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Health Studies (Health Science pathway) (Level 3 National Extended Diploma)

Pearson BTEC
Care & Health

Course Overview

This is an exciting refresh to our long-standing Health Science qualification with updates in all subject areas for currency of knowledge and practice. It is an alternative to A-Levels that will prepare you for employment and university in areas such as nursing and allied health professions. Progression can include include Mental Health, Learning Disability, Children’s and Adult nursing; Speech and Language Therapy; Midwifery; Occupational Therapy; Diagnostic Radiography; Therapeutic Radiography; Podiatry; Paramedics; and Biomedical Science. Former students have also entered primary and secondary teaching programmes. Modules of study will be health, caring and science-based units. Students must also complete mandatory placements in a range of health and care settings arranged by NWRC. This course involves assessment by coursework and exams.
  • Study Mode
    Full-Time
  • Duration
    2 Years
  • Campus
    Limavady
    Strabane
    Strand Road

Important Message

Applications for Further Education courses 25/26 opening soon!

Available Sessions

  • Course
    Campus
    Type
    Start Date
    Fees
  • Course: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma Health Studies (Health Science pathway)
    Campus: Strand Road
    Type: Full Time
    Start Date: 02/09/2024
    Fees:
    -
  • Course: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma Health Studies (Health Science pathway)
    Campus: Limavady
    Type: Full Time
    Start Date: 02/09/2024
    Fees:
    -
  • Course: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma Health Studies (Health Science pathway)
    Campus: Strabane
    Type: Full Time
    Start Date: 02/09/2024
    Fees:
    -

Course Offering

  • Site location Limavady Main St Strabane Strand Road

Course Modules

  • Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
  • Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
  • Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
  • Work Experience in Health and Social Care
  • Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
  • Working in Health and Social Care
  • Human Lifespan and Development
  • Promoting Public Health
Want to book your place?
Apply Now

Entry Requirements

UK Requirements

Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care – Merit or above and GCSE (Grade C or above) in either English or Maths OR A minimum of 4 GCSEs (Grade C or above) is required for entry to the course including one of the following: English, Maths or Science.

ROI Requirements

Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care – Merit or above and OLC (Grade O5 or above) in either English or Maths OR 4 OLCs (Grade O5 or above) - including one of the following English, Maths or Science OR Leaving Cert Applied – Merit

Additional Requirements Prior to Entry

Access NI Check
Attendance at Information Session

Work Placement

100 hours of work placement is a compulsory element of this course and is highly valued by students. A mandatory requirement is that our students are deemed fit for placement. Each student must have Access NI Clearance and be deemed ‘placement ready’ by the College and Course Team. Placements have been carried out in hospital settings, residential and nursing homes, community day care facilities, schools, veterinary clinics and other community settings as arranged by NWRC.

What's Next?

Further Study

Nursing (all branches – Mental Health, Learning Disability, Children’s and Adult), Speech and Language Therapy, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy and Podiatry. Students also go to Diagnostic Radiography, Therapeutic Radiotherapy, and Paramedics. It can also lead to STEM programmes in Biomedical Science, Forensic Science/Criminology, Pharmaceutical Science, Food Technology, Nutrition and Veterinary Nursing. Former students have also entered primary and secondary teaching programmes.

Career Prospects

For many, this programme leads to degree level of study across a range of subject areas including: Nursing (all branches – Mental Health, Learning Disability, Children’s and Adult), Speech and Language Therapy, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy and Podiatry. Students may also go to Diagnostic Radiography, Therapeutic Radiotherapy, and Paramedics. It also leads to STEM programmes in Biomedical Science, Forensic Science/Criminology, Food Technology, Nutrition and Veterinary Nursing. Former students have also entered primary and secondary teaching programmes. Some students, via valued work placement, have gained employment in the health sector.

Enquiry

  • Image of Daria Hrywniak (Hospitality & Tourism Management)
    I completed two 3-month work placements in Belgium and Fuerteventura with the Erasmus+ programme. I was so grateful for the opportunity as it allowed me to gain valuable industry knowledge and experience. I’ve currently been offered a 6-month position in Turkey as a Holiday Rep with TUI.
    Daria Hrywniak (Hospitality & Tourism Management)
  • Image of Jack McLaughlin
    My Apprenticeship is so varied. One day I'm fixing things, putting flanges and pipes together, and the next day I'm doing something completely different such as changing drives.
    Jack McLaughlin
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