Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Birmingham

CostFREE
Duration18 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start8 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Waverley Studio College, full-time during the day. You'll need four or five GCSEs at grade 4 or above in relevant subjects to apply. The course runs over 18 months and covers the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to work in health and social care settings. It has been developed with employers and higher education providers, so it supports both employment and further study.

Who this course is for

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education to ensure it supports progression to higher study. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved in order to confirm that the content is also appropriate for those interested in working in the sector. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin study of the health and social care sector, this qualification gives learners experience of the breadth and depth that will prepare them for further study in the sector. This includes the opportunity for learners to choose a health studies pathway with options reflecting the progression opportunities in health care. Learners taking this qualification will study eight mandatory units: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care, Human Lifespan Development, Working in Health and Social Care, Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs, Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care, Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care, Promoting Public Health, Work Experience in Health and Social Care. To develop a better understanding of the demands of the sector to demonstrate their commitment and interest in the sector when applying for further study, learners are required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours’ of work experience as part of the course and for learners. This qualification is the main focus of a two-year study programme of learning and is equivalent to three A Levels, meaning that learners will be fully prepared for a range of health and social care degree programmes. The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses, for example: • BSc (Hons) in Nursing • BA (Hons) in Social Work • BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy • BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy • BSc (Hons) in Speech Therapy • BA (Hons) in Health and Social Care.

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSE's at grade 4 or above in relevant subjects

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the principles and values that underpin health and social care practice.
  • You'll develop your understanding of safeguarding and how to protect vulnerable people.
  • You'll learn about health, wellbeing and the factors that affect them.
  • You'll study communication skills used in care settings.
  • You'll gain knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion in health and social care.
  • You'll build understanding of person-centred approaches to care.
  • You'll learn how care services are organised and delivered in the UK.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom and in workplace settings with employers. You'll be assigned a Learning Coach who supports you throughout the course, helping you meet your goals and targets. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, written tasks and practical workplace experience. The course is delivered full-time during the day over 18 months.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Waverley Studio College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: supporting adults in residential or home care settings.
  • Nursery practitioner: working with young children in early years settings.
  • Healthcare support worker: assisting clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Support worker: helping people with disabilities or mental health needs.
  • Senior care worker: leading a small team in a care home or community setting.
  • Family support worker: working with families referred through social services.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate or Diploma in Health and Social Care: a natural next step if you want to move into supervisory or specialist roles.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualification: if you want to focus on working with children, this is the qualification recognised in statutory nursery staffing ratios.
  • Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: many universities accept this NCFE Level 3 Certificate as part of their entry requirements.

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