Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Oxford. Classes run at Oxford City Centre College. This two-year, full-time daytime programme follows the Social Care pathway of the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. You'll study in the classroom and complete a work placement in a social care setting, learning how to support people's independence, dignity, and wellbeing. Entry requires 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths, or a merit at Level 2 in a related subject with the same English and maths grades.
Who this course is for
One of two pathways on the Health and Social Care Extended Diploma, this programme provides you with a practical, work-related industry placement in a Social Care setting. Working in social care What is social care? Social care is providing physical, emotional and social support to help people live their lives to the fullest. For various reasons, and at different stages in their lives, some people will need support to develop and maintain their independence, dignity and control. Social care provides a whole range of services to support adults and older people. You could help people in their own homes, in residential homes, or in a number of other places such as day centres or supported housing. You’ll support people with their non-clinical needs, although there is an important crossover between working in clinical health and working in social care. Because of the increasing number of disabled younger adults living longer and the growing number of older people needing care, adult social care is growing and the sector needs at least another half a million jobs, and people to do them, by 2030. The social care pathway Enter the field of health and social care with the practical, work-related, Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care with an Industry Placement in a social care setting. The placement is for two days a week with a local employer. This programme is a mix of college-based study, training in simulated environments, some mandatory training at the start of your placement, work experience in your first year and a two day per week social care industry placement in your second year. Many students secured jobs with good prospects through these placements. Examples of the roles you could progress to are: care worker, personal assistant, . For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
Entry requirements
You need to have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths or a merit at level 2 in a related subject, including English language and maths at grade 4. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
What you will learn
You'll explore how social care supports people's physical, emotional, and social needs.
You'll learn how to promote independence, dignity, and control for people who need support.
You'll develop practical skills through a work placement in a real social care setting.
You'll study safeguarding, health and wellbeing, and person-centred approaches to care.
You'll examine the roles and responsibilities of professionals working in health and social care.
You'll build knowledge of legislation and policy that shapes social care practice in the UK.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and a supervised industry placement in a social care setting. Assessment on the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Diploma combines internally assessed assignments and externally assessed units. Assignments are based on real workplace scenarios and case studies. The placement gives you direct experience of supporting people in a social care environment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Oxford City Centre College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: supporting adults with daily living and personal care.
Support worker: helping people with physical or learning disabilities.
Healthcare assistant: assisting clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Senior care assistant: leading a small team in a residential care home.
Community care worker: delivering care to people in their own homes.
Mental health support worker: supporting adults with mental health needs.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: if you want to teach or train others in health and social care.
Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care: a step toward senior or management roles in social care.
Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: university study building on your Level 3 qualification, leading to graduate-level roles in care, nursing, or social work.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): an alternative university entry route if you want to move into nursing or allied health.
