Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Newcastle upon Tyne – St. Mary’s Catholic School

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Newcastle upon Tyne. Classes run at St. Mary's Catholic School. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers human development, biology, health practice, and the values and legislation that shape care work. You'll study four units, including three mandatory ones on lifespan development, human biology, and health and social care practice, plus one optional unit. Work experience in a care setting is available and strongly recommended. Entry requires a Merit in Health or a Grade 4 in English Language or Literature.

Who this course is for

This qualification is for students interested in learning about the early years sector and child development. It covers all the knowledge, skills and attributes that are required for working in the sector or progressing into a related course in higher education. In this qualification you will learn about theories and models of child development and how this relates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). You will develop an understanding of a range of factors that may influence childrens development and consider the short- and long-term effects on their development. Additionally, you will learn the theoretical principles of childrens language, literacy, and numeracy skills development and how these can be applied when working in an Early Years setting.

A compulsory part of the programme is to undertake 50 hours work experience in at least one setting, with children from birth to seven years 11 months. Within this experience you will be observed working with the children and staff. This will help you to develop essential skills and knowledge that are required for working with children.

Course Content Year 12 Unit 1: Childrens Development (externally assessed). Unit 2: Development of Childrens Literacy, Numeracy and Communication Skills. (externally assessed).

Year 13 Unit 3: Play and Learning (internally assessed). Unit 11: The Early Years Foundation Stage (internally assessed).

Entry requirements

Merit in Health or Grade 4 in English Language or Literature

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how individuals grow and develop across the lifespan, including physical, intellectual, emotional, and social factors.
  • You'll study human body systems and the impact of common health disorders on normal physiological functioning.
  • You'll examine the core values, principles, and legislation that underpin health and social care practice.
  • You'll analyse how social determinants affect individual health outcomes.
  • You'll investigate public health policy and the organisations that influence it.
  • You'll consider anti-discriminatory and ethical practice in healthcare settings.
  • You'll develop practical understanding through optional work experience in a care setting.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at St. Mary's Catholic School. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC format combines internally assessed coursework with externally assessed units. Assessment is through assignments, case studies, and examinations depending on the unit. Work experience in a care setting is available alongside your studies, though it is not a mandatory part of the programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. St. Mary's Catholic 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.
  • Support worker: work with adults or young people with additional needs.
  • Community health worker: deliver health promotion and outreach support.
  • Social care worker: provide day-to-day support in social care services.

What you could study next

  • Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care (Level 4): a natural next step if you want to move into supervisory or specialist roles without a full degree.
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing, Social Work, or Allied Health degree (Level 6): this level 3 health and social care qualification is a recognised entry route to university health and social care degree programmes.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Health and Social Care: if you move into paid care work, this work-based qualification supports career progression and meets employer requirements.

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