Free BTEC in Health and Social Care in Saint Helens. Classes run at Cowley International College. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers health and social care settings, underpinning theory, and hands-on work placements with St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust. You'll gain access to specialist equipment and apply your learning in real care environments. A level 3 btec in health and social care qualification assessed through a mix of coursework and external exams. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English Language, plus a college interview.
Who this course is for
Health and Social Care offers a great foundation of study for the health and social care sector. Students will learn about the various care settings, as well as getting a chance to apply their learning into a practical setting on work placements. Students are given access to a wide range of specialist equipment and they benefit from placements within the St Helens & Knowsley NHS Trust.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs or equivalent, grade 9 - 4, including Maths and English Language
What you will learn
You'll explore different health and social care settings and how they operate.
You'll study the principles of care, including safeguarding and person-centred approaches.
You'll apply your learning on work placements within NHS and social care environments.
You'll use specialist equipment available at the college.
You'll develop knowledge relevant to nursing, social services, and public health roles.
You'll build understanding of how health and social care services are organised and delivered.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons and practical work placements. Assessment combines coursework assignments and external examinations, so your final grade isn't based on exams alone. Placements are arranged with St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust, giving you direct experience in care settings alongside your classroom study.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cowley International College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults or older people in care settings
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or community roles
Social care worker: work within local authority or charity services
Community support worker: help people live independently at home
Mental health support worker: assist people with mental health needs
Nursery or early years worker: care for young children in a nursery setting
What you could study next
Degree in Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): the most direct route into registered nursing, building on your BTEC foundation.
Degree in Radiography or Physiotherapy: for those interested in allied health professions.
Degree in Health and Social Care: broadens options across management, policy, and practice roles.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education step if a full degree isn't your next move.
