Level 2 Health and Social Care Course in Reading

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start13 Oct 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAscentis awarding body

Free for 16 to 18 year olds. Activate Learning lists a fee of £99 for adults. Contact Activate Learning for more info.

About this course

Level 2 Health and Social Care Professions Course in Reading. Classes run at Reading College. Daytime sessions run part-time over one year, giving you time to balance study with other commitments. You'll build the knowledge and skills that underpin work in health and social care settings, covering topics relevant to roles such as care assistant. An initial assessment in English and maths helps place you at the right level, so no formal qualifications are needed to apply.

Who this course is for

This part-time, Pre-Access course is designed for students who want to develop their English, maths and study skills to progress to the Access to Higher Education diploma.. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry criteria, but all applicants will be required to complete English and maths assessments so we can place them suitably. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the values and principles that guide health and social care practice.
  • You'll learn how to support individuals' health, wellbeing, and personal care needs.
  • You'll develop your understanding of safeguarding and duty of care.
  • You'll study communication skills used in care settings.
  • You'll learn about equality, diversity, and inclusion in health and social care.
  • You'll develop your English, maths, and study skills alongside the vocational content.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Reading College, with a mix of taught lessons, group work, and guided study. Assessment is through coursework, assignments, and practical tasks that reflect real care settings. Your progress is assessed throughout the course rather than through a single final exam.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support people with daily living in home or residential care.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Support worker: help adults with learning disabilities or mental health needs.
  • Home care worker: provide personal care and companionship in clients' homes.
  • Residential care worker: work in care homes supporting older adults.
  • Community care worker: deliver care and support in community settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care: the qualification many employers require for senior care roles and team leader positions.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): prepares you for university-level study in nursing, social work, or allied health. This Level 2 course builds the English, maths, and study skills you'll need for that step.
  • Level 3 Award in Education and Training: if you want to move into a training or mentoring role within care.

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