Pearson BTEC HNC Health and Social Care Practice (Social and Community Work)

General Entry Requirements 

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications may be considered on an individual basis on application.  You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.  Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process including interview. 

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

AND

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

AND

• Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics as above) at GCSE level (grades A* - C/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

UCAS

A minimum of 64 UCAS tariff or equivalent which may include:

• 2 A levels
• Level 3 BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma
• Level 3 CACHE Extended Diploma

Access Diploma

• Access Diploma in Foundation Studies with an overall average of 42-44% 

Accreditation of Prior Learning 

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).   Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Additional Skills

• Experience of work or placements in the health and social sector are desirable.

Core Modules:

401: Developing Professional Practice.

The unit contains a blend of campus and practice learning with students spending most of their learning time applying the principles, techniques, knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom.

402: Teamwork and Communication

This unit is designed to enable students to identify and understand their key personal abilities and to underpin the development of their personal and professional skill set. This will include areas such as effective communication skills, interprofessional working, understanding the role of others within the healthcare team, professional identity and working as part of a team.

403: Evidence based Practice (Pearson -set)

The aim of this unit is to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and application of audit, quality improvement and research – embedding the principles and key features of co-production throughout each process. Students will learn the purpose and the processes involved in undertaking an audit, a quality improvement project and a research project, exploring the concept of co-production at each stage. Students will devise a quality improvement plan on a topic of their choice, aligned to the Pearson-set theme and chosen topic.

404: Compassionate Care and Values based Practice.

This unit is designed to enable students to develop their awareness of equity, diversity and inclusion, and professional ethical practice. They will build a skill set of empathy, compassion, dignity and respect and be able to apply this in the provision of personalised care.

Specialist Mandatory: (Social and Community Work)

407: Planning and Supporting Community Led Activities

This unit introduces students to the practicalities of community involvement. It offers a good platform for those seeking to work in the community sector or progress to higher education opportunities in a variety of social or community related disciplines.

Level 4 Optional Units: (Social and Community Work)

Unit 413: Applied Human Development and Behaviour:

This unit provides an ideal opportunity for students to become informed about a central concern for the caring professions: human growth, development and behaviour. It will provide an important foundation for those seeking to work or who are already working in the caring professions. In additions it will be a stepping stone for students wishing to progress to additional higher education programmes to study one of the plethora of related vocational degree programmes.

Unit 415: Sociological Perspectives:

This unit provides a helpful foundation for those working in a range of settings and environments in the supporting sector, or who will be continuing higher education in either academic or vocational disciplines (including sociology, social policy, health and social care, community work and development).

Contact Hours per week across 2 Academic Years

6 hours contact time to include practical classes, lecturers, workshops or tutorials.

Mandatory Additional Study

Maximum of 1.5 hours per week average over the academic year.

Personal Study

11 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments in your own time per week, including use of online materials.

Placement

This will require you to attend your vocational placement to complete the 225 hours across 2 academic years.

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in social care and community work practice, which students can build on if they decide to continue their studies:

● entering employment: community Support worker/youth worker/family support worker/social services assistant/housing support officer/mental health support worker/substance misuse worker/community engagement officer.

● continuing existing employment

● becoming a member of an appropriate professional body or membership organisation

● linking with the appropriate accredited certificates (if available)

● committing to continuing professional development (CPD

) ● progressing to Level 5 qualifications. This qualification awards a minimum of 120 credits, which can be applied towards related University degree programmes.

This programme will provide you with the skills to enable you to meet the demands of a challenging role within Social and Community Work. Graduates from this course progress into senior roles within support living, domiciliary care, social and youth work.

Employability Skills:

1. Effective Communication
2. Professionalism and Ethics
3. Critical Thinking
4. Teamwork
5. Time Management
6. Health & Safety Awareness
7. Adaptability and Resilience
8. Technology Use
9. Person-Centred Care
10. Continuous Learning

Students must pay for their Access NI clearance, current cost is £32 - please note your own workplace clearance may suffice.