Course Overview

OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs), also known as Cambridge Advanced Nationals, are designed for students who are interested in progressing onto higher education. These qualifications complement A Levels, offering a practical and applied approach to learning.

Level 3 AAQ in Health and Social Care is a varied and interesting course where pupils get to study a variety of topics. This qualification is typically aimed at students who are seeking a career in Health, Social Care or Early years related areas. Students either enter employment at trainee level, e.g. care assistant, playgroup assistant, healthcare assistant, or undertake higher level qualifications in further or higher education, e.g. HNC, HND, degree.

There is a wide variety of related careers such as nursing, midwifery, paramedics, teaching, dietician, nursery nurse, care assistant and social worker, to name but a few. The majority of pupils who study health and social care at level 3 go on to take up places at university studying a variety of courses including nursing, child development, midwifery, primary school teaching and paramedic science.

These qualifications are designed to be taken alongside A levels or other AAQ’s

“Designed for students aged 16 to 19 years, our Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification – Cambridge Advanced Nationals complement A Level subjects and offer students rounded study programmes. Our qualifications provide students with the practical skills and knowledge they need for entry into higher education.”

Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualifications Cambridge Advanced Nationals Explained

Course Leader of Health & Social Care

Mrs Thornton