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CTEC

Course Overview

The OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a full-time, two-year qualification equivalent to three A Levels. It is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in health, social care, or early years settings, or progressing to university to study subjects such as nursing, social work, or psychology.  

 

The course includes a mix of 15 units, with 4 externally assessed exams and 11 internally assessed coursework units. Topics include safeguarding, equality and diversity, anatomy and physiology, infection control, and promoting positive behaviour. This qualification provides learners with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and work-related experience needed to prepare for further study, apprenticeships, or employment in the health and social care sector. 

ASSESSMENT

  • Exam: 40%
  • Coursework: 60%
  • Awarding Body: OCR

COURSE CONTENT

  • Building positive relationships in health and social care (coursework) 
  • Equality, diversity and rights (exam) 
  • Health, safety and security (exam) 
  • Anatomy and physiology (exam) 
  • Infection control (coursework) 
  • Safeguarding (exam) 
  • Personalisation and care planning (coursework) 
  • Promoting positive behaviour (coursework) 
  • Mental health (coursework) 
  • Public health (coursework) 
  • Research methods (coursework, often includes a project) 

BEGIN – IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?

The OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is designed for students who are motivated, caring, and eager to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s ideal for those with a genuine interest in working with people and a passion for supporting wellbeing. You’ll thrive if you’re curious about how the body and mind work, enjoy solving problems, and want to explore important issues like mental health, safeguarding, and equality. 

Success on this course also requires strong communication skills, empathy, and respect for others. You should be able to work independently and manage deadlines, while also being open to developing your teamwork, research, and practical abilities. Through assignments, case studies, and real-world learning, you’ll build the confidence and skills needed for future study or employment in health and social care. 

BELONG – WHY STUDY THIS WITH US?

Studying Health & Social Care with us means stepping into a supportive, hands-on, and career-focused environment. You’ll have 13–14 hours of lessons each week with experienced teachers who are passionate about helping you succeed. Outside the classroom, you’ll take charge of your own learning—completing assignments, tackling case studies, and exploring your next career steps—while also receiving tailored guidance from staff, career coaches, and wellbeing support. 

Learning is interactive and varied. You’ll work in groups, present your ideas, and develop leadership and teamwork skills. Guest speakers from the care sector share valuable insights into professional practice, while practical sessions, debates, and research projects bring theory to life. You’ll also use digital tools and technologies to enhance your knowledge and prepare for the modern workplace. With a balance of academic study and real-world application, the course equips you with the confidence and experience to move forward in your chosen path. 

BEYOND – WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?

This qualification opens a wide range of exciting opportunities. Many students progress to university, often staying close to home at Staffordshire University, or moving further afield to study degrees in Nursing, Paramedic Science, Social Work, Psychology, or Midwifery. Others choose to start with a Foundation Year before moving onto a full degree, giving them extra time to adjust and build confidence. 

For those eager to earn while they learn, apprenticeships in health and social care provide a direct pathway into the workplace. Students often secure roles in care homes, schools, charities, and NHS Trusts, gaining invaluable experience while continuing to train. Some graduates also pursue specialist routes in counselling, youth work, or therapy, while others branch into management, education, or research. 

If you are unsure what course you think you should choose or what career you would like to aspire towards then contact Admissions:

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