Health & Social Care (Diploma)
at The Cotswold Academy, Cheltenham · school or sixth form
What the college says
This is a two year course that is the equivalent value of two A Levels. This course is suitable for those studying in preparation for employment or further and higher education in the health and social care sector.There are seven mandatory units which give candidates an understanding of health and social care within the wider contexts of different environments and settings. Assessment: Five units are externally assessed with an examination and two units are internally assessed course work. Unit 1: Building positive relationships in health and social care (internal course work)Unit 2: Equality, diversity and rights in health and social care (external examination)Unit 3: Health, safety and security in health and social care (external examination)Unit 4: Anatomy and physiology for health and social care (external examination)Unit 5: Infection Control (internal course work)Unit 6: Personalisation and a person-centred approach to care (external examination)Unit 7: Safeguarding (external examination) As well as the mandatary units there will be additional course work units that can be selected from a range of 17 optional units depending on individual interests. These are all internally assessed and include: Nutrition for HealthSexual health, reproduction and early developmentSupporting people with DementiaPromoting well beingPublic HealthPsychology for healthSociology for healthCaring for people with mental health conditionsSupporting people with disabilities Elements of practical
What you need to get on
5 GCSEs at grades 4-9, including Level 4 in GCSE Mathematics and English Language
How you are assessed
One subject in depth, assessed largely through coursework and projects.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
The Cotswold School
The Avenue Bourton-On-The-Water, Cheltenham, GL54 2BD
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 2 September 2026 · Cheltenham
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
- Their version
St Thomas More Catholic High School
North Shields · North East · 2 years
- Their version
Sleaford · East Midlands · 2 years
- Their version
Feversham Girls' Secondary Academy
Bradford · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
Newcastle Upon Tyne · North East · 2 years
- Their version
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College
Leeds · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years