Health & Social Care Level 3 Applied
Course Overview
The vital services and essential support provided by health and social care workers can never be underestimated. It is a career for life where every individual is valued. Our Level 3 Health and Social Care course will give you the opportunity to gain an excellent introduction to a future career in this growing and exciting sector.
This course is available to study as an Extended Certificate (60-credit course, equivalent to 1 A Level).
You will study topics including principles of health and social care, anatomy and physiology, person-centred care, mental health, physiological conditions and public health. You will gain an understanding of careers and roles in the health and social care sector, the different individuals you might support and work with, and the importance of best practice.
You will learn by applying your skills and knowledge to activities that are relevant to what happens in health and social care workplaces. There are opportunities to complete work placements at the end of Year 1, providing you with experience of care work and development of core 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 and paramedic.
Year 1 Modules
- Principles of health and social care
- Person-centred approach to care
- Supporting people with mental health conditions
Year 2 Modules
- Anatomy and Physiology for health and social care
- Investigating Public Health
- Supporting people with long-term physiological conditions
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at Grade 4 including:
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
- Merit in Level 2 Health & Social Care if taken
Assessment
- 45% Exam
- 55% Coursework
- Exam Board: OCR
Why choose this course?
Health and Social Care is not just about caring for others; it shapes lives and drives transformation throughout society.
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 or social care setting. 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.
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 and social care. It doesn’t matter where you develop your career – the ability to communicate effectively, promote equality and diversity, practice good health and safety and proactively safeguard others will always be essential.
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. 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 progress 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.
