Quick facts
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Qualification type |
Pearson Applied Psychology Extended Certificate and Pearson AAQ Health and Social Care Extended Certificate |
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Duration |
2 years |
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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. |
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Entry requirements |
5 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above, including Maths, English. There is no opportunity to study Math's and English alongside this course. You will also need to pass successfully a DBS check for work placement requirements. |
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Campus |
West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
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Work placements |
Yes |
| Assessments | This course is assessed through external exams and internal coursework. |
By selecting this course, you will be studying Psychology and Health which makes up two A Level equivalents. Students will then need to select from the table below their final one A Level equivalent.
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Criminology |
Human Biology |
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V Level Education |
Mental Health and Wellbeing |
Is it for me?
Are you passionate about health, wellbeing and making a difference to people's lives? Do you want to understand how healthcare professionals support individuals with different physical, emotional and psychological needs, and explore how psychology can help us understand behaviour and improve the care people receive?
This exciting Applied Psychology and Health & Social Care course gives you the opportunity to explore human behaviour alongside the factors that influence people's health, wellbeing and development. You will investigate important psychological theories and research, exploring how psychologists explain behaviour and how psychology can be applied to real-life situations.
Alongside Applied Psychology, you will explore the diverse and rewarding world of Health and Social Care. What factors influence a person's physical and mental health? Why do individuals have different care and support needs? How can professionals promote health, wellbeing and independence? You will examine how individuals develop across their lives, the different factors that can affect their health and wellbeing, and how health and social care services work together to meet individual needs.
Throughout the course, you will apply your knowledge to real-world situations and case studies, considering how psychological understanding can help professionals provide effective, person-centred care and support. You will explore the importance of communication, relationships, equality, safeguarding and professional practice when working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances.
The course will also develop your ability to analyse information, investigate theories, conduct research, apply knowledge to practical scenarios and evaluate different approaches to supporting individuals. You will be encouraged to question assumptions, consider different perspectives and use evidence to reach well-reasoned conclusions.
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 2027
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