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.
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.
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 (Coursework)
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 (Coursework)
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 (Coursework)
This unit looks at how individuals can be supported around sexual and reproductive health across different life stages.
F094: Supporting People with Long Term Physiological Conditions (Coursework)
This unit 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
Externally Assessed Units
Non-Examined Assessment
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 Five GCSEs at grades 9–4, with no specific subject requirements.
Health and Social Care (AAQ Level 3)
Health and social care is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK, with demand for skilled employees continually rising. This AAQ qualification develops knowledge of care practice and an understanding of the needs of individuals using health and social care services.
Mandatory Units
F090: Principles of Health and Social Care (Exam). Equality, diversity, rights, discrimination, hazards and relevant care legislation.
F091: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care (Exam). Body systems, their structure and function, key physiological processes and the effects of malfunction.
F092: Person Centred Approach to Care (Coursework). Principles of person-centred care, communication, relationships and overcoming barriers.
F093: Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions (Coursework). Mental health conditions, their impact on individuals and approaches to support.
Optional Units
F096: Supporting People in Relation to Sexual Health, Pregnancy and Postnatal Health (Coursework). Supporting sexual and reproductive health across different life stages.
F094: Supporting People with Long Term Physiological Conditions (Coursework). Supporting individuals with long-term physical health conditions and maintaining quality of life.
Assessment Components
Externally assessed examinations: Units F090 and F091.
Non-examined assessment: Units F092, F093 and the optional units F094 and F096. Coursework is centre assessed and moderated.
Opportunities
Students can progress to apprenticeships, higher education and degree courses including nursing, social work, midwifery and allied health professions. The qualification also supports careers throughout the health, social care and community sectors.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Five GCSEs at grades 9–4, with no specific subject requirements.