This course will enable you to develop skills in caring within the health and social care sector, including communication, individual rights and individual needs, cultural diversity, anatomy and physiology and human lifespan development. Work experience forms a mandatory part of the course. A merit or distinction in the Level 2 Diploma is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grades A*-C and provides a good basis to go on to further qualifications, such as the BTEC Level 3 Diploma.

Key course features

Qualification: BTEC Level 2 Diploma

Level: Level 2

Mode: Full-time

Timetable: This is a full time programme of study of under 16 hours per week. You will receive your timetable when you enrol.

Start Date: *START*

Fees:

*HF+* including tuition and exam fees. Students aged 19+ will pay college registration and materials fees.

The course may be free if you are:

• aged under 19
• aged 19+ and in receipt of an active benefit (eg JSA or ESA)
• aged 19+, unemployed and in receipt of a means-tested benefit (eg income support), and you are doing this course to improve your employment prospects
• aged 19-23 and don't already have a Level 2 qualification.

Please see our Fees and Concessions page or call 020 8326 2015 for further details.

Who is this course for?

Young people who want to work in a health and social care setting.

Entry requirements

2 or more GCSEs at grade D or above including English language or Level 1 Functional Skills English, OR successful completion of a Foundation Level course – preferably the health and social care and childcare foundation certificates – with functional skills in English and/or maths. You will need a good reference. If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email ciag@west-thames.ac.uk.

All students must undertake work experience in a care/childcare setting as part of this course. Work placement settings require students to obtain an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure to demonstrate that they are suitable to work with vulnerable people and/or children. Students must be aware that if information about previous criminal convictions, cautions or warnings is contained on their disclosure certificate they will be unable to undertake work experience. For any queries please contact the Curriculum Team Manager for Health and Social Care for advice. 

About the course

You will study the following core units:

• Communication in health and social care
• Individual rights
• Individual needs
• Ensuring safe environments.

You will also study 4 specialist units from a range of 8, which may include:

• Cultural diversity
• Anatomy and physiology
• Human lifespan development
• Vocational experience.

Additional opportunities

Work experience is a mandatory part of your course.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the year you will be given written assignments for each unit and work placement reports.

Where next?

You may progress to the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care if you achieve a merit or above and ideally Functional Skills Level 2 in English.

How to apply?

To apply, please click the "Apply Now" button and fill out the online application form. An advisor will be in touch regarding interview dates.