Free Health and Social Care Level 3 Course in St Albans. Classes run at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers health, social care, and related topics including criminology, law, psychology, and sociology themes, building research, analytical thinking, and communication skills. You'll apply theory to real-life problems and develop skills valued in university study and careers in care, social work, and public services. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Maths.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in the criminal justice system, those aiming for a career in areas such as social work, probation, the police, or if you're planning to study criminology, law, psychology or sociology at university. It will give you an opportunity to apply theoretical learning to real life problems and develop a set of transferable skills including research, analytical thinking and communication that are essential for university study and most careers. The course is generally taken alongside courses such as A levels or Level 3 work related subjects.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 5 (C) or above including English and Maths
What you will learn
You'll explore the principles and values underpinning health and social care practice.
You'll study human development across the life stages and how it affects care needs.
You'll analyse how social factors influence health and wellbeing.
You'll apply theoretical knowledge to real-life health and social care scenarios.
You'll develop research and analytical thinking skills relevant to further study and work.
You'll build communication skills used across care, social work, and public service roles.
You'll examine topics that connect to criminology, law, psychology, and sociology.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School, with a mix of taught sessions and independent work. Assessment is through a combination of coursework and externally assessed components, as set by OCR. You'll complete assignments that require you to apply learning to case studies and real-world situations, alongside any examinations specified in the qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support people in residential or home care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Social care worker: work with vulnerable adults or children in community services.
Youth worker: support young people in educational or community settings.
Probation services officer: entry-level roles in the criminal justice system.
Family support worker: help families access services and manage daily challenges.
What you could study next
Level 4 or Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care: moves you toward senior or supervisory care roles.
Foundation Degree or BSc in Social Work, Nursing, or Psychology: this qualification is designed to support university entry, and the skills it builds map directly onto degree-level study in health, social care, and related subjects.
CIPD Level 3 HR qualification: if your interests move toward people management in care organisations.
