Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) Course in Nottingham. Classes run at Nottingham College City Hub, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year and covers psychology, sociology, law, and health and social care. It starts with a four-week introductory module focused on academic writing, research skills, and IT, before progressing to the full Diploma. Completing this level 3 access to HE diploma (health and social care) qualification is recognised by UK universities as a route into degree-level study in health, social care, and social work.
Who this course is for
If you are aged 19+ and passionate about helping people and would like to progress towards a career in social work or similar, then this could be the course for you.
Entry requirements
You'll need 5 GSCE's at grades 9-4 (A*-C) including English. You may study GCSE Maths and this will become part of your study programme for the duration of the year. Work experience in a relevant area is advised to support your progression to university.
What you will learn
You'll study early social development and how it shapes behaviour and wellbeing.
You'll explore psychopathologies, treatments, and therapies used in health and social care settings.
You'll examine the sociology of crime and deviance and its links to social work practice.
You'll analyse social work theory and how it applies in real practice contexts.
You'll investigate inequalities in health and social care and their causes.
You'll study the law as it applies to social work, including ethics in legal contexts.
You'll develop academic writing, referencing, and research skills needed for university-level study.
You'll build the IT skills required to use college systems and complete assignments.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Nottingham College City Hub. Assessment is through written assignments rather than exams. The course begins with a four-week introductory programme; progression onto the full Diploma depends on completing this successfully. You'll develop academic skills throughout, including how to structure arguments, reference sources, and research independently.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Nottingham College City Hub will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support people in residential or home care settings.
Social work assistant: work alongside qualified social workers in statutory teams.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or community settings.
Mental health support worker: support people with mental health conditions day to day.
Family support worker: help families in crisis through local authority or charity services.
Community outreach worker: connect people with local health and social care services.
What you could study next
BSc (Hons) Social Work: a degree required to qualify as a registered social worker in the UK. The Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) qualification is a recognised entry route.
BSc (Hons) Nursing: many universities accept this level 3 access to HE diploma (health and social care) course as a direct entry qualification.
BA (Hons) Psychology: for those interested in the psychological aspects of health and social care.
Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education option if a full degree is not the immediate goal.
