Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts (Last Assessment 2023)

Level 3

Who are the qualifications for?

These qualifications will be knowledge-based and will be designed for post-16 learners who want to develop a breadth and depth of knowledge related to the Health and Social Care sector. They will be designed for delivery in further education colleges but may also be of interest to school sixth forms and other providers.

These qualifications will replace current A level and Level 3 qualifications in Health and Social Care. It will provide a sound basis for learners who want to progress to higher education or to the workplace. Learners are strongly recommended to complete the Level 2 Health and Social Care: Core qualification prior to, or alongside this qualification.

What will the qualifications cover?

The qualifications will cover the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills required by the Health and Social Care sectors, providing a broad basis for further and/or higher education or employment within the sectors.

The qualifications will include the principles and theories of human growth and development.

Topics in the first year are likely to include:

  • factors that affect human growth and development
  • common illnesses, diseases and disorders, and how they may be prevented and controlled
  • provision of health and social care: adults, children's and young people's services
  • promoting quality care and communication
  • promoting good health.

During the second year learners will be able to broaden their study by choosing two topics from a number of optional units.

Topics likely to be included:

  • engagement strategies to support individuals in a range of care settings
  • understanding human behaviour – psychological theories
  • understanding mental health and well-being
  • promoting the rights of adults, children and young people

These qualifications will require an element of meaningful employer/sector engagement which could include a set work placement.

Qualification structure and assessment

These qualifications will be assessed through a combination of written assessments and non-examination assessments:

Certificate:

Internal: 2 non-examination assessments (NEA)

External: 1 external examination assessment

Diploma:

Internal: 4 non-examination assessments

External: 2 external examination assessments

What could the qualifications lead to?

Learners completing the Level 3 Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts qualification alongside other Level 3 qualifications, including GCE, could progress to higher education courses in areas including:

  • health
  • social care
  • early years
  • speech and language therapy
  • psychology
  • midwifery
  • occupational health

Learners who wish to progress to higher education may choose to take these qualifications alongside Advanced GCE in Health and Social Care, and Childcare thereby completing the equivalent of three A levels.

The qualifications could also lead to further education and training within the suite of Health and Social Care, and Childcare qualifications including:

  • Level 3 Health and Social Care: Practice (Adults)
  • Level 3 Health and Social Care: Practice (Children and Young People)
  • Level 4 Health and Social Care with Specialism

Find A Centre

Contact us

Karen Bushell

Subject Officer
hscpandc@wjec.co.uk
029 2240 4282

Emma Vaughan

Subject Support Officer
hscpandc@wjec.co.uk
029 2240 4282

Key Document

Specification - Certificate and Diploma

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Descriptor - Certificate

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Descriptor - Diploma

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Guidance for Teaching

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Examiners' Report - Summer 2023

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Advance Information - Summer 2023

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Examiners' Report - January 2023

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Advance Information - January 2023

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Circular No.19 (October 2022)

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CPD Autumn 2022 – Delegate Questions

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Examiners' Report (Summer 2022)

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Circular: Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts (July 2022)

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May 2022 - Notification of amendments to the qualification specifications

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Unit 1 and Unit 4 NEAs 2022 - Level 3 HSC: P&C

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Examiners' Report (January 2022)

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Examiners' Report (January 2021)

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Legislation Update (November 2021)

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Unit 2 Additional Sample Assessment (September 2022)

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Delegate Questions (February 2020)

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Examples of 1080 GLH Programmes for Level 3 Learners

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Stepping up to Level 3 Diploma Health and Social Care

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Mapping of Level 3 Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts Certificate and Diploma

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Mapping document to level 3 qualifications

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Options Evening Flyer

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Welcome to Level 3 Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts

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Online Exam Review: Unit 2

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Textbook Order Form

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Unit 1 NEA Mark Sheet & Declaration Form

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Unit 3 NEA Mark Sheet & Declaration Form

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Unit 4 NEA Mark Sheet & Declaration Form

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Unit 6 NEA Mark Sheet & Declaration Form

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Level 3 HSC: Principles and Contexts - Post-CPD FAQ (Nov 2021)

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e-submission Centre Guide (2021-22)

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We're currently developing a new Level 3 Extended Diploma qualification for teaching from September 2023. Find out more here. 

Textbooks

Title
Link
WJEC AS Level Health and Social Care (also support Yr 1 Level 3 Principles and Contexts)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1860857299?ref=myi_title_dp
WJEC A level Health and Social Care: Childcare Pathway Units 3 & 4
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1860857396?ref=myi_title_dp
WJEC A level Health and Social Care: Adult Health and Social Care Pathway Units 5 & 6
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/186085737X?ref=myi_title_dp

Course Materials

Level 3 Health and Social Care Principles and Contexts Delegate Pack - Spring 2020

Level 3 Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts - Unit 1 Support Materials

Level 3 Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts - Unit 3 Support Materials

Level 3 Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts - Unit 5: Useful Links and Resources

Useful YouTube links

Schemes of Work

Sector Engagement/Work Placement Log (For Summer 2023 only)

Sample Assessment Materials - Unit 1

Sample Assessment Materials - Unit 3

Sample Assessment Materials - Unit 4

Sample Assessment Materials - Unit 6

WJEC Administration Handbook

This Administration Handbook provides centres in Wales with the essential information for the administration of qualifications.

Head to our Training and Events page for the latest information on Professional Development events and learning opportunities for this qualification.

Webinar Recordings

Event Link
Level 3 HSC: Principles and Contexts (Recorded on June 3rd) Click here to view

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