Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
This brand new pathway will replace the discontinued BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and will give you a fresh, modern and academically respected qualification route. You will study three Level 3 Extended Certificates, giving you a broad and exciting programme that prepares you for university, apprenticeships or direct entry into the health and care sector.
Throughout this two year pathway, you will study all three of the following Cambridge Advanced National (Alternative Academic Qualification) Level 3 Extended Certificates:
-
Health and Social Care – Extended Certificate:
You will explore how high quality care is provided and what it means to work in a person centred way. This will include communication, safeguarding, equality and diversity, supporting individuals with different needs, legislation and best practice. -
Human Biology – Extended Certificate:
You will develop knowledge of the human body, including cells, tissues, body systems, diseases, genetics and biomedical techniques. You will also carry out practical investigations to build skills used in health and medical professions. -
Mental Health: Individuals and Society – Extended Certificate:
You will learn how mental health is shaped by individuals, workplaces, communities and wider society. You will study changing attitudes, community support, mental health campaigns, and ways to improve wellbeing at personal and societal levels.
Together, these qualifications will give you a powerful mix of scientific understanding, applied care skills and mental health insight that reflects the needs of today’s health and social care sector.
Why Choose City College Norwich?
Experience the working world
Through the college’s links to the industry, all health and social care students complete regular relevant industry work placements.
State-of-the-art facilities
Learn in our Health Wing which looks and feels like a hospital ward, complete with a geriatric patient simulator, a patient care manikin, an Anatomage 3D anatomy visualisation and virtual dissection table.
Fantastic progression opportunities
Our courses will open the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities including university, apprenticeships and health support roles.
Entry Requirements
- Achieve five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths.
- Satisfactory completion of written taster day activities.
- Two positive references.
- Successful completion of a Disclosure Baring Service (DBS) check.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will complete a combination of exams and applied assignments, giving you the chance to show what you know in different ways.
Exams: Each qualification will include externally assessed exam units designed to test your knowledge and understanding. These exams will take place in January or June and will give you a strong academic foundation for higher education.
Applied Assignments (NEA): You will complete practical, real world assignments such as:
- Planning and promoting health or mental health campaigns
- Writing care plans
- Carrying out community and wellbeing research
- Completing science based investigations and lab tasks
- Analysing case studies
These assignments will be set by the exam board and marked by your teachers before being moderated.
A balanced assessment experience: This modern structure will help you build confidence in both academic and practical skills - perfect preparation for university and the workplace.
Course Progression
By completing all three Extended Certificates, you will gain three full Level 3 qualifications. This opens the door to a wide range of exciting next steps.
You will be able to progress to university courses such as:
- Health and Social Care
- Allied Health Professions (Occupational Therapist, Dieticians, Radiographers, Speech and Language Therapists)
- Public Health and Wellbeing
- Counselling and Mental Health
- Psychology or Sociology
- Biomedical Science, Human Biology or Life Sciences
- Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health, LD)
- Midwifery
- Paramedic Science
- Physiotherapy
You will also be able to progress to:
- Level 4/5 health and care apprenticeships
- Allied Health Support roles
- Community based training programmes
Whatever you aim for, these qualifications will give you the academic strength and applied experience to move forward confidently.
Where Your Course Can Take You
This pathway will prepare you for careers across the whole health and care sector. With further study or training, you will be able to move into roles such as: social worker, paramedic, occupational therapy or physiotherapy assistant, healthcare science support roles, public health worker, youth or community support worker, nurse or midwife or mental health support worker.
These qualifications will give you the skills employers look for: communication, teamwork, scientific understanding, problem solving, compassion and the ability to work confidently with people.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16 to 18 on 31st August before the start of your course, your tuition fees will be free. If you are aged 19 and over, please contact the Advice Shop for more information by email at information@ccn.ac.uk or by calling 01603 773773.
Why Choose City College Norwich?
Experience the working world
Through the college’s links to the industry, all health and social care students complete regular relevant industry work placements.
State-of-the-art facilities
Learn in our Health Wing which looks and feels like a hospital ward, complete with a geriatric patient simulator, a patient care manikin, an Anatomage 3D anatomy visualisation and virtual dissection table.
Fantastic progression opportunities
Our courses will open the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities including university, apprenticeships and health support roles.
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