Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Sunderland – Southmoor Academy 6th Form

CostFREE
Duration11 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start8 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Sunderland. Classes run at Southmoor Academy 6th Form. This full-time daytime health and social care qualification is designed for those heading into apprenticeships, further study, or a health and social care degree. You'll need GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including Maths, English Language, and Science. The course runs over 11 months and covers the knowledge and skills that underpin professional practice in health and social care settings.

Who this course is for

"Thos course is for leaners who want to progress into Health and Social Care-related apprenticeships, who want to gain a level 3 qualification to support further study in Further Education (FE) or who want to progress to Higher Education (HE) in Health and Social Care-related degree programmes"

Entry requirements

GCSEs at Grade 4 or above preferably including GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language and GCSE Science

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the principles of health and social care practice in the UK.
  • You'll study human development across the life stages and how it affects care needs.
  • You'll learn how safeguarding policies protect vulnerable people.
  • You'll examine how health and social care services are organised and delivered.
  • You'll develop understanding of person-centred approaches to care.
  • You'll investigate the impact of factors such as lifestyle, environment, and genetics on health.
  • You'll build knowledge of communication in professional care settings.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Southmoor Academy 6th Form. Assessment for the OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma combines internally assessed coursework and externally assessed examinations. Units are assessed through assignments, case studies, and written exams depending on the unit requirements.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Southmoor Academy 6th 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.
  • Social care worker: work with adults or children in community services.
  • Mental health support worker: provide day-to-day support for people with mental health needs.
  • Early years practitioner: work in nursery or childcare settings with young children.
  • Residential support worker: provide care and support in residential homes.

What you could study next

  • Degree in Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): the level 3 health and social care qualification supports university applications for nursing and allied health degrees.
  • Degree in Social Work: entry to social work degree programmes at university.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a Level 4 option if you want to progress without going straight to a full degree.
  • Health and Social Care Apprenticeship (Level 3 or 4): combine work and study in a paid role.