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Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Wakefield – Wakefield College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 BTEC National in Health and Social Care Course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College. You'll need five GCSEs at Grade 9-4, including Maths, English, and Science at Grade 5, to join. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers human biology, health policy, lifespan development, and the principles of health and social care practice. You'll combine classroom theory with hands-on learning in a simulated hospital ward environment. The Pearson Edexcel btec national in health and social care qualification carries UCAS points equivalent to one A level, supporting progression to higher education.

Who this course is for

Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) offer both theoretical and practical focus, they perfectly complement A levels as a part of a mixed programme of learning, helping to bring more theoretical learning to life. AAQs are equivalent in UCAS points to one A level, and offer vocationally-relevant learning in a specific subject area.

The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A Levels such as Psychology, Biology or English. It is intended for students aiming to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 including Maths, English and Science at Grade 5

What you will learn

  • You'll explore human lifespan and development across different life stages.
  • You'll study human biology and its relevance to health conditions.
  • You'll examine the principles and values underpinning health and social care practice.
  • You'll investigate health policy, wellbeing, and the factors that shape public health.
  • You'll learn how to promote health education in different contexts.
  • You'll understand how to maintain safe environments in health and social care settings.
  • You'll develop communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness skills relevant to working with people of all ages and needs.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based theory lessons and hands-on sessions in a simulated hospital ward. Assessment combines external exams set by Pearson Edexcel, internal assignments and projects, and synoptic tasks that test how well you can connect theory with practice. The synoptic tasks are designed to show your overall understanding across the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wakefield College 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.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Mental health support worker: work alongside people with mental health needs.
  • Social care worker: support vulnerable adults or children in the community.
  • Early years practitioner: work with young children in nursery or school settings.
  • Health administrator: coordinate patient services and records in healthcare organisations.

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: the btec national in health and social care qualification carries UCAS points, making it a direct route into university-level study in nursing, social work, or allied health professions.
  • T Level in Health: an alternative vocational Level 3 route with a substantial industry placement.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a Level 4 option if you want to progress without a full degree programme.
Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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