This course is ideal for students who want to pursue a career within the Health & Social Care field. It will provide students with a breadth of knowledge, as they develop an insight into the factors that affect the way organisations are managed, and the roles and responsibilities of professionals working within a range of health and social care settings. Learners will examine a range of theoretical perspectives which underpin current practice, whilst exploring the factors that have shaped public health, both historically and in the present day.

This Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels and carries equivalent UCAS points.

• GCSE English Language grade 4 or above desirable

Year 1:

In the first year this course, students will complete all 6 units covered in the Extended Certificate (see H&SC Single prospectus page for unit details).

Year 2:

Unit 5 – Infection Control (internally assessed)

This unit focuses on how practitioners can ensure that organisations promote safety and hygiene within their practice so that infections are controlled and prevented. By studying this unit, learners will be able to develop a deeper understanding of the possible causes of infection and prevention measures that exist in different environments.

Unit 6 – Personalisation and a person centred approach to care (written exam)

This unit explores the use of the welfare state to support individuals who are unable to access their basic needs. The role of authority and legislation will play a vital role in shaping the effectiveness of this personalisation for each individual.

Unit 7 – Safeguarding (written exam)

The focus of this unit is on the issue of abuse looking at definitions and types of abuse and the ways in which organisations prevent it from occurring. Legislation protecting service users’ rights will be explored, alongside policies and procedures that are in place to safeguard vulnerable groups in the health, social care and child care sectors.

Unit 12 – Promote positive behaviour (internally assessed)

This unit introduces learners to the different strategies that practitioners can use to promote positive behaviour and manage and support people whose behaviour is challenging. Learners will see the impact of the way care and support is delivered, whilst exploring the role of the environment and other factors that can influence behaviour and how these are managed to promote positive behaviour.

Unit 17 – Supporting people with mental health conditions (internally assessed)

This unit allows learners to explore the causes, treatments, methods of support and impacts of mental health issues on an individual’s everyday life.

Unit 18 – Caring for older people (internally assessed)

This unit allows learners to consider the care and support offered to older people that is suitable to their needs by developing an understanding of the ageing process and the role of health and social care workers in supporting older people. Students will be introduced to a range of policies and legislation that guide practitioners who work with older people.

Year 1:

Unit 1 – Building positive relationships in Health and Social Care (8.33%)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

Unit 2 – Equality, diversity and rights in Health and Social Care (8.33%)
1 hour 30 minutes written exam – 60 marks

Comprises multiple choice, short answer questions and questions requiring more extended responses

Unit 3 – Health, safety and security in Health and Social Care (8.33%)
1 hour 30 minutes written exam – 60 marks

• comprises short answer questions and questions requiring more extended responses
• a calculator may be used

Unit 4 – Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care (12.5%)
2 hour written exam – 100 marks

• comprises short answer questions and questions requiring more extended responses

Unit 13 – Sexual health, reproduction and early development stages (8.33%)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

Unit 24 – Public Health (4.17%)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

Year 2:

Unit 5 – Infection Control (8.33%)

Non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

Unit 6 – Personalisation and a person centred approach to care (8.33%)
1 hour 30 minutes written exam – 60 marks

• Comprises short answer questions and questions requiring more extended responses

Unit 7 – Safeguarding (8.33%)
1 hour 30 minutes written exam – 60 marks

• Comprises short answer questions and questions requiring more extended responses
Plus the following three units of non-examined assessment (NEA) work completed and assessed internally before being externally moderated by the exam board.

Unit 12 – Promote positive behaviour (8.33%)

Unit 17 – Supporting people with mental health conditions (8.33%)

Unit 18 – Caring for older people (8.33%)

Written exams are graded Near Pass, Pass, Merit or Distinction. NEA units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. All units must achieve a grade to be awarded the full qualification, which is graded PP, MP, MM, DM, DD, D*D or D*D*

Further information can be found on the OCR website.

Completion of this qualification will enable students to progress onto further study at level 3, higher education or training in H&SC, or a related field.

This qualification is generally taken alongside another qualification as part of a 2–year programme of learning. This will enable learners to progress to a degree programme chosen from a range of courses in the health and social care sector.

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.