Health and Social Care Level 3 Course in Oldham for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Healthcare Assistant Courses in Oldham.

About this course

Free Health and Social Care Level 3 Course in Oldham. Classes run at Oldham Sixth Form College, full-time over two years.

The course covers principles of care, equality, diversity, and safeguarding. You'll also study anatomy and physiology, infection control, and physiological disorders. Units include supporting people with mental health conditions, sexual health and pregnancy, and healthy nutrition. Guest speakers from the sector contribute to your learning.

You'll need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. The course leads to an OCR Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care at Level 3.

Who this course is for

If you are considering a career in the NHS, social care or teaching, this course is an excellent choice. You’ll develop the skills required to build positive relationships with your service users through a variety of methods and learn about important concepts such as equality, diversity and safeguarding, which could impact on those service users’ lives. You’ll also study anatomy and physiology, infection control and physiological disorders, giving you an insight into the diagnosis, treatment and management of common diseases.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 5 passes (grade 4 or above) at GCSE, including in both English and/or Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the principles of health and social care and person-centred approaches to care.
  • You'll study equality, diversity, and safeguarding and how they affect people who use care services.
  • You'll learn anatomy and physiology relevant to health and social care settings.
  • You'll examine infection control and physiological disorders, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of common conditions.
  • You'll develop knowledge of supporting people with mental health conditions.
  • You'll study sexual health, pregnancy, and postnatal health.
  • You'll learn about nutrition and how healthy lifestyles affect wellbeing.

How you will learn

The course is assessed through a 50/50 split of exams and coursework across both years. You'll attend classroom sessions at Oldham Sixth Form College and take part in activities with guest speakers from the health and social care sector. You'll also have the opportunity to visit local universities.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Oldham Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Healthcare assistant, supports patients in NHS hospitals or community settings.
  • Care assistant, helps people with daily living in residential or home care.
  • Support worker, works with adults or children with additional needs.
  • Nursery or early years worker, supports children's development in childcare settings.
  • Social care administrator, handles coordination and records within a care organisation.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Adult Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, or Mental Health Nursing, for those aiming to register as a qualified nurse.
  • A degree in Social Work, for a career as a qualified social worker.
  • A degree in Midwifery or Paramedic Science, for specialist clinical roles.
  • A degree in Psychology, Sociology, or Early Years, building on the knowledge from this qualification.

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