As part of the course, you will study the following units:

Health & Social Care Provision

• Understand how health statistics (e.g. mortality rates, epidemiology) are used to plan and improve care, how to interpret trends in population health, and learn how date supports decision-making in health and social care settings.
• Examine the roles and responsibilities of professionals working within the sector, how effective partnerships enhances care delivery, and how joint working helps to identify and overcome common barriers.
• Investigate influences on health and wellbeing, including genetic, lifestyle, cultural and environmental factors, and how they contribute to health inequalities among different social groups.
• Develop awareness of key legal and ethical issues within health and social care, and understand how legislation and professional codes of conduct guide safe and respectful practice.

Human Growth & Development

• Explore life stage milestones from infancy to later adulthood, understand physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across each stage, and how health and illness can impact an individual’s development.
• Study key psychological and development theories of human growth, and how these concepts apply to real-world healthcare and social care settings.

Social and Community Welfare Provision

• Explore key social issues in society that influences health and wellbeing.
• Trace the evolution of social and community care, from the industrial revolution to modern day services, and how historical advancements have shaped access, availability, effectiveness and public expectations.
• Understand the core values that underpin health and social care provision delivery and the overarching ethics guiding professional approaches to care.

Mental Health Issues

• Understanding a range of common mental health disorders, how they are classified and the impact of these conditions on individuals.
• Examine key legislation and guidance that protects and support individuals with mental ill-health, and understand how inclusive, empowering, and person-centred approaches are embedded in mental health care.

Principles of Safeguarding in Health and Social Care

• Explore key laws, policy and guidelines that underpin safeguarding in health and social care, and the roles of practitioners and agencies involved in protecting individuals.
• Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse or harm, and their different forms including psychological, physical, financial, emotional, sexual and neglect. 
• Learn the correct procedures for reporting and responding if there is evidence of abuse, and the important roles of practitioners and agencies in safeguarding issues.

Psychological Perspectives and Behaviour

• Analysing and evaluating a range of psychological perspectives used to explain behaviour.
• Examine the different methods used to gather data in psychological research.

Effective Communication in Health & Social Care

• Understand the vital role communication plays in health and social care settings, including how effective communication supports the exchange of information, expression of individual needs, inclusion, respect, and empowerment.
• Identify common barriers to communication, and explore practical strategies to overcome them.

Planning and Carrying Out a Research Project (Mental Health)

• Identify a research project with an appropriate theme and title within the field of mental health.
• Outline a clear research project, detailing key stages of research and chosen research methods.
• Identify a range of sources to be utilised as part of the project, and justify the relevance, reliability and suitability of selected materials.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

• Explore the roots of prejudice, stereotyping and oppression in society
• Define the concept of diversity, the issues relevant to equal opportunity, and its importance in health and social care settings.
• The role of legislation in promoting positive and negative practice and how policies and professional values support equality and diversity.

Academic Research/Writing Skills

• Conduct research, considering ethical considerations and validity of methods of research
• Formulate clear and concise research questions, and learn how to align research aims with chosen methods and outcomes.
• Develop clear and structured academic writing skills including format styles and referencing techniques.

Work Experience/Interview and Application Skills

• Securing and completing a suitable workplace placement, and completing a minimum of 75 hours of practical work experience.
• Evaluate tasks undertaken whilst on placement and reflect on personal and professional development.
• Explore progression opportunities and available pathways into Higher Education or employment.
• Planning for intended progression route and preparing for interview

Biology

• Explore the anatomy and physiology of the human skeleton.
• Learn an introduction to cell biology.
• Understand the Human reproductive biology.

This classroom-based course combines a variety of engaging teaching methods to support your learning and development, led by experienced tutors who bring real-world knowledge into every lesson. You will also have access to our virtual learning environment, Canvas, providing access to learning resources and additional materials, for guided independent learning.

The course is validated and moderated by Ascentis and comprises of 60 credits, of which 45 are graded and 15 ungraded. You will be assessed through a variety of methods including assignments, practical group activities, independent research, examinations and completion of work placement.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will hold a level 3 qualification, recognised by universities for entry onto relevant undergraduate degree programmes, such as Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work.

For those wishing to specialise in Mental Health, you are able to progress onto the Foundation Degree Health & Social Care (Mental Health) at Preston College University Centre.  

Alternatively, as the demand for skilled and qualified health and social care professionals continues to grow in Lancashire, this will enable you to progress into/advance your employment prospects within the sector.

To enrol on this course, you will need:

• GCSE English at grade 4 (C) or above - or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 qualification.
• It is recommended that you also hold GCSE maths at grade 4 (C) or above - or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 qualification.

If you are planning to progress to Higher Education, you must research the specific entry requirements of your chosen university course and take the necessary steps to ensure you meet those pre-requisite qualifications.