Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Ipswich. Classes run at Northgate Sixth Form. This full-time daytime course is designed for post-16 students pursuing a health and social care qualification alongside or instead of A-levels. You'll study topics including human development, health conditions, care values, and working in care settings. The course runs to 360 hours of study. It opens routes into care assistant roles and related work, and can support applications to higher education in health, social care, or nursing.
Who this course is for
Post-16 students looking for A-level qualifications
What you will learn
You'll explore human growth and development across the life stages.
You'll study the principles of care, including dignity, safeguarding, and person-centred approaches.
You'll learn about common health conditions and their impact on individuals.
You'll examine how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll develop understanding of communication skills used in care settings.
You'll investigate factors that affect health and wellbeing, including social and environmental influences.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Northgate Sixth Form. Assessment combines coursework assignments and externally assessed units set by OCR. You'll build a portfolio of evidence alongside sitting assessed tasks. The mix of internal and external assessment reflects the OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate structure.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Northgate Sixth Form 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.
Support worker: work with adults or children with additional needs.
Early years practitioner: work in nursery or childcare settings (further qualification may be required).
Mental health support worker: provide day-to-day support to people with mental health needs.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (NVQ-style): the vocational qualification used in care workforce roles, often studied alongside employment.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): prepares you for university applications in nursing, social work, or allied health.
T Level in Health (Education and Childcare pathway): a full-time post-16 qualification with an industry placement, for those wanting a deeper pre-university route.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a Level 4 option if you want to progress without a full degree.
