Free Health and Social Care Level 3 Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Colmers School and Sixth Form College. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, to join. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers both health and social care disciplines, building analytical, communication, and planning skills alongside subject knowledge. It suits those heading toward university or employment in care.
Who this course is for
The OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National in Health and Social Care (Certificate) is designed to develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will prepare you for progression to undergraduate study that are relevant to the health and social sector. Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on experience, you will develop the necessary knowledge and skills that can support progression to Higher Education health and/or social care study. In the examined unit, you will study key knowledge and understanding relevant to health and social care. In the non-examined assessment (NEA) units, you will demonstrate the knowledge and skills you learn by completing applied or practical assignments.
Entry requirements
5 GCSE Grade 4-9 Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Literature
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of health and social care principles across both disciplines.
You'll build analytical and critical thinking skills applied to care contexts.
You'll practise communication skills relevant to professional and academic settings.
You'll develop evaluation and planning skills transferable across further study and work.
You'll learn to approach problems creatively and logically.
You'll build presentation skills through coursework and assessed tasks.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Colmers School and Sixth Form College. Assessment combines coursework, written tasks, and presentations. The qualification is structured around units that develop both knowledge and applied skills across health and social care topics. Full-time daytime attendance over two years gives you regular contact time to work through the content progressively.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Colmers School and Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: entry-level role supporting adults in care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assisting clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Social care worker: supporting vulnerable adults or children in the community.
Residential support worker: providing care in residential or supported living homes.
Mental health support worker: working alongside people with mental health needs.
What you could study next
Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care: moves you toward senior or supervisory roles in care.
Foundation Degree or BSc in Nursing, Social Work, or Health Sciences: the Extended Certificate is designed to support university entry, and many health-related degree programmes accept it.
BTEC Higher National in Health and Social Care: a vocational higher education route if you prefer applied study over a full degree.
