Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Helston. Classes run at Helston Community College. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or equivalent to join. This two-year, full-time daytime health and social care course covers the knowledge and skills employers in health and social care settings look for, and supports progression to university or entry-level employment. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma is designed to sit alongside another BTEC or A Level as part of a broader programme of study.
Who this course is for
This is a work related qualification designed to make you aware of employers needs as well as allowing progression to university and employment. This qualification has been designed for learners who are intending to go onto further study in a related sector or plan to go in at entry level employment or Apprenticeship within health and social care. It supports access to a range of higher education courses if taken as part of a programme of study that includes another BTEC or A Level alongside it. It provides you with the opportunity to study Health and Social care at level 3, as a double A level equivalent allowing you to keep your options open and choose up to two other A level subjects. You can plan these additional subjects to meet the admissions criteria for certain professions.
Entry requirements
You will need the general college requirements of 4 grade 4s or equivalent GCSE qualifications.
What you will learn
You'll explore how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll study human development across the life span and how it shapes care needs.
You'll learn how to apply person-centred values in care settings.
You'll examine safeguarding principles and how they protect vulnerable people.
You'll develop understanding of anatomy, physiology, and common health conditions.
You'll build knowledge of mental health, wellbeing, and the factors that affect them.
You'll investigate the role of communication in effective care practice.
How you will learn
The BTEC National Diploma is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed units set by Pearson Edexcel. Internal assignments are based on real-world scenarios and marked by your tutors. External assessments are sat under exam conditions. There are no traditional written exams for every unit; much of your work is produced as reports, case studies, and presentations over the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Helston Community College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: entry-level support role in residential or home care
Healthcare support worker: assisting clinical staff in NHS or private settings
Support worker: working with adults with learning disabilities or mental health needs
Early years practitioner: supporting children's development in nursery or school settings
Community care worker: delivering care to people in their own homes
Residential childcare worker: supporting young people in care homes
What you could study next
Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: the natural next step if you want to move into a professional or management role in the sector.
BSc Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): this qualification supports university applications for nursing degrees when studied alongside another BTEC or A Level.
Higher Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care: combines paid work with further study at Level 4 or 5.
