Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Westgate-on-Sea. Classes run at Ursuline College. This two-year, full-time daytime course is designed to sit alongside A levels or other work-related qualifications as part of a broader study programme. It covers the sector in depth, from care practice to the career paths available in nursing, social work, and early years. Entry typically requires five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification, though this is not essential. The course is equivalent to two A levels and can support applications to higher education or apprenticeships.
Who this course is for
If you're considering a career in health and social care and would like to take a work related route to either higher education courses or an apprenticeship then this course may suit you. It's designed to be taken as part of a study programme alongside other work related qualifications or A levels and will give you an introduction to the sector and the career paths available within it. Equivalent to 2 A levels, it's useful for anyone considering careers such as social work, nursing and early years education.
Entry requirements
5 GCSE's 9-4 including English and Maths and/or a relevant Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification (although this is desired, it is not essential).
What you will learn
You'll explore the principles of health, wellbeing, and care practice.
You'll study human development across the lifespan.
You'll examine how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll learn about safeguarding, equality, and person-centred values.
You'll develop understanding of communication in care settings.
You'll investigate the impact of social factors on health outcomes.
You'll build knowledge of career pathways in nursing, social work, and early years.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons, combining taught sessions with assignments and project work. Assessment is through a mix of internally assessed coursework units and externally assessed components set by OCR. You'll build a portfolio of evidence over the two years alongside sitting assessed tasks. The course is structured to develop both your subject knowledge and your ability to apply it to real care contexts.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Ursuline College 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.
Early years practitioner: work in nurseries or children's centres.
Social care worker: support vulnerable adults or children in the community.
Mental health support worker: assist people with mental health needs.
Residential support worker: provide care in supported living environments.
What you could study next
Foundation Degree or BSc in Nursing, Social Work, or Health and Social Care: this Diploma meets typical entry requirements for many university courses in the sector.
Higher Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care (Level 4/5): earn while you learn at a more advanced level.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Health and Social Care: a work-based route that complements academic study if you move into employment.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): an alternative route into university if you want to change direction.
