Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Christchurch. Classes run at Twynham School. This two-year, full-time daytime course is designed to sit alongside A Levels such as Psychology, Sociology, or Biology. You'll study human development across the life course, factors affecting health, how the body works, and the values that underpin professional practice in health and social care. The course also covers challenging topics including safeguarding and child protection. Entry requires GCSE grade 4 in both English and Maths.
Who this course is for
The qualification is designed to be taken as part of an A Level package and can link well to other A Levels such as Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Geography or English. This course will give you an overview of how people grow and develop at every stage of their life-course, looking in to theory around early attachments and their impact on later life, factors that impact health including various health conditions, how we age and the complications involved in that. You will develop an understanding of how the body works and the biology behind physiological body systems as well as all the core values that make a great professional involved in health and social care. It is important to be aware that the course covers some difficult subjects such as child protection, safe guarding and certain illnesses and diseases. Health and Social Care provides you with a foundation for careers in health care such as nursing, physiotherapy, paramedic science and occupational therapy and careers in social care such as social work, therapy and counselling. However, it also provides a clear link to many university courses and careers as it develops communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving and effective learning.
Entry requirements
At present our current entry requirements for this course are: English - 4; Maths - 4. Check our website for the latest updates and information.
What you will learn
You'll explore how people grow and develop at every stage of life, from early childhood to old age.
You'll examine theories around early attachments and their impact on later development.
You'll study the factors that affect health, including specific health conditions and the ageing process.
You'll learn how physiological body systems work and the biology behind them.
You'll develop understanding of core professional values in health and social care settings.
You'll cover safeguarding, child protection, and how services respond to vulnerability.
You'll build communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills relevant to higher education and employment.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a combination of assignments and examinations. The qualification uses a student-centred approach, with coursework-based assignments making up part of the assessment alongside formal exams. Classes are delivered in person, full-time during the daytime at Twynham School.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Twynham 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.
Social care worker: work with vulnerable adults or children in community services.
Nursery worker: support child development in early years settings.
Mental health support worker: assist people managing mental health conditions.
Youth worker: work with young people in community or educational settings.
What you could study next
This level 3 health and social care qualification is recognised for university entry. You could go on to study:
A degree in Nursing, Midwifery, or Paramedic Science (direct entry to NHS-registered professions)
A degree in Social Work (required to practise as a qualified social worker)
A degree in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, or Counselling
A Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care, if you want to progress in care management without a full degree
