Level 3 Health & Social Care & AS Psychology

This study programme combines AS Psychology with the Level 3 AAQ in Health & Social Care, giving you a strong grounding in human behaviour, development, health, and care practice.

Unlock your potential with this dynamic study programme, combining AS Psychology with the Level 3 AAQ in Health & Social Care. Together, these subjects give you a powerful foundation in understanding people, behaviour, development and real‑world care practice — perfect for anyone aspiring to work in health, education or social support roles.

Psychology lets you dive into the fascinating science behind how we think, feel and behave. You’ll explore memory, social influence, attachment, mental health and the research methods that shape modern psychological understanding.
Health & Social Care builds your knowledge of human growth, health conditions, essential biology, safeguarding, care values and person‑centred practice — all key skills valued by employers and universities alike.

To support your progression, you’ll also complete a GCSE English or Maths resit (if needed) to help you achieve a Grade 4, ensuring you have the essential qualifications required for future study or employment.

Start your journey toward a rewarding career with a programme designed to inspire, challenge and prepare you for what comes next.

AS Psychology

You will explore:

• Social influence and obedience
• Memory and forgetting
• Attachment and early relationships
• Approaches in psychology (biological, cognitive, behaviourist)
• Mental health conditions (phobias, depression, OCD)
• Research methods and data analysis

You will develop:

• Critical thinking
• Scientific research skills
• Understanding of behaviour and mental health
• Problem‑solving and academic writing

AAQ Health & Social Care

You will study:

• Human lifespan development
• Health, wellbeing and biological functioning
• Health conditions such as diabetes, CHD and dementia
• Care values, communication and safeguarding
• Equality, diversity, legislation and person‑centred practice

Skills gained:

• Communication & interpersonal skills
• Working with vulnerable people
• Understanding health inequalities
• Academic and research skills
• Decision‑making in care settings

GCSE English or Maths Resit (to achieve Grade 4)

If you have not yet secured a Grade 4 in English or Maths, you will take a resit as part of this programme.

Achieving a Grade 4 is essential for progression to higher‑level study, apprenticeships and most careers.

After completing this one‑year programme, you can progress to the Level 3 Childhood Studies qualification and choose to top-up to A Level Psychology.

Completing the second year opens pathways to higher education and degree-level courses in areas such as:

• Psychology
• Early Childhood Studies
• Teaching (Primary, Early Years or Secondary)
• Nursing (all specialisms)
• Social Work
• Counselling
• Health & Social Care
• Policing or Criminology
• Youth & Community Work

Alternatively, you may choose to move directly into employment or pursue an apprenticeship within a related sector.

Throughout the year, we welcome inspiring guest speakers from a wide range of industries, giving you first‑hand insight into the careers you may want to pursue.

We also maintain strong links with universities, offering visits to multiple campuses where you can take part in taster sessions and explore your next steps in higher education

You will be allocated a progress coach who will provide you with support to help you succeed on your study programme and progress on to your chosen career or progression path. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or maths, or you will have needed to have achieved a minimum grade merit in a level 2 course and have GCSE English and/or maths at grade 4 or above . If you have not already achieved a grade 4 in your either your GCSE English or maths and you wish to study at Level 3, you will be required to work towards GCSE English or maths as part of your qualification.