Level 3 Dementia Care Course Online – Activate Learning at City of Oxford College

CostFREE
Duration24 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start1 Sep 2026
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Dementia Care Course. Study online. This self-paced course lets you study independently, with assessor support available throughout. It covers the principles of dementia care, including how dementia affects people and how to provide person-centred support. The course runs over 24 weeks and has a flexible start date, so you can fit it around your existing commitments. You'll need a laptop and English at GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2, or equivalent to enrol.

Who this course is for

Study this course FREE, with no course fees! This course is a fully online, self-directed, independent study course with assessor support and guidance. Students must have use of a laptop to complete this course and must be aged 19+ at the beginning of the academic year (31 August). This 24-week course has a flexible start date and will run until 31 July 2024 There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, with this number expected to rise to over one million by 2025. The Level 3 Certificate in Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care enables learners to develop knowledge and understanding of caring for individuals with dementia. It allows learners to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of dementia and its effects. You will gain an understanding of the types of dementia, the importance of early diagnosis and the role of communication, interaction and inclusion in dementia care and support. To study this 24-week course FREE, with no course fees applicants must meet one of the following criteria: Criteria 1 Are aged 19+ on 31 August prior to starting the course, Live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region , Have been in the EU for three years for purposes other than study (and able to provide documentation) , Are unemployed, Be actively looking for work, Receiving benefits in your own name, . Criteria 2 Are aged 19+ on 31 August prior to starting the course Live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region , Have been in the EU for three years for purposes other than study (and able to provide documentation) , Are working and earn under £20,319 per year in wages before tax (excluding benefits), . Criteria 3 Are aged 19+ on 31 August prior to starting t. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

Entry requirements

You must have English at either GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent. Applicants will need to have a successful assessment and be able to provide their Level 2 certificate. If you hold international qualifications, we can assess these to see if you meet the criteria.. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

What you will learn

  • You'll understand what dementia is and how different types affect the brain and behaviour.
  • You'll explore how dementia impacts a person's daily life, relationships, and wellbeing.
  • You'll learn how to apply person-centred approaches in dementia care settings.
  • You'll understand the importance of communication and how to adapt it for people living with dementia.
  • You'll examine the legal and ethical frameworks that underpin dementia care practice.
  • You'll learn how to support the wellbeing of carers and families alongside the person with dementia.

How you will learn

This is a fully online, self-directed course. You study independently at your own pace, with assessor support and guidance available throughout. Assessment is based on written work completed online. You'll need a laptop to access the course materials and submit your work.

What you will need to bring

You'll need your own laptop to complete this course. You'll also need to provide evidence of your English qualification (GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2, or equivalent) when you apply. Activate Learning at City of Oxford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support people with dementia in residential or home care settings.
  • Dementia care worker: specialist role focused on dementia-specific support and activities.
  • Senior care assistant: lead a small team in a care home or supported living service.
  • Support worker: work with adults with dementia in community or day-care settings.
  • Activities coordinator: plan and run wellbeing activities for people living with dementia.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care: the main vocational qualification for senior roles in adult social care. Covers a broader range of care skills alongside dementia-specific knowledge.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management for Adult Care: a step toward team leader or deputy manager roles in care settings.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care: for those moving into registered manager or service manager positions.

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