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The OCR Level 3 AAQ Cambridge Advanced National in Health & Social Care (Extended Certificate) offers students a course designed primarily designed to lead directly into employment, although many students will continue on to higher education.

The course develops key knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the subject and particularly develops transferable skills that are important for progression on to HE and communication skills that are applicable to real-life contexts and work situations. These skills are delivered in context of learning about key principles of Health & Social Care, anatomy and physiology, having a person-centred approach to care and supporting people with mental health conditions amongst others.

It is assessed by in six units; two externally assessed exams and four NEA coursework units.

If you have a strong interest in Health & Social Care matched with a good work ethic and an ability to meet coursework deadlines, then this course is ideal.

Entry Criteria

5 in GCSE English Language

Companion Subjects

Psychology

Criminology

Human Biology

Career Paths

  • Clinical Psychology

  • Counselling

  • Midwifery

  • Nursing

  • Other Medical Career Pathways

  • Social Work

Subject Intent

This qualification equips students with a deep understanding of health and social care in practice—from equality and diversity to anatomy, public health, mental health, and person-centred support. Whether aiming for careers in midwifery, nursing, social work, mental health, or community support, learners will develop empathy, responsibility, critical thinking, and practical communication skills—all in a supportive, real-world learning environment.

This qualification is a Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) which is a combination of externally examined units with non examined assessment units (NEAs). These qualifications are designed to take alongside A levels or other AAQs.

In the examined unit, you will study key knowledge and understanding relevant to health and social care. In the non examined assessment (NEA) units, you will demonstrate knowledge and skills you learn by completing applied or practical assignments. More information about the knowledge and skills you will develop is below.

Course Overview

Extended Certificate (H125 – 360 GLH, full A‑Level size)

Four Mandatory Units:

  • F090: Principles of health and social care (80 GLH, external exam)
  • F091: Anatomy & physiology for health and social care (80 GLH, external exam)
  • F092: Person-centred approach to care (50 GLH, NEA)
  • F093: Supporting people with mental health conditions (50 GLH, NEA)

Two Optional units:

  • F094: Supporting long-term physiological conditions (50GLH, NEA)
  • F096: Supporting sexual health, pregnancy & postnatal care (50GLH, NEA)

Assessment Structure

  • External Exams
    • F090 & F091: 1 h 30 m written exams each (60 marks).
    • F090 will be sat in Year 12
    • F091 will be sat in Year 13
  • Non-Exam Assessments (NEAs)
    • Students will complete four NEA Units, F092 and F093 in Year 12, F094 and F096 in Year 13.
    • These are centre-assessed, OCR-moderated assignments.
    • NEA assignments are live assignments set for each year group and are scenario based, giving the students specific tasks to complete related to their learning.
  • Compensatory grading ensures students’ strengths across tasks are recognised

Homework & Independent Study

Weekly tasks include exam-style questions, assignment planning, reflective logs, research into healthcare topics, and reading around mental health, anatomy, and public health.

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Guest sessions from nurses, social workers, health visitors, mental health professionals
  • Workshops on care planning, safeguarding, communication
  • Visits to health settings or vocational fairs
  • Drop in support for assignment planning and reflection

Progression & Careers

Ideal for progression into FE/HE and careers in health and social care—including nursing, midwifery, paramedics, social work, mental health, public health, and early years care. With transferable skills like empathy, problem-solving, communication, and lifelong learning, students are well-prepared for both further study and employment

Curriculum Content

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