Free Health and Social Care Level 3 Course in Tonbridge. Classes run at North Kent College Tonbridge. This full-time, two-year health and social care course covers person-centred care, confidentiality, teamwork, and the practical realities of working in the sector. Both years include a mandatory work placement; in year one, that placement must be in an elderly care setting. You'll sit two synoptic assessments, one per year, alongside internally assessed units. A level 3 health and social care qualification at this level is comparable to three A levels and can open doors to university or direct entry into care roles.
Who this course is for
This is a two-year course which has 2 synoptic assessments, 1 in each year. The other units are internally assessed including placement. There is a mandatory placement in both years of the course, but please note that in year 1 it must be in an elderly care setting. Students will enhance their knowledge and understanding of working in the sector, have a greater awareness of confidentiality, working in a team and the importance of person-centred care. This course is comparable to undertaking 3 A levels and comes with UCAS points attached to facilitate entry to university to study a wide range of subjects including but not limited to: Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedical Science, Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Criminology, Radiology, Probationary and many others within the health and social care sector.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of person-centred care and why it matters in practice.
You'll explore confidentiality and data handling in health and social care settings.
You'll study how to work effectively as part of a care team.
You'll gain hands-on experience through mandatory placements, including elderly care in year one.
You'll build understanding of health conditions, safeguarding, and individual rights.
You'll learn how legislation and policy shape care delivery in the UK.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and two mandatory work placements, one in each year. Assessment combines two synoptic assessments (one per year) with internally assessed units covering the rest of the course. The synoptic assessments draw on knowledge built across the year, while placement work is assessed as part of your overall qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. North Kent College Tonbridge will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support people with daily living in residential or home care settings.
Support worker: work with adults or young people who need additional help.
Healthcare assistant: assist clinical staff in hospitals or GP practices.
Senior care assistant: take on a lead role in a care team after gaining experience.
Mental health support worker: work alongside people managing mental health conditions.
Domiciliary care worker: provide care and support in people's own homes.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Leading and Managing in Health and Social Care: a step toward supervisory and management roles in the sector.
Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: many universities recognise this Extended Diploma for direct entry onto degree programmes.
Nursing Associate or Nursing degree apprenticeship: for those who want to move into registered clinical roles.
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (NVQ-style): if you move into employment and want a work-based qualification alongside your job.
