Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Welwyn Garden City. Classes run at Oaklands College Welwyn Garden City Campus. You'll study full-time during the day, covering the knowledge and skills needed to work in health and social care settings. The course runs over two years. Entry requires a minimum of four GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including maths and English, or a full Level 2 with a merit profile and grades 4 to 9 in English, maths, and science. An enhanced DBS check is required before you start.
Who this course is for
The duration of this course is 2 years to achieve the Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. When you have finished the course you can choose to go to work straight away or Apprenticeship or with enough UCAS points you can then progress to university. The college will help you in writing your CV, preparing for interviews, and with the UCAS application.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 9 - 4 including maths and English or a full Level 2 with a merit profile and grades 9 - 4 in English, Maths and Science. Learners will be subjected to an enhanced DBS check to confirm their suitability to work with children. This is required on final acceptance onto the course as required by law for all people working with children and/or vulnerable adults.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of person-centred care and how to support individuals with different needs.
You'll learn about safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
You'll study human development across the life stages.
You'll understand health conditions, mental health, and how care services are organised in the UK.
You'll build practical communication skills for working with service users and colleagues.
You'll explore professional values, ethics, and legislation in health and social care.
You'll learn how to support individuals with their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at the college. Assessment is a mix of assignments, case studies, and portfolio work completed throughout the course. There are no formal written exams for most units. You'll also prepare a CV and practise interview skills as part of your studies, and the college supports UCAS applications if you choose to progress to university.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Oaklands College Welwyn Garden City Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults with daily living in care homes or at home.
Support worker: work with people with disabilities or mental health needs.
Healthcare assistant: assist clinical staff in hospitals or GP surgeries.
Senior care assistant: take on a lead role in a residential care setting.
Early years practitioner: work with young children in nursery or school settings.
Community care worker: deliver care to people in their own homes.
What you could study next
Degree in Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): if you earn enough UCAS points, this qualification can support a university application.
Degree in Social Work: a route into qualified social work roles.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher-education option if a full degree isn't your next step.
Apprenticeship in Adult Care (Level 3): combine work and study if you want to earn while you learn.
