Health & Social Care Level 3 Applied
Course Overview
The vital services and essential support provided by health and social care workers has never been more evident than in recent years. Our Level 3 Health and Social Care courses give you the opportunity to gain an excellent introduction to a future career in this growing sector.
This course is available to study as a:
- Diploma (120-credit course, equivalent to 2 A Levels)
- Extended Diploma (180-credit course, equivalent to 3 A Levels)
You will study modules such as anatomy and physiology, health and safety, and equality and diversity. You will gain an understanding of the health and social care sector, the different individuals you might meet, care for, or support, and the importance of effective communication and safe practice in the sector.
You will learn by applying your skills and knowledge to activities that are relevant to what happens in health, social care and childcare workplaces. There are opportunities to complete work placements at the end of Year 1, providing you with experience in of care work and development your core care skills.
In addition to your academic studies, you will be offered further enrichment activities linked to your classroom learning that will give you first-hand experience and boost your CV. Previously, this has included: achieving an accredited first aid certificate, participating in health and social care research projects, undertaking mental health training and collaborating with the local community to promote care and support of individuals with dementia, through the Dementia Friends scheme.
Teaching is by specialist staff who have the expert knowledge and industry experience to support your learning and future progression. By the end of year 2 you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge you need to progress onto university, apprenticeships, employment or further specialist training, opening up a wide range of career opportunities such as nursing, midwifery, social work, paramedic and childcare roles.
Year 1 Modules
- Building Positive Relationships
- Equality, Diversity and Rights
- Health, Safety and Security
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Safeguarding
- Public Health
- Caring for Older People (Extended Diploma only)
- Research Methods in Health, Social and Child Care (Extended Diploma only)
Year 2 Modules
- Infection Control
- Personalisation
- Promoting Positive Behaviour
- Promoting Health and Wellbeing
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Supporting People with Learning Disabilities (Extended Diploma only)
- The Impact of long-term Physiological Conditions (Extended Diploma only)
- Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions (Extended Diploma only)
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at Grade 4 including:
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature
- Merit in Level 2 Health & Social Care if taken
Assessment - Diploma
- 45% Exam
- 55% Coursework
- Exam Board: OCR
Assessment - Extended Diploma
- 40% Exam
- 60% Coursework
- Exam Board: OCR
143
Total students
10
Average class size
Why choose this course?
Health, social and childcare is not just about caring for or helping others. These sectors shape lives and drive transformation, enabling us to develop as individuals and as a community.
There are plenty of opportunities for students to expand their classroom learning through enrichment activities. Students are actively encouraged to seek relevant work experience in a health, social or early years’ setting, with time set aside during the course to allow participation in this. Other specialist activities that we aim to offer include a first aid qualification, mental health training, Dementia Friends and talks by guest speakers in relevant areas of the sector.
This course will challenge you to achieve your best, through understanding individual care needs, applying theory to practice and preparing yourself for the transition to the workplace. The variety of units covered will introduce you to many areas of practice that you could later work in, therefore if you are keen to experience new opportunities, this is the course for you!
Skills you'll gain
This course will provide you with a broad and diverse skill set, preparing you for a multitude of careers in health, social or childcare.
From the earliest days of the course, you will be encouraged to take ownership of your learning through self-directed tasks and independent and group study.
You will undertake practical assessments focusing on communication skills, infection control procedures and health promotion. Your assessments will challenge you to think critically, apply an open and non-judgemental mind-set and reflect on situations, a crucial ability when working in the sector.
After Long Road
The Health and Social Care course equips students with versatile skills, enabling a diverse range of next steps after college.
Many students have progressed onto university courses including nursing (all fields), midwifery, paramedic science, social work, primary teaching, psychology and sociology.
Other students have secured employment or apprenticeships in practical roles such as clinical support, domiciliary care and early years’ education, as well as administrative roles in community healthcare settings.
Some students have used their skills to undertake gap years volunteering abroad.
This is a thrilling course as it highlights multiple topics and content that is interesting and exciting at the same time.
