BTEC National Diploma Health and Social Care - SHC43F1

BTEC National Diploma

Health and Social Care

Course Code:  SHC43F1

Is this the right course for me?

The BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care is a two year course that will provide you with the underpinning knowledge and vocational skills needed to be effective in a wide range of health and social care settings.  The course ensures 100 hours of work experience and gives opportunities to gain relevant awards like First Aid at Work.

As a student on the course you will be able to select a specialised pathway, either health or social care and through doing so gain a deeper knowledge and confidence within this area.

Placement experience is a mandatory part of the course which provides you with the opportunity to undertake a range of work placements across different areas where you will be able to learn first hand about the roles of the professionals you meet.

The two year course is equivalent to three A Levels and the final award will have three grades which correspond to A Level grades and the essential UCAS points required for progression into Higher Education.

What do I need to join the course?

• Four GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language OR
• Level 2 qualification in relevant subject such as First Diploma in Health and Social Care, CCE (normally, with a pass profile) and achievement of Key Skills Communication and Application of Number at Level 2
• Two appropriate references, including school or character reference and reference relating to 10 days voluntary work experience undertaken within the last 12 months. For progressing students a character reference must come from a current personal tutor/course leader and a second reference from a supervisor on final placement of current course
• Satisfactory interview with course tutor
• Final acceptance onto the course is subject to satisfactory Occupational Health Assessment and Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure

What does the course involve in the first year?             

You will complete 18 units throughout the two years.  In addition to these units, students will be encouraged to enhance their Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number, and the European Computer Driving Licence.

Can I take any additional qualifications?

Yes: But these should be discussed prior to the course to establish suitability and appropriateness to career goals e.g. First Aid at Work.

How will I be assessed? 

Each unit will be assessed within the College on the completion of various tasks and assignments to form a portfolio of evidence.  There are no external examinations on this course.

Grades of Pass, Merit or Distinction are given for satisfactory completion of each of the units.

When does term start?

Week commencing Monday 6^th September 2010.

How many hours per week do I have to attend College for?

This is a full time course and successful completion will require a combination of self study and tutor directed study.  Normally you will spend a minimum of 13 hours in class every week plus 3 hours key skills and tutorials.  Students can expect to spend up to 10 hours outside of college time completing course work.

What can I do when I complete the course?

This qualification will help you to progress to Higher Education or onto Further Education and training.  It can help to prepare you for a range of careers in the health and social care field of work including community care work, welfare services, social work, nursing, midwifery, occupational health and health visiting.

What are the costs?  (This information is subject to change)

Tuition Costs: No tuition fees are payable, however, those aged 19 and over at 31 August 2010 will pay a £1200 fee inclusive of external and internal registration fees.

Will I have to pay any additional costs?

Criminal Records Bureau - all students are required to have an enhanced disclosure check prior to commencing placements.  You are required to pay the fee, which is currently £36.00 (subject to change); this also includes a check for working with vulnerable adults.  Suffolk New College will process the application after you have been offered a place on the course.

There will be a charge of £30 for resources which includes the core text book (which we obtain at a discounted rate). Students may be asked to contribute to visits and additional qualifications.

In Year 2 students can choose between the following specialists units and this is dependent on your chosen careers and qualifications to date.

Options available in Year two:

 YEAR 2 UNITS FOR STUDENTS WITHOUT GRADE C IN SCIENCE                               

 YEAR 2 UNITS FOR STUDENTS WITH GRADE C IN SCIENCE    

What Support is Available for me?

People on means tested benefits should seek advice from Admissions or The Link - Student Support. Financial assistance may be available from the Learner Support Fund to help with essential items needed to support learning, e.g. text books. 

Education Maintenance Allowance is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 a week to support young people aged 16, 17 and 18 while in full time education.   Further information and how to apply may be found on the EMA website at http//ema.direct.gov.uk or by calling the helpline on 0800 121 8989. You should also be able to get an application form from your school, Connexions or by contacting the Information Team.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is a weekly payment of up to £30 to support adults aged 19 or over whilst in full-time education.  Further information and details of how you can apply can be found on the ALG website at: www.direct.gov.uk/alg or by calling the learndirect advice line on 0800 100 900.  Application packs are also available from the College.

Suffolk New College has a range of support services available for learners with learning difficulties and/or physical difficulties/disabilities. 

Further information is available on the College website: www.suffolk.ac.uk or by contacting The Link - Student Support on (01473) 382800 who will arrange an appointment for you with a specialist adviser.

How do I apply? 

Complete a College application form, which is available in the Suffolk New College Prospectus, from the College Website: www.suffolk.ac.uk or by contacting the Information Team on (01473) 382211.  The form can also be downloaded in PDF version and sent to feadmissions@suffolk.ac.uk

Following acknowledgement of your application you will be invited to attend a programme guidance session when you will be able to find out more about the course and to discuss any support needs you may have.  An offer may be made which would be subject to you achieving all of the entry requirements.

Should you require this Course Information Sheet in a different format, for example in a larger font or electronically, please contact the Information Team on (01473) 382211.  They will be happy to help.

This Information Sheet is for promotional purposes only and is not intended to form part of the agreement between the College and students.

The information contained within this Information Sheet is correct at 30 October 2009.