Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Sheffield. Classes run at The Sheffield College Peaks Campus. You'll study full-time during the day, completing the course in around one year. The course covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in health and social care settings, from understanding human development to supporting people with care needs. It's a strong route into roles such as care assistant, and it can also open doors to higher-level study. Check the college website for current entry requirements; they'll also carry out an initial assessment to confirm the course is the right level for you.
Who this course is for
The Sheffield College is a thriving further education college situated in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. We have 4 main campuses across the city, including our City Campus, Hillsborough Campus, Olive Grove Campus and Peaks Campus. We offer a wide range of Apprenticeships, vocational courses, A Levels, professional courses and university level courses. Please go to our website www.sheffcol.ac.uk for full details.
Entry requirements
Please check our website for the most up-to-date entry requirement for this course.
What you will learn
You'll explore how people develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially across the lifespan.
You'll learn how to communicate effectively with people who use health and social care services.
You'll study the values and principles that underpin care practice, including dignity, respect, and safeguarding.
You'll examine how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll develop understanding of anatomy, physiology, and common health conditions.
You'll learn how to support individuals with their physical and emotional wellbeing.
You'll build knowledge of legislation and policy that shapes care practice.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at The Sheffield College Peaks Campus. The BTEC National Foundation Diploma is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed tasks set by Pearson Edexcel. There are no traditional written exams for all units; much of your assessment is coursework and project-based, demonstrating your knowledge and skills across the qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The Sheffield College Peaks Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: supporting people in residential or home care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assisting clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Support worker: working with adults or young people with additional needs.
Mental health support worker: providing day-to-day support in community services.
Early years practitioner: working in nurseries or children's care settings.
Domiciliary care worker: delivering personal care in people's own homes.
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (Pearson Edexcel): a larger qualification that goes deeper and may strengthen university applications.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health or Nursing): a one-year course recognised by UK universities, designed for adults aiming for nursing, social work, or allied health degrees.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Health and Social Care: a work-based qualification that counts toward professional registration and career progression in care roles.
