Quick facts
|
Qualification type |
Study Programme AAQ |
|
Duration |
2 years |
|
Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum 3 days per week. The college day will be 9:00 - 4:15. You timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
|
Entry requirements |
5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including Maths and English at a 4 or above |
|
Campus |
West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
|
Work placements |
Yes |
Is it for me?
This course will help you develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to progress to work or further study. It is particularly relevant if you aspire to a career in healthcare and wellbeing.
The course is for students who are interested in a career in Health and Wellbeing. It combines three Applied Advanced Qualifications (AAQs) into one group-based programme, giving you an introduction to key areas within the sector.
You will study Health and Social Care, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Early Childhood Development. Together, these subjects give you a broad foundation and help you explore different pathways within healthcare and wellbeing. This makes the course especially useful if you are still deciding which direction you would like to take in the future.
The course helps you develop important knowledge, skills, and values related to supporting people at all stages of life. It can prepare you for a wide range of careers, including child development, family support, counselling, wellbeing education, social work, and community roles.
As a vocational course, it includes a work placement so you can gain practical experience and improve your employability. You will also receive careers advice and progression support, as well as opportunities to meet employers and learn more about the many careers available in the health and wellbeing sector.
What you'll learn
Mental Health: Individual and Society
This two-year programme combines exams and coursework. It is designed to help you explore the nature of mental health and wellbeing by investigating the impact of positive mental health and learning how to support individuals and groups in maintaining and improving their wellbeing.
- Units in year 1: Fundamentals of mental health and the Individual- Applied Psychology Unit- External Assessment, Supporting and promoting mental health and wellbeing in organisations - Health promotion Unit- Internal Assessment
- Units in Year 2: Mental Health, Wellbeing and Society - Applied Sociology Unit - External Assessment, Community based support form mental health and wellbeing- Health Education - Internal Assessment and either Supporting Mental health and wellbeing - with Applied Therapeutic approaches - Internal Assessment
Health and Social Care
The Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) is a two-year course which involves studying various aspects of the health and social care sector, including mandatory and optional units. It is worth 1 A Level.
- Year 1 study: Human Lifespan and Development and Health and Social Care Practice
- Year 2 study: Human Biology and Health and Promoting Health Education
Early Childhood Development
This looks into practical and theoretical aspects of working with children and young people will help you to be able to work in many settings.
- Year 1 units are: Children's Development and Play and Learning
- Year 2 units are: Keeping Children Safe and Research and Reflective Practice in an Early Childhood Setting
Assessment
40% Exam and 60% Coursework
Further study
Progression to uni/ other study or job opportunities:
Example Careers: Counselling, Health Promotion, Mental Health support, Education psychology, community work and research
Undergraduate Degree Examples:
- BSc (Hons) Mental Health and Wellbeing
- BSc (Hons) Public Health
- BA (Hons) Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing
- BSc (Hons) Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching
- BSc (Hons) Health and Wellbeing
- BSc (Hons) Health Studies
Days & times
Starting September 2026
Follow Us
Stay up-to-date on the latest news & events