Are you looking for a rewarding career that makes a real difference in people’s lives? Our Health and Social Care - Level 3 course is your pathway to understanding and working within the care sector. Whether you aspire to enter higher education or move straight into the workforce, this course equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in this vital field.

This course provides a broad foundation of study in the care sector, supporting progression to higher education when combined with other relevant qualifications. It’s designed to prepare you for a career in health, social care, or related professions by giving you both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Your first year will provide a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts, methods, and key areas of knowledge in health and social care. Depending on your GCSE results, you will be enrolled in either the Level 3 National Extended Certificate or the National Foundation Diploma. Those who are on the National Foundation Diploma can progress to the National Extended Diploma. Equivalent to three A Levels, on the Extended Diploma, you'll gain the skills, knowledge, and industry connections to take your next step - whether that’s straight into work or onto university.

Extended Diplomas are made up of two separate qualifications - to earn the maximum UCAS points for university acceptance, you must achieve both. After you've successfully completed Year 1, you'll be enrolled onto Year 2.

You will need:

• Four GCSEs grade 4 or above, including English and maths
  or
• A relevant Level 2 qualification and Functional Skills in English and maths at Level 2

You will also have an interview with our course tutors at enrolment, so we can ensure the course is right for you.

Your assessments are designed to match what you’ve learned. All your work will be marked by your tutors, giving you a chance to show off your skills in real-world situations.

You’ll be graded on a scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Unclassified. This grading system helps you see how well you’re doing and where you can improve.

You’ll build a portfolio of your coursework, showcasing your progress throughout the course. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience through practical assignments and receive feedback from your tutors. Some mandatory units may be assessed by external exams.

After completing this course, you'll be well-prepared for further study in the healthcare industry, including degrees at university. Many students also progress into apprenticeships or entry-level roles within the sector, completing additional training and qualifications whilst working.

In Year 1, you will study an introduction to Health and Social Care, depending on your GCSE results, this may be either the National Extended Certificate or the National Foundation Diploma.

If you are studying the National Foundation Diploma, you can progress to the National Extended Diploma. In Year 2, units covered can include:

• Human Lifespan Development
• Working in Health and Social Care
• Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
• Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
• Sociological Perspectives
• Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs

School Leavers (16-18)

If you will be 16, 17 or 18 years old on 31 August before your course starts, and you have the legal right to live in the UK for the full length of your study programme, your course will be free.

You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here for more information.