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Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Stratford-upon-Avon

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Stratford-upon-Avon. Classes run at Stratford-upon-Avon College. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, to get a place. The course runs over two years, full-time in the daytime. You'll study communication, safeguarding, equality and diversity, human growth and development, and more. Work placements are part of the programme, so you'll need an enhanced DBS check before placements begin.

Who this course is for

The Cache Health and social care certificate is the first year of a 2 year programme of study. It is tailored for those that wish to strengthen their academic abilities and gain a broader knowledge of health and social care.

It is a great starting point if you are considering a career in a health and social care environment or if you wish to move onto study higher education.

The second year of the course is the Extended Diploma.

Entry requirements

4 GCSES at grade 4 and above including English Language. You may resit GCSE Maths alongside this course if you have a grade 3.

What you will learn

  • You'll study communication skills in health and social care settings.
  • You'll explore equality, diversity, and inclusion in care environments.
  • You'll learn infection control principles and practice.
  • You'll cover safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children.
  • You'll examine psychological and sociological perspectives on health.
  • You'll study human growth and development across the life span.
  • You'll gain practical experience through work placements in care settings.

How you will learn

Learning combines taught classroom sessions, practical work, and educational visits. You'll also complete work placements in care settings. Assessment is through assignments with set deadlines in each topic area. There is also a controlled assessment sat under supervised conditions in the classroom. You may resit GCSE Maths alongside the course if needed.

What you will need to bring

An enhanced DBS check is essential before your placements begin. Stratford-upon-Avon College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support adults or older people in care homes or at home.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Mental health support worker: work alongside people with mental health needs.
  • Learning disability support worker: provide day-to-day care and support.
  • Early years practitioner: work with children in nursery or childcare settings.
  • Community care worker: deliver care and support in people's own homes.

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: a two-year higher education route, often available with flexible study.
  • BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care: a full degree for those aiming at senior or specialist roles.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care: for those moving into supervisory or management positions.
  • Nursing or social work degree: for those looking to qualify as a registered nurse or social worker.
Apply on stratford.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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