INTRODUCTION
Thank you for applying to study Health and Social Care at NKC Dartford College
Our Health and Social Care programmes are designed for learners who are interested in developing the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours needed to progress within the health and social care sector or continue their studies.
As part of the admissions process, you will be invited to attend an interview where you will have the opportunity to find out more about the course, meet the curriculum team and discuss your interests, aspirations and suitability for the programme.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The entry requirements will depend on the level and programme you have applied for.
Level 1 Health
GCSE English Language at grade 2 and GCSE Maths at grade 1, or Level 1 Functional Skills in both English and Maths.
Level 2 Health
4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and Maths at grade 3 or above.
Level 3 TOQ Social Care
4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths at grade 4 or above.
Level 3 T Level Health
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths at grade 4 or above.
Your offer will be subject to you meeting the entry requirements for your chosen programme and successfully completing the relevant stages of the admissions process.
SCHOOL REPORT AND PREDICTED GRADES
If you are under 19, please bring your most recent school or college report, including attendance information, and confirmation of your predicted grades where available.
If you have already completed your qualifications, please bring confirmation of your achieved grades.
We will consider this information alongside your interview and the other requirements of the admissions process.
INTERVIEW AND WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE
There is no formal task that you need to complete before attending your interview.
However, you may wish to think about the following questions in preparation:
- Why would you like to study Health and Social Care?
• What are your interests and future career aspirations?
• What do you understand about working within the health and social care sector?
• What qualities and professional behaviours do you think are important when working with and supporting others?
• How will you demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the programme?
You are not expected to have all the answers prepared. The interview is an opportunity for us to find out more about you and for you to ask questions about the course.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE DAY?
When you arrive, you will be welcomed by a member of the Health and Social Care team.
You will receive information about the programme you have applied for, including course content, expectations, work experience or industry placement requirements and progression opportunities.
You will then have an individual interview with a member of the curriculum team. During the interview, we will discuss your application, school or college report, predicted or achieved grades, career aspirations and suitability for the programme.
You will also have an opportunity to ask us any questions.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
Please bring:
- Your most recent school or college report if you are under 19
• Your predicted grades, where available
• Evidence of any qualifications you have already achieved
• Any information specifically requested in your interview invitation
TASTER DAYS AND NEXT STEPS
Following your interview, you will be invited to attend a compulsory taster session as part of the admissions process.
The taster session gives you the opportunity to experience the type of learning and activities undertaken on the course, meet members of the teaching team and other applicants, and develop a better understanding of the expectations of studying Health and Social Care.
Successful completion of the taster session forms part of the admissions process. During the taster, applicants will be expected to demonstrate:
- Positive participation in the activities and tasks set
• An ability to follow instructions and respond to guidance
• Appropriate communication with staff and other applicants
• An appropriate level of understanding and readiness for the programme applied for
• Professional and respectful behaviour
• An interest in and commitment to studying Health and Social Care
Your participation in the taster will be considered alongside your interview, entry requirements and other admissions information before your place is confirmed.
ADDITIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Work Experience and Industry Placement
Health and Social Care programmes may include work experience or an industry placement. These are an important part of developing the practical skills, experience and professional behaviours required within the sector.
The specific placement requirements will depend on the programme you are studying and will be explained during the admissions process.
Learners are expected to demonstrate appropriate attendance, punctuality, conduct and professionalism in preparation for placement.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Some Health and Social Care programmes and placements require learners to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Where a DBS check is required, you will be provided with separate information explaining the process, documentation required and any relevant deadlines.
Professional Conduct
Health and Social Care learners are preparing to work in a professional sector supporting other people. We therefore expect learners to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviours throughout their programme.
This includes good attendance and punctuality, respectful communication, appropriate conduct, engagement with learning and following College, course and placement expectations.
Uniform
You will be expected to wear the Health and Social Care scrubs style uniform, which includes a tunic top, trousers and fleece displaying the College logo. You will also be required to wear black shoes or black trainers.
Details of how to purchase the uniform will be provided when you enrol. Learners will be expected to have purchased their uniform and begin wearing it following the October half term break.
YOUR ADMISSIONS JOURNEY
- Submit your application to NKC Dartford College
- Prepare for your interview by considering the questions outlined above and gathering your supporting information.
- Attend your interview with the Health and Social Care team.
- Attend and successfully complete your compulsory taster session.
- Meet the entry requirements and any additional requirements for your programme.
- Subject to successfully completing the required stages of the admissions process, your place will be confirmed through enrolment.
CONTACT DETAILS
If you have any questions about your application or interview, please contact:
Emily Hampton
Head of Curriculum, Health and Social Care & Access to Healthcare Professions
NKC Dartford College
01322 629400