Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
Our Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care is a two year, full-time programme designed to help you develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed for success at college and beyond.
This pathway is perfect if you would benefit from a supportive environment, structured progression, and the opportunity to continue improving GCSE English and Maths alongside your vocational studies. The course blends classroom learning, practical activities, real world scenarios and pastoral support to ensure you feel prepared, motivated and ready for your next steps.
You will study a range of engaging and practical units that introduce you to life in the health and social care sector. These include:
Core Themes
- Human Lifespan Development – how people grow and change from infancy to later adulthood, and the factors that influence development.
- Health and Social Care Values – dignity, respect, safeguarding, confidentiality and person centred practice.
- Effective Communication – how to communicate clearly and sensitively with different people, and how to overcome communication barriers.
- Healthy Living – the impact of lifestyle choices on wellbeing and how to promote healthier habits.
Specialist Option Areas
Depending on course planning, you may also explore:
- Social influences on health and wellbeing
- Nutrition and dietary needs
- Equality, diversity and individual rights
- First aid, infection control and basic care skills
- Creative and therapeutic activities
- Child development or community based work
These units will help you build a broad foundation of knowledge, practical experience and confidence in working with others.
Alongside your vocational learning, you will also take part in:
- GCSE English and maths resit classes, with dedicated support
- Pastoral sessions to develop study skills, wellbeing and confidence
- Career guidance to help you plan your next steps
Why Choose Paston College?
Excellent progression
100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, or gap years
Developed with employers
Our career focused courses have been developed with employers, to ensure you'll be equipped with the skills needed for the modern workplace
Learning opportunities
To enhance your studies, we offer a variety of opportunities for you to meet new people, and enhance your UCAS personal statement or CV by getting involved in something rewarding
Entry Requirements
- Three GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English language and maths.
How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment is varied and designed to suit different learning styles. You will be assessed through:
Internal Assignments
These may include:
- Written tasks and coursework
- Creating leaflets, posters or digital materials
- Presentations and role plays
- Practical demonstrations
- Case study analysis
- Observations and witness statements
All internal assessments follow clear criteria and allow you to showcase your understanding through real world scenarios.
External Exams
You will take two short exams set by Pearson (the exam board):
- Human Lifespan Development
- Healthy Living
These are one hour written papers, taken under exam conditions.
Teachers provide structured guidance, feedback and practice opportunities so that you can progress with confidence.
Course Progression
This programme is designed to support a smooth transition into further education. On completion, you could progress to:
Level 3 Courses, such as:
- Health and Social Care
- Early Years
- Sport, Public Services or other vocational areas
Apprenticeships:
- Healthcare support roles
- Social care apprenticeships
Future training and employment:
The course develops strong transferable skills including communication, problem solving, teamwork and independence - all skills that employers in many sectors value highly.
Where Your Course Can Take You
Our Level 2 Diploma opens the door to a wide range of future opportunities. You could go on to pursue careers such as:
- Social care, counselling or mental health support
- Community care
- Allied health professions (via further study)
- Support roles within hospitals, GP practices or care settings
By the end of the course, you will leave with a recognised Level 2 qualification, increased confidence and independence, strong foundations for an apprenticeship/the world of work and a clear understanding of what working in care and health involves.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16 to 18 on 31st August before the start of your course, your tuition fees will be free. If you are aged 19 and over, please contact the Advice Shop for more information by email at information@ccn.ac.uk or by calling 01603 773773.
