Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Birmingham – University College Birmingham

Name: Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Birmingham – University College Birmingham
Availability: InStock

CostFREE

Duration2 years

LevelLevel 3

DeliveryClassroom based

Start13 Sep 2027

Study modeFull-time

AttendanceDaytime

Awarding body

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About this course

Free Health and Social Care Level 3 Course in Birmingham. Classes run at University College Birmingham. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Maths, to enrol. This two-year, full-time level 3 health and social care qualification covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in care settings or progress to university. It's equivalent to one A-level, so you can combine it with two A-levels to broaden your options. The course leads to roles such as care assistant, healthcare assistant, or social worker.

Who this course is for

Professionals in health and social care play a vital role in people’s wellbeing and in supporting the economy. The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts a shortage of 10 million health workers by 2030, showing how important skilled care professionals are.

This one A-level equivalent Health and Social Care course is an excellent introduction to the sector. You can combine it with two A-levels to progress to a range of careers, such as healthcare assistant, nurse, or social worker.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop key academic, practical, and transferable skills that are valued by employers and universities. You’ll learn how to support others, build confidence, and work well as part of a team.

After completing the course, you can move on to a Health and Social Care degree, start an apprenticeship, or go straight into work in this essential and fast-growing sector.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements You will need 4 GCSE at grade 5 or above, including GCSE in English (Language or Literature) and Maths to study this A-level equivalent course.

What you will learn

You'll explore how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll learn how to support individuals' physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
You'll develop an understanding of safeguarding, equality, and person-centred care.
You'll study human growth and development across the life stages.
You'll build practical skills relevant to care settings through applied learning.
You'll develop communication and teamworking skills valued by employers and universities.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time over two years, with daytime sessions at University College Birmingham. Assessment is through a combination of coursework assignments and externally assessed components, as set by OCR. Some units are assessed through written tasks you complete during the course; others are examined. Your tutors will guide you through both.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. University College Birmingham will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

Care assistant: supporting adults with daily living in care homes or the community.
Healthcare assistant: working alongside nurses and clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Social care worker: helping vulnerable people live independently.
Support worker: assisting people with disabilities or mental health needs.
Early years practitioner: working with young children in nursery or school settings.
Community health worker: delivering health support in local or outreach services.

What you could study next

Health and Social Care Degree: the most direct next step if you want to move into nursing, social work, or health management.
Nursing Associate or Nursing Degree Apprenticeship: an earn-while-you-learn route into registered nursing.
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (NVQ): if you go into work first, this qualification supports career progression in care roles.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): an alternative university entry route if you decide to change direction later.

Apply on ucb.ac.uk →