Free Level 2 Health and Social Care Course in Birmingham – James Watt College

CostFREE
Duration42 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start31 Aug 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Health and Social Care Course in Birmingham. Classes run at James Watt College, full-time during the day. You'll need four GCSEs at grade D/3 or above, including English and Maths, to enrol. The course runs for 42 weeks and covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in health and social care settings. You'll also take part in a weekly work placement, giving you hands-on experience alongside your classroom learning. Support is available to retake English and Maths if you need it.

Who this course is for

This one-year course is ideal for learners who want to build the knowledge and skills needed to work in the health and social care sector. You�ll be supported to retake English and Maths alongside your studies, and you�ll gain valuable experience through a weekly work placement. Successful completion leads to progression onto Level 3 Health and Social Care.

Entry requirements

You�ll need four GCSEs at grade D/3 or above, including English and Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn about human growth and development across the life stages.
  • You'll study how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
  • You'll explore the values and principles that underpin care work, including dignity and person-centred practice.
  • You'll develop communication skills used in care settings.
  • You'll learn how to support individuals' health and wellbeing.
  • You'll gain practical experience through a weekly work placement in a care environment.
  • You'll build your understanding of safeguarding and promoting safety in care.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom at James Watt College, full-time across the week. The BTEC First Certificate is assessed through assignments and projects rather than written exams. You'll complete coursework units that are marked by your tutors and moderated by Pearson Edexcel. Your weekly work placement is a core part of the course and contributes to your overall learning.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. James Watt College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: supporting adults in residential or home care settings.
  • Healthcare support worker: assisting clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Support worker: working with adults with disabilities or mental health needs.
  • Home care worker: providing personal care and support in people's homes.
  • Residential care worker: supporting residents in care homes day to day.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Health and Social Care (BTEC or equivalent): the natural next step after this course, and the route the provider highlights. Opens doors to senior care roles and further study.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care: the vocational qualification linked to the Care Certificate and senior support worker roles.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health): for those considering nursing, social work, or allied health degrees at university.

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