Start: September 2027
Duration: 1 Year
Code: ED2HSPF1LC

Course Overview

The Level 2 Health & Social Care Diploma is ideal if you're passionate about supporting people and want to build a strong foundation before progressing into higher-level study. Throughout the course, you'll explore the principles of health and social care while developing the practical skills and professional behaviours expected within the sector.

You'll be taught by experienced tutors with industry backgrounds and take part in employer-led sessions, practical activities, and simulated learning designed to prepare you for real working environments. You'll also have opportunities to gain valuable workplace experience through placements tailored to your interests and career ambitions.

After an initial five-week diagnostic period, you'll have the opportunity to focus your learning towards one of two specialist pathways, helping you prepare for your chosen career while continuing to study the full Health & Social Care curriculum.

As a member of Weston College's Health & Social Care Career Excellence Hub, you'll benefit from strong links with the NHS and a wide range of health and care employers, giving you access to guest speakers, employer events, career-focused activities, and valuable industry insight throughout your studies.

What will I study?

All learners study the core principles of health and social care before choosing a specialist pathway.

Core topics include:

  • Equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Safeguarding
  • Person-centred care
  • Human growth and development
  • Mental health and wellbeing
  • Health and social care values
  • Professional behaviours
  • Communication skills

You will then have the opportunity to specialise in one of two pathways:

Transitional Health Science

Ideal if you're interested in careers such as:

  • Nursing
  • Paramedicine
  • Nursing Associate
  • Allied Health Professions
  • Healthcare

You'll further explore human development, safeguarding, equality and diversity, mental health, and healthcare practice while gaining experience through healthcare-focused placements.

Social Care

Ideal if you're interested in careers such as:

  • Social Work
  • Care Work
  • Residential Care
  • Community Support

You'll develop additional knowledge in:

  • Dementia awareness
  • Person-centred care
  • Medication administration
  • Mental health
  • Human development

You'll also gain valuable experience through placements in a range of social care settings.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is designed to reflect both practical and academic learning.

Assessment includes:

  • Written coursework
  • Projects
  • Presentations
  • Practical activities
  • Portfolio evidence

Work placements are personalised to your career aspirations, allowing you to gain relevant industry experience where appropriate.

Additional Information

Throughout your course, you will benefit from:

  • Membership of Weston College's Health & Social Care Career Excellence Hub
  • Employer-led sessions
  • Strong links with the NHS and local care providers
  • Simulated practical learning
  • Tailored work placement opportunities
  • Guest speakers and employer events
  • Career planning and progression support

A five-week diagnostic period at the beginning of the course helps ensure you are studying the pathway best suited to your interests and future goals.

Your timetable will typically be four to five days per week.

Uniform and kit requirements will be discussed during induction.

Entry Requirements

  • Three GCSEs, including Grade 3 or above in English (preferably English Language) and maths
  • A satisfactory DBS check to enable work placements

You will also need:

  • A genuine interest in working within the health and social care sector

What can I do after this course?

Successful completion of this course can lead to a range of exciting progression opportunities.

You could progress to:

  • Level 3 Health & Social Care
  • Health T Level
  • Health and social care apprenticeships
  • Other Level 3 vocational programmes

Following further study, career opportunities could include:

  • Healthcare Assistant
  • Nursing Associate
  • Adult Care Worker
  • Support Worker
  • Social Care Practitioner
  • Residential Care Worker
  • Community Support Worker

Many learners continue into higher education before progressing into careers such as nursing, paramedicine, social work, occupational therapy, or other healthcare professions.

What do I do now?

Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.

Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event.

Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

What our Students say
Aidan Collecting his Award

Aidan

BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

Read my story

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