The OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National in Health and Social Care (Certificate) is for students aged 16-19 years old. It will develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help prepare you for progression to undergraduate study when taken alongside other qualifications and are relevant to the health and social care sector.
AAQs are academic and practical, vocational qualifications. This programme is aimed at students who have a real desire to work in the NHS or affiliated services and care for others in careers as varied as health care assistants, social workers, paramedics, physiotherapists, nurses and clinical psychologists.
You might be interested in this qualification if you want a small qualification to take alongside and enhance your A Level studies, that builds applied or practical skills. You will have the opportunity to apply what you learn to real-life contexts, such as:
- Recommending support for individuals
- Presenting advice and guidance
- Communicating and building relationships
The Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care covers equality, diversity and rights, health and safety, anatomy and physiology, person-centred approaches, mental health, long-term physiological conditions, public health strategies, sexual health, nutrition, and lifestyles. You will develop the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare you for progression to undergraduate study.
All qualifications are fully accredited for UCAS points, and a large number of our students progress onto higher education
The subjects that complement this course These subjects might complement this qualification: • A Level Biology • A Level Psychology • A Level Sociology • A Level Law
What you'll learn
For this qualification, students must complete six units:
- Two mandatory externally assessed units
- Two mandatory NEA units
- Two optional NEA units: including – Principles of Health and Social Care, Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care, Person-centred Approach to Care, and Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Aims and learning outcomes:
Our Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Health and Social Care will encourage students to:
- develop key knowledge, understanding and skills, relevant to the subject
- think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- develop valuable communication skills that are important in all aspects of further study and life
- develop transferable learning and skills, such as evaluation, planning, presentation and research skills, that are important for progression to HE and can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations develop independence and confidence in applying the knowledge and skills that are vital for progression to HE and relevant to the health and social care sector and more widely
Progression
The AAQ courses give students a choice of progression options. Students who successfully complete the qualification will be well equipped to move onto degree programmes or apprenticeships and to pursue relevant employment opportunities.
The types of courses you may progress to Both the subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills, and broader transferable skills developed in this qualification will help you progress to further study in related areas such as:
- BSc Nursing (Adult/Child/Learning disabilities/Mental health)
- BSc Midwifery
- BSc Health and social care
- BSc Healthcare and Health Science
- BSc Health Sciences
- BSc Paramedic Science
- BSc Public Health and Wellbeing
- BA Social Work
Entry requirements
Applicants should have five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and maths.
