Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Daventry. Classes run at Northampton College at Daventry, full-time during the day. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and English Language, to get started. Over two years, you'll build in-depth knowledge across human growth and development, psychology, communication skills, and infection prevention and control. One day a week is spent on work placement, plus block placement weeks each year, in settings such as day centres, nursing homes, and special schools. This is a thorough level 3 health and social care qualification that prepares you for roles in care or further study in health.
Who this course is for
The student will develop skills and an in-depth understanding of health, including areas such as Human growth and development, Psychology, Communication Skills and infection prevention and control.
The method of learning is by class based activity, project work and research, including work placements.
Work experience: one day per week plus block weeks per year including Day centres, nursing homes, special schools. Performance in placement acts as evidence for vocational practice. You will need to gain clearance from the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).
What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core Units:
Anatomy and physiology
Equality, Diversity and Rights
Research Project
Personal and Professional Development
Empowerment in health and social care
Specialist Units:
Psychological perspectives in health and social care
Communication in health and social care
Human growth and development
Infection prevention and control
Sociological perspectives in health and social care
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 including maths and English Language
What you will learn
You'll study human growth and development across the lifespan.
You'll explore psychology and how it applies to health and social care settings.
You'll develop communication skills for working with individuals and teams.
You'll learn infection prevention and control procedures.
You'll carry out project work and research to deepen your understanding.
You'll gain practical experience through regular work placements in care settings.
How you will learn
Learning combines classroom sessions, project work, and independent research. You'll also complete one day of work placement per week, plus block placement weeks each year. Placements take place in settings such as day centres, nursing homes, and special schools. Your performance on placement contributes evidence toward your vocational practice assessment. Assessment is through coursework, projects, and placement evidence rather than formal exams.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Northampton College at Daventry will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support people in residential or community care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Support worker: work with adults or children with additional needs.
Day centre worker: plan and deliver activities for adults in day services.
Residential childcare worker: support young people in care homes.
Mental health support worker: assist people managing mental health conditions.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: if you want to move into teaching or training in health and social care.
Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care: a step toward senior or lead practitioner roles in adult social care.
Foundation Degree or BSc in Nursing, Social Work, or Allied Health: many universities accept this Extended Diploma as entry to degree-level study in health professions.
