Open Event
15 October 2026
Join us at our Open Event and discover what makes St John Rigby one of the most popular choices for students across the region.
The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of various aspects of the health and social care sector. The emphasis of the course is on applying academic theory to practice. You will develop both practical and academic skills in order to prepare you for higher education or employment. This qualification has been designed to account for one third of a two-year, full-time study programme for learners who are intending to go onto further study in a related sector.
There are two mandatory examined units and one mandatory internally assessed unit. Students will study a further optional unit from the four available.
The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their health and social care
knowledge.
360 GLH (474 TQT) Equivalent in size to one A Level.
The qualification consists of four units:
three mandatory and one optional. Two of the units are externally assessed.
Mandatory content (50%).
External assessment (50%)
There is a range of health and social care topics to prepare you for a career or further study. You will study.
Human Lifespan and Development
PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment.
Human Biology and Health
Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning, and the impact of common disorders.
Health and Social Care Practice
Core principles, values and legislation that underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants on an individual health status.
Promoting Health Education
Health education, its purpose and use of different approaches and models to achieve positive health outcomes.
This qualification is generally taken alongside other qualifications as part of a 2–year programme of learning. This will enable students to progress to a degree programme chosen from a range of programmes in the health and social care sector such as nurses, physiotherapists, paramedics, radiographers, dieticians, podiatrists, midwives, primary school teachers, social workers or similar careers associated with this subject area.
Our Elective Programme is designed to help you develop your gifts and interests as part of an enhanced level 3 programme. We will help you realise your potential by nurturing your talent and preparing you for study at the most prestigious universities or for progression to competitive higher-level apprenticeships. Your options range from our Honours Programme, which might include following a fourth A level, to specialist Futures Programmes that will support your career goals.
If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.
Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment.
As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4.
Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.