Health and Social Care
Health and social care is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK, with demand for skilled employees continually rising. By 2035, millions of new roles are expected to be needed. This AAQ in Health and Social Care allows students to build real, relevant skills for the future, developing knowledge of care practice alongside an understanding of the needs of individuals who use health and social care services.
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Mandatory Units
Students complete four core units which provide a strong foundation in health and social care practice. In F090 Principles of Health and Social Care (exam), you will learn how professionals support equality, diversity and rights in care settings. You will consider types of discriminatory practice and potential hazards, alongside key legislation that helps to keep individuals safe by identifying and supporting rights, duties and responsibilities.
In F091 Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care (exam), you will explore different body systems and the structure and function of their component parts. You will learn key processes within each body system, how they enable the body to function properly and what happens when they malfunction. F092 Person Centred Approach to Care (non-examined) develops your understanding of the principles and values that underpin person-centred care, including communication, building relationships and overcoming barriers. F093 Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions (non-examined) explores what is meant by mental health, main types of mental health conditions and how these may affect individuals’ lives.
Optional Units
Students also study optional units which allow them to focus on particular areas of interest. F096 Supporting People in Relation to Sexual Health, Pregnancy and Postnatal Health (non-examined) looks at how individuals can be supported around sexual and reproductive health across different life stages.
F094 Supporting People with Long Term Physiological Conditions (non-examined) focuses on the impact of long-term physical health conditions and how individuals can be supported to manage their condition and maintain quality of life. Together, these units build a broad picture of practice in health and social care and prepare students for progression into further study, training or employment in the sector.
Assessment Components
Component 1
Component 2
Assessment is a blend of written examinations and non-examined units. Exams test knowledge and understanding of key principles, anatomy and physiology, while coursework units assess the application of person-centred practice and support for individuals with mental health and long-term conditions.
Opportunities
The AAQ in Health and Social Care provides a clear route into a wide range of training and degree pathways. Students can progress to intermediate apprenticeships (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), advanced level apprenticeships (equivalent to 2 A Levels or Level 3 qualifications) and higher education.
Degree courses include nursing, social work, midwifery and a range of allied health professions. The knowledge and skills gained are also valuable for many other roles across the wider health, care and community sectors.
Entrance Requirements
Essential 5 or more GCSE passes at grade 4 or higher.
Desirable Previous knowledge of Health and Social Care is not essential, but would be advantageous.
Health and Social Care (AAQ Level 3)
Health and social care is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK, with demand for employees continually rising. This AAQ qualification allows students to build real and relevant skills for the future, developing an understanding of care practice and of the needs of individuals who use health and social care services.
Mandatory Units
F090 Principles of Health and Social Care (exam) covers how professionals support equality, diversity and rights in care settings, types of discriminatory practice, potential hazards and legislation that keeps individuals safe.
F091 Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care (exam) explores different body systems, their structure and function, key processes that enable them to work properly and what happens when they malfunction.
F092 Person Centred Approach to Care (non examined) focuses on the principles and values underpinning person-centred care, communication, relationship building and overcoming barriers.
F093 Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions (non examined) examines the meaning of mental health, main types of mental health conditions and how these may affect individuals’ lives and needs for support.
Optional Units
Optional units include F096 Supporting People in Relation to Sexual Health, Pregnancy and Postnatal Health and F094 Supporting People with Long Term Physiological Conditions (both non examined). These extend understanding into more specialised areas of health and social care.
Assessment Components
Assessment includes externally assessed examinations for F090 and F091 and non-examined assessment for F092, F093 and the optional units. Coursework is centre assessed and contributes to the final grade.
Opportunities
Students can progress to intermediate apprenticeships (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), advanced level apprenticeships (equivalent to 2 A Levels/Level 3 qualifications) and degree courses such as nursing, social work, midwifery and other allied health professions.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: 5 or more GCSE passes at grade 4 or higher.
Desirable: Previous knowledge of Health and Social Care is not essential, but would be advantageous.