Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Buxton

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Buxton. Classes run at University of Derby Buxton Campus, full-time during the day. You'll need five GCSEs at grade C/Level 4 or above, including maths and English Language, to enrol. The course runs for 36 weeks and covers the knowledge and skills behind health, wellbeing, and social care practice. It's a strong foundation for anyone looking to work in a sector where demand for trained staff continues to grow.

Who this course is for

A career in Health & Social Care / Psychology & Counselling will enable you to make a real difference to people?s health and wellbeing and help to improve lives. An industry that is growing rapidly as the demand for jobs is going up each year, now is the right time to gain these qualifications as the skills and commitment that you will gain from doing these courses are widely sought after.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs grade C/level 4 and above including maths and English Language

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how physical, emotional, and social factors affect health and wellbeing.
  • You'll study human development across the life stages, from infancy to later adulthood.
  • You'll learn how care values and ethical principles shape professional practice.
  • You'll examine how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
  • You'll develop understanding of safeguarding, risk, and duty of care.
  • You'll study anatomy, physiology, and common conditions relevant to care settings.
  • You'll build skills in communication for professional care environments.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at University of Derby Buxton Campus. The BTEC Extended Diploma is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally set examinations. Assignments are based on real scenarios and require you to apply your knowledge to practical situations. External assessments test core subject knowledge set by Pearson Edexcel.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. University of Derby Buxton 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.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Mental health support worker: work alongside people managing mental health conditions.
  • Learning disability support worker: provide person-centred care for adults with learning disabilities.
  • Residential childcare worker: support young people in residential care settings.
  • Community care worker: deliver care and support in people's own homes.

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: the BTEC National Extended Diploma at Level 3 is a recognised route into university-level study in health and social care.
  • Nursing Associate or Nursing Degree Apprenticeship: for those aiming toward a registered nursing role.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: if you want to move into teaching or training within the sector.
  • Social Work Degree (BA or MA): the entry route to becoming a qualified social worker.