its influences,

including health-related organisations/groups and a range of strategic factors

Unit 5

Promoting Health Education – Health education, its purpose and use of different approaches and models to achieve positive health outcomes.

Unit 6

Safe Environments in Health and Social Care – Appropriate provisions in services relevant to different needs; governance relating to safe environments.

Unit 7

Health Science – Types of infections and their potential impact on a local,

national and international scale.

There is One exam and one piece of coursework for the first year and the same in the 2nd year.

One exam and one piece of coursework for the first year and the same in the 2nd year

Grade 4-9 in English and 4-9 in Science

If you work hard and achieve good grades in your A Levels you may be able to consider a career in Health & Social Care. Below are some careers that Health & Social Care Graduates have. All of these careers will require you to gain a degree in a related subject.

Advice worker / Personal Advisor? Charity Officer? Civil Service Administrator? Counsellor? FE Lecturer? Health Promotion Specialist? Health Service Manager? Local Government Administrator? Nutritional Therapist? Physiotherapist? Probation officer? Social worker? Lifestyle consultant? Nurse? Health Care Assistant? Care Support Worker? Learning Support Assistant? Nursery Worker