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Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Whickham

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Whickham. Classes run at Whickham School, full-time over two years.

The course is for 16 to 19 year olds and is free for students funded through the EFA. You'll study human development, health conditions, safeguarding, and how care services are organised. The course also covers communication, equality, and working with individuals to support their wellbeing.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Who this course is for

WHY CHOOSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE? BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care have been developed in the health and social care sectors to give students the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification. These are designed to give students the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to enter employment in the health and social care sectors or to progress onto higher education qualifications. Students learn and use a variety of transferable skills, completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic work place situations, activities and demands. Progression from the BTEC Extended Diploma/Diploma could be into employment where students might take professional body examinations or NVQs. Alternatively, students could continue to degree or other higher education programmes in the same vocational sector or in a related sector. The BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/Certificate is especially suitable for students, who wish to follow a shorter programme of study which can provide vocational emphasis for students following an Applied GCE or GCE route or a combination of both in their main programme of study. The courses can lead to a wide range of careers, for example: Social work, Nursing, Teaching, Police, Caring for children or the elderly, Medical science, Managing Health and Care Services Paramedic.

Entry requirements

5 4 + or a pass in Level 2 BTEC and evidence of ability

What you will learn

  • You'll explore human growth and development across the life stages.
  • You'll study the structure of health and social care services in the UK.
  • You'll learn how to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
  • You'll develop communication skills for working in care settings.
  • You'll examine equality, diversity, and rights in health and social care.
  • You'll understand common health conditions and how they are managed.
  • You'll learn how to support individuals' physical and mental wellbeing.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, case studies, and assignments. Assessment is mainly through coursework and written assignments completed throughout the course. Some units may include external assessments set by Pearson Edexcel. Your work is assessed against set criteria, so you build evidence of your knowledge and skills as you go.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Whickham School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant, supports adults with daily living in residential or home care settings.
  • Support worker, helps individuals with physical or learning disabilities to live independently.
  • Healthcare assistant, works alongside nurses in hospitals or community health teams.
  • Mental health support worker, provides day-to-day support for people with mental health needs.
  • Senior care worker, takes on a lead role in a care team after gaining experience.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 or 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Health and Social Care, for those wanting to move into supervisory or management roles.
  • Nursing or midwifery degree, for those aiming to register as a healthcare professional.
  • Social work degree, recognised by Social Work England, for those wanting to qualify as a social worker.
Apply on cdn.realsmart.co.uk →
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