Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Ferndown

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

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Ferndown. Classes run at Ferndown Upper School. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers the knowledge and skills needed across health, social care, and related fields. You'll study units including building positive relationships, equality and diversity, health and safety, anatomy and physiology, and infection control. The course is equivalent in size to one A Level, and sits alongside other Level 3 subjects as part of a broader programme of study. Entry requires five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English, Maths, and Biology at grade 4.

Who this course is for

If you're thinking about a career in health science, social care or childcare this course will give you an introduction to the sector whilst allowing you to study other subjects alongside it. Equivalent in size to one A Level, if you take it as part of a programme of study that includes other work related or academic Level 3 qualifications it can help you to move on to to a wide range of higher education and training opportunities.

Entry requirements

5 GCSE Passes Grades 4-9 inc English and Maths with a 4 in Biology.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how to build positive relationships in health and social care settings.
  • You'll study equality, diversity, and rights in health and social care.
  • You'll learn health, safety, and security responsibilities in care environments.
  • You'll cover anatomy and physiology relevant to health and social care practice.
  • You'll examine infection prevention and control.
  • You'll develop skills in producing care plans, reports, and reflective journals.
  • You'll gain transferable skills in communication, observation, and professional practice.

How you will learn

You'll be assessed through a mix of coursework (55%) and exams (45%). Exams are taken in January or May/June. Coursework uses a range of methods including recorded discussions, reflective journals, observations, reports, witness statements, scrapbooks, case studies, videos, written assignments, care plans, and posters. Teaching is delivered through practical work and skills-based learning relevant to the workplace.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Ferndown Upper School 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.
  • School support worker: work with children and young people in education.
  • Family support worker: help families through social care services.
  • Nursery worker: care for and support young children.
  • Social care worker: support adults with disabilities or mental health needs.

What you could study next

This level 3 health and social care qualification opens routes into higher education and further training. You could progress to a degree in Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work, or Paramedic Science. A Foundation Degree or Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care is another option if you want a shorter higher education route. For those moving into the workforce, a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (the vocational NVQ-style qualification) is the standard next step for career progression in care roles.