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

CostFREE
Duration602 hours
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Hartlepool. Classes run at Hartlepool College of Further Education. This full-time daytime health and social care qualification covers the NHS, care sector, and social work, giving you a broad foundation across the sector. At 602 hours, it's a substantial programme suited to those ready to commit fully. You'll explore care practice, health and wellbeing, and the values that underpin good support for people. It can lead into employment, an apprenticeship, or a degree in nursing, social work, or a related field.

Who this course is for

The Health and Social Care sector covers more than caring for people who are ill. It offers many different job opportunities in the NHS, care sector and social work. This course is aimed at school leavers or students progressing from a suitable level 2 programme who may wish to enter into an apprenticeship, employment or higher education to study a degree in nursing, social work and other health and care related degrees.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the values and principles that underpin health and social care practice.
  • You'll study how physical and mental health conditions affect people's lives and support needs.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding, risk, and how to keep people safe.
  • You'll develop understanding of person-centred approaches to care and support.
  • You'll examine the structure of health and social care services in the UK, including the NHS and social work.
  • You'll build knowledge of communication skills used in care settings.
  • You'll look at equality, diversity, and inclusion in health and social care contexts.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Hartlepool College of Further Education. Assessment is likely to include written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks that test your understanding of care principles and practice. The full-time daytime timetable means you cover the content in depth over the course of the programme. Your tutor will guide you through each topic and support you in building the knowledge you need.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Hartlepool College of Further Education 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.
  • Social care worker: help individuals live independently in the community.
  • Support worker: work with adults or young people with additional needs.
  • Mental health support worker: provide day-to-day support in mental health services.
  • Senior care assistant: take on lead responsibility within a care team after experience.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care: for those moving into supervisory or management roles in care.
  • Degree in Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): this qualification supports university entry requirements for nursing programmes.
  • Degree in Social Work: a recognised route into qualifying as a social worker.
  • Health and Social Care Apprenticeship (Level 3 or above): combine work and study in a paid role.

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