Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Preston. Classes run at Cardinal Newman College. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths or English Language, to start. This two-year, full-time health and social care course covers human lifespan development, working in health and social care settings, research, nutrition, public health, and supporting individuals with additional needs. You'll study through a mix of exams and coursework, and all students are supported to gain work experience. The course opens routes into nursing, social work, healthcare, and community support roles.
Who this course is for
You will focus on health care, which looks at the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of health conditions, illness and injuries, and also social care, studying the care, protection or support for?individuals?who are at risk or in need.?
Entry requirements
Five Grade 4s at GCSE with a 4 in Maths or English Language
What you will learn
You'll explore human lifespan development and how health needs change across life stages.
You'll study the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of health conditions and injuries.
You'll learn how to support individuals who are at risk or in need of care.
You'll cover the principles of safe practice in health and social care environments.
You'll examine nutritional health and its role in wellbeing.
You'll develop research skills applied to health and social care contexts.
You'll study how to promote public health in communities.
You'll gain practical experience through supported work placements in relevant settings.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Cardinal Newman College, combining exams and coursework. Assessed units include Human Lifespan Development, Working in Health and Social Care, and Research in Health and Social Care. Coursework units cover topics such as meeting individual needs, safe practice, and promoting public health. All students are supported to complete work experience in health and social care settings.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cardinal Newman College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Note that if you progress to the Extended Diploma route, you will need to pay for a DBS check and complete at least 100 hours of work experience as part of the course.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults or older people in care settings.
Support worker: help individuals with additional or complex needs.
Healthcare assistant: assist clinical staff in hospitals or GP practices.
Community support worker: provide care and support in people's homes.
Early years practitioner: work with children in nursery or childcare settings.
Social care worker: support vulnerable adults or families in the community.
What you could study next
Degree in Nursing (Adult, Child, or Mental Health): the most direct progression from this level 3 health and social care qualification for those aiming at registered nurse roles.
Degree in Midwifery, Physiotherapy, or Occupational Therapy: check individual university entry requirements, as some programmes have specific grade conditions.
Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: a two-year higher education route if you want to build further before committing to a full degree.
Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care: suited to those moving into supervisory or management roles in care settings.
