This qualification sits within a suite of ATHE L3 qualifications, which is called the International Access Programme (IAP). Each qualification has a credit value of 60. Learners may choose to study one or more of the qualifications in this suite. Extending the learning to more than one qualification will increase knowledge, understanding and the development of a range of study skills. It will also increase the total number of credits achieved so learners are more qualified to access higher education, higher level apprenticeships or employment. Learners can choose complimentary qualifications e.g. Diploma in Business with a Diploma in Small Business and Social Enterprise Start-up or contrasting qualifications e.g. Diploma in Accounting with a Diploma in Law. The choice must be influenced by learner interests, abilities and career aspirations.

Learners who choose to study 3 Diplomas equivalent to 180 credits will be embarking on a full time course of study. Studying 2 Diplomas will be a substantive programme and as with the study of 1 Diploma may involve other forms of learning or experience

Study Skills

In the Diploma in Health and Social Care the following study skills will be developed and learners will use them in their study and in preparing and writing the summative assignments.

•               Critical thinking

•               • Planning, organizing and time management

•               • Research

•               • Gathering information, note taking and summarising

•               • Analysis

•               • Oral and written skills

•               • Academic skills, including referencing

•               • Application of IT skills

•               • Reflection

Aims

This qualification has been developed to conform to the requirements of the RQF, to meet the

requirements of higher education and employers and to meet the needs of learners.

It has been designed to introduce learners to the health and social care sector, the roles and career paths within the sector and the main aims, knowledge and ideas underpinning the provision of health and social care

Entry Requirements

·       Progressed from level 2

·       Learners may be aged 16/19, who have recently been in education or training, or those aged 19 plus.

·       they should be available to everyone who is capable of reaching the required standard

·       they should be free from any barriers that restrict access and progression

·       there should be equal opportunities for all those wishing to access the qualifications

·       5 or more GCSEs at grades C and above or Grade 4 and above

•      other related level 2 subjects

•      other equivalent international qualifications

·       For those whom English is not their first language we recommend the following standards of proficiency in English language skills or an approved equivalent for this qualification:

•      IELTs 5.5

•      Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2

•      Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) 162 or above

•      Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 42-49

Progression:

·       Employment or have increased opportunities for progression in their current role

·       a higher level ATHE qualification at Level 4 or above, in a related subject

·       the first year of a degree programme

·       higher level apprenticeships

·       For mature learners aged 19 plus with existing qualifications and experience, wishing to progress within a role, or to a degree programme at Level 4 this could be 120 credits or less. Mature learners may therefore wish to study less than three diplomas.

Course Guidelines

Each qualification has agreed rules of combination which indicates the number of credits to be achieved, the units that are mandatory and the choice of optional units. The rules of combination for this qualification are given below:

·      Mode of learning : full time/ part time /blended learning or distance learning

·       Credit Qualification: 60

·      Total Qualification Time(TQT) : 600

·      Total Guided Learning : 303 Hour

Assessment method:

·       research activity resulting in the compilation of a report

·      a research project

·      the compilation of a case study

·      a review and evaluation of a chosen country and organisation’s policies legislation and systems

·      presentation of information

·      production of training materials

·      the production of a portfolio of evidence

Qualification Grading Structure

For the Level 3 Diploma in English and Communications for Business, points for each 15-credit unit achieved are as follows:

•      Pass (achieves Learning Outcomes at the standards stated in pass assessment criteria) – 45 points

•      Merit (achieves Learning Outcomes at the standards stated in pass and all merit assessment criteria) – 60 points

•      Distinction (achieves Learning Outcomes at the standards stated in pass, all merit and all

•      distinction Assessment Criteria) – 75 points

•      Total points required for each qualification grade:

•      Pass 180 – 215

•      Merit 216 – 269

•      Distinction 270+