This course is ideal for students interested in people, society, and the systems that support our health and wellbeing. It provides an excellent foundation for future careers in healthcare, social work, mental health support, midwifery, and related areas. You’ll gain both academic and practical insights into the vital services that support individuals across all stages of life.

Whether you’re aiming for university or a related career, this qualification gives you key transferable skills including communication, care planning, critical thinking, and empathy—highly valued across many professions.

This Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A Level and carries equivalent UCAS points.

• GCSE English Language grade 4 or above desirable

Unit F092 – Person-Centred Approach to Care (internally assessed)

This unit covers the factors that can impact the way in which positive and professional environments are developed, particularly focusing on how communication skills can build a person-centred approach. This will enable learners to understand the importance of building positive relationships with service providers and users.

Unit F093 – Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions (internally assessed)

This unit explores how mental health conditions affect individuals and the ways support can be tailored to meet their needs. It covers the causes and types of mental health conditions, treatment options, and service provision. Learners will develop understanding of how to promote well-being and support recovery in sensitive, inclusive ways.

Unit F094 – Supporting people with long term physiological conditions (internally assessed)

This unit focuses on the different types of long term physiological conditions, how these are caused and the daily and long term effects on individuals. Learners will have the opportunity to conduct their own research on local service provision and how effective this is in supporting individuals with long term physiological conditions.

Year 2:

Unit F091– Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care (written exam)

This unit aims to introduce learners to the basic structure and functions of the body systems involved in everyday activities and maintenance of health, including cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. Learners will understand the part played by organs such as the pancreas, liver and kidney and investigate the systems and organs involved in detecting and responding to change such as the nervous system as well as the eyes and ears.

Unit F096 – Supporting People in Relation to Sexual Health, Pregnancy and Postnatal Health (internally assessed)

This unit focuses on the sensitive topics of sexual health, conception, pregnancy and postnatal care. Learners will gain the skills to deliver advice and guidance with empathy and professionalism. They will explore how to support individuals and understand the services available to promote positive outcomes for parents and babies.

Unit F097 – Supporting Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles (internally assessed)

This unit promotes understanding of nutrition and physical activity. Learners will study dietary guidelines, barriers to healthy living, and how to plan nutritious meals. The unit supports learners in giving personalised lifestyle advice to individuals with varying needs and goals.

Year 1:

Unit F090 – Principles of Health and Social Care (20%)
1 hour 30 minutes written exam – 60 marks

Comprises short answer questions and questions requiring more extended responses

Unit F092 – Person-Centred Approach to Care (15%)

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

Unit F093 – Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions (15%)

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

Year 2:

Unit F091 – Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care (20%)
1 hour 30 minutes written exam – 60 marks

• Section A comprises 10 x 1 mark controlled response questions including multiple choice questions (10 marks)
  • Section B comprises short answer questions and questions requiring more extended responses (50 marks)

Unit F096 – Supporting People in Relation to Sexual Health, Pregnancy, and Postnatal Health (15%)

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

Unit F097 – Supporting Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles (15%)

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

Written exams are graded 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 Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*

Further information can be found on the OCR website.

Students can progress to higher education or entry-level careers in health and social care, including nursing, social work, mental health support, public health, care work, and related fields.

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