Health and Social Care Cambridge Technical Diploma

Applications Open - 3 November 2025

Applications Close - 23 January 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications will still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements

IBCP: 3 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

IBDP: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

IB course option: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices

Level 3 Health and Social Care

From 2026, Health and Social Care will comprise two consecutive Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National courses which will combine to provide the equivalent of two A-levels. In the first year, students will study an extended certificate in Health and Social Care which will give them an excellent foundation in principles of best practice in health and social care settings including equality, diversity and legislation along with an understanding of anatomy and physiology. In the second year, students will study ‘Mental Health: Individuals and Society’ which will give them an insight into effective strategies for promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing in both individuals and in society as a whole. The assessment will be a combination of coursework assignments and examinations.

These qualifications will also help students to develop independence and confidence in using skills that are relevant to the Health and Social Care and Mental Health sectors and will prepare you for progressing to university courses where independent study skills are needed.

The following units make up the qualification in Health and Social Care in Year 12:

• Principles of Health and Social Care(Exam)
• Anatomy and physiology for health and social care (Exam)
• Person-centered approach to care (coursework)
• Supporting people with mental health conditions )

• Supporting people with long term physical conditions
• Investigating public health
• Supporting people in relation to sexual health, pregnancy and postnatal
• Supporting healthy nutrition and lifestyles

• Fundamentals of mental health and the individual (Exam)
• Mental health, wellbeing and society (Exam)
• Supporting and promoting mental health and well being in organisations (coursework)
• Community-based support for mental health and wellbeing (coursework)
• Optional units (1) - coursework
• Supporting mental health and wellbeing with physical activity
• Supporting mental health and wellbeing with outdoor and creative activities

The course consists of mandatory and optional units. Five mandatory units are assessed by examination, marked by OCR. The remaining units are internally assessed, marked by your teachers and then moderated by an OCR moderator.

General entry requirements:

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme: 3 B and 2 C grades at GCSE

All students have the opportunity to work in a placement of their choice in order to develop a deeper understanding of career opportunities whitin the care sector. Our course offers students the opportunity to tailor the content to meet their individual interests and aspirations, by allowing them to select a range of units to study which are most relevant to them.