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Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Widnes – Cronton Sixth Form College

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

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Widnes. Classes run at Cronton Sixth Form College. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers the theory and practice of working across healthcare settings, including hospitals, GP surgeries, and pharmacies. You'll combine classroom learning with real work placements, applying what you study in college to hands-on healthcare experience. Entry requires five or more GCSEs at grade 9 - 4, including English Language and Maths. This level 3 health and social care qualification is a strong route into care roles or further study in nursing, social work, or allied health.

Who this course is for

Aimed at School Leavers. The Extended Diploma in Health Studies provides a broad insight into the healthcare profession and considers the skills and qualities required to work in a range of healthcare settings. These include hospitals, doctors surgeries and pharmacies. One of the great strengths of the Diploma is the integration of theory and practice as students have the opportunity to apply what they have learnt at College to their healthcare work placements. This exciting and innovative course in health provides you with a broad in sight and invaluable experience in a variety of different healthcare settings. These varied experiences enable you to develop professional skills, knowledge, skills and qualities to a high standard. An integral part of the course is attending a rotation of placements at Warrington and Halton Hospital Trust that offer the opportunity to develop skills further and relate theory to practice.

Entry requirements

Your GCSE results will determine the level you start at:

Level 3 - Five or more GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English Language and Maths

Level 2 - Four or more GCSEs at grade 9-3 including English Language and Maths

Level 1 - Four or more GCSEs at grade 9-2 including English Language and Maths

Specific grades are required in certain subjects. Find out about individual entry requirements within the course information on the college website or at your college interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
  • You'll study human biology and how physical and mental health conditions affect people's lives.
  • You'll examine the values and ethics that underpin professional care practice.
  • You'll learn how to communicate effectively with patients, service users, and colleagues.
  • You'll develop an understanding of safeguarding, risk, and duty of care.
  • You'll apply your learning during supervised work placements in healthcare settings.
  • You'll investigate the factors, including social and economic conditions, that influence health outcomes.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom based, with daytime sessions at Cronton Sixth Form College. The BTEC Extended Diploma is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed examinations set by Pearson Edexcel. Assignments are completed throughout the course and are based on real healthcare scenarios. Work placements form an integral part of the programme, giving you the chance to put theory into practice in settings such as hospitals, GP surgeries, and pharmacies.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cronton Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: supporting patients or service users day to day
  • Healthcare support worker: assisting clinical staff in hospital or community settings
  • Social care worker: helping people live independently in the community
  • Pharmacy assistant: supporting dispensing and customer care in a pharmacy
  • Mental health support worker: working alongside people with mental health needs
  • Residential support worker: providing care in residential or supported-living settings

What you could study next

  • Degree in Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): the most direct route to becoming a registered nurse via university.
  • Degree in Social Work: required to practise as a qualified social worker in the UK.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher-education route if you want to progress without a full degree.
  • Level 3 T Level in Health: an alternative technical qualification if you want a different structured route into the sector.
Apply on cronton.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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