Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Oldham. Classes run at Oldham Sixth Form College. You'll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 4 in English or Maths. This two-year, full-time health and social care qualification covers anatomy and physiology, equality and diversity, nutrition, infection control, safeguarding, mental health, and sexual health. In year two, you can specialise in more science-focused units to strengthen applications for nursing, midwifery, or paramedic science degrees. Assessment combines coursework and exams across both years.
Who this course is for
If you are considering a career in the NHS, social care or teaching, this course is an excellent choice. You’ll study equality and diversity, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, infection control and much more. In the second year, you will have the opportunity to learn about sexual health, mental health conditions and public health. For those students who are pursuing a career in the competitive fields of nursing, paramedic science, midwifery and other NHS careers, we have an option to specialise in the more scientific units, providing students with more science content to strengthen their university applications.
Entry requirements
To study A a Vocational programme at OSFC you will need a minumum of 5 passes (Grade 4 or better) at GCSE, including a 4 in English or Maths
What you will learn
You'll study anatomy and physiology, including how the body's systems work.
You'll explore equality, diversity, and rights in health and social care settings.
You'll learn about infection control, health, safety, and security.
You'll examine safeguarding and how to support people with learning disabilities.
You'll study nutrition and the impact of long-term physiological health conditions.
You'll cover sexual health, reproduction, and mental health conditions in year two.
You'll develop career planning skills relevant to NHS and social care roles.
You'll have the option to focus on scientific units to support university applications in nursing, midwifery, or paramedic science.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Oldham Sixth Form College, five days a week during the day. Assessment is a mix of coursework and exams spread across both years of the course. The OCR Cambridge Technical specification sets the structure; your work is assessed against OCR's marking criteria throughout.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Oldham Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults in residential or home care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or community settings.
Mental health support worker: work alongside people with mental health conditions.
Learning disability support worker: provide day-to-day care and advocacy.
Early years practitioner: care and education roles in nursery or school settings.
Social care worker: support vulnerable adults or children in the community.
NHS healthcare assistant: entry-level clinical support across hospital departments.
What you could study next
BSc Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): the most direct university route for those aiming to become a registered nurse.
BSc Midwifery or BSc Paramedic Science: for those who specialise in the science-focused units during year two.
Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education route if you want to progress without a full three-year degree.
Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care: a work-based qualification for those moving straight into a care role and wanting to progress to senior positions.
