Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Birmingham – Swanshurst School

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 BTEC National in Health and Social Care Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Swanshurst School. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers a broad range of health and social care topics through a mix of examined and internally assessed units. You'll study two mandatory examined units, one mandatory internally assessed unit, and one optional unit from four available. The course requires at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or equivalent.

Who this course is for

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of various aspects of the health and social care sector. There are two mandatory examined units and one mandatory internally assessed unit. Students will select a further optional unit from the four available. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their health and social care knowledge.

Entry requirements

At least 5 GCSEs, or equivalent at grade 4 or above

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how the health and social care sector is organised and how services are delivered.
  • You'll examine human development across the life stages and the factors that affect it.
  • You'll apply knowledge to practical, scenario-based tasks through internally assessed units.
  • You'll investigate the values and principles that underpin health and social care practice.
  • You'll analyse how individuals access and experience care services.
  • You'll develop understanding of anatomy, physiology, or another specialist topic through your chosen optional unit.

How you will learn

The course combines examined assessment and internal assessment. Two mandatory units are assessed by Pearson Edexcel external exams. One mandatory unit and one optional unit are assessed internally through applied knowledge and understanding tasks. Classroom-based lessons at Swanshurst School support both strands, giving you time to prepare for exams and to complete coursework-style tasks that demonstrate your understanding in context.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Swanshurst School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support adults or older people in care settings.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Mental health support worker: work alongside people with mental health needs.
  • Learning disability support worker: provide day-to-day care and support.
  • Early years practitioner: work in nursery or childcare settings.
  • Social care worker: help individuals live independently in the community.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care: a larger qualification that carries more UCAS points and strengthens university applications in nursing, social work, or allied health.
  • T Level in Health (with the NHS or a care provider): a technical alternative combining classroom study with a substantial industry placement.
  • Nursing Associate or Nursing degree apprenticeship: for those moving directly into NHS employment after further study.

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