Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

The Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care allows for further learning at Level 3 and above or assists with progression into the workplace.  For the Extended Diploma you will study 5 mandatory units and 2 optional units.  

Units you will study include 

  • Equality, diversity and rights in health and social care 

  • Human growth and development 

  • Safeguarding and protection in health and social care 

  • Communication in health and social care 

  • HSC M5 Working in health and social care 

  • Creative activities in health and social care 

  • Nutrition for health and social care


  • 4 GCSE’S grades 3 and above 

  • Level 1 qualification in Health and Social Care

A range of learning methods will be adopted to meet the diverse needs of the learners.

All units will be assessed using a range of methods.  These methods could include: written assignments or tasks such as designing a leaflet or booklet, charts or diagrams or setting up an information board.

Portfolio of evidence; two extended assessments (one covering the ‘core mandatory’ units and one covering the ‘diploma mandatory’ units).
Learners will be required to attend placement in a real work environment to support their learning.

The minimum required number of placement hours is 175 hour.

Upon achievement of this qualification learners will be able to access Higher Education and progress into a wide range of job roles within the Health and Social Care sector, or go onto further study of the Level 3 qualification.

These qualifications do not provide a licence to practise, but may support progression into a wide range of job roles in the Health and Social Care sector, including:

  • care support workers in adult residential settings
  • healthcare assistants in community, primary care and acute health environments
  • care support workers in domiciliary services, supported living or day services
  • community-based support workers

The College provides a range of financial support to assist learners undertaking a programme of study.  The support is designed to help learners with the greatest financial needs and is subject to specific eligibility criteria being met.  For further information on the eligibility criteria, please contact the college on 01207 585 900.

Learning support is available for anyone who has a disability or learning difficulty and are tailored to individual support requirements.
Please speak to your course tutor if you feel you would benefit from an assessment or for further information please contact the college on 01207 585 900.

Full Time provision for 16-18 year olds is FREE.
Learners aged 19+ studying their first Level 3, the course fee is FREE.
Learners aged 19+ studying a second Level 3 qualification and learners aged 24+ studying at Level 3 can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund course fees.  You can discuss this further at your college interview.