Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Barnstaple – North Devon College

Name: Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Barnstaple – North Devon College
Price: 7404 GBP
Availability: InStock

Cost£7,404.00

Duration2 years

LevelLevel 3

DeliveryClassroom based

Start7 Sep 2026

Study modeFull-time

AttendanceDaytime

Awarding body

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About this course

Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Barnstaple. Classes run at North Devon College, full-time during the day. To enrol, you'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths or Science, plus a DBS check and a successful interview. The course runs over two years and combines classroom-based health and social care classes with practical work placements. You'll study topics across health, care, and early years settings, building the knowledge employers look for in care roles.

Who this course is for

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is aimed at young people aged 16–18 who are passionate about supporting others and are considering a future career in the health, care, or early years sectors.

It’s ideal for learners who:

Are caring, compassionate, and want to make a difference in people’s lives.

Enjoy working with others and are interested in real-world, people-focused careers.

Prefer a mix of practical, hands-on learning alongside classroom-based study.

Are thinking about going to university to study nursing, midwifery, social work, or other health-related degrees.

Want to gain valuable work experience in real care settings while they study.

Whether you’re aiming to become a nurse, social worker, occupational therapist, or healthcare assistant, this course will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take that next step.

Entry requirements

To enrol on this course, you will need:

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths or Science. A clear interest in health, care, or social support work. A successful interview and a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to allow for work placement. Learners with Level 2 qualifications in health and social care (or related vocational courses) may also progress to this course.

What you will learn

You'll explore human growth and development across the life stages.
You'll study anatomy, physiology, and how body systems work.
You'll learn about safeguarding, legislation, and duty of care in health and social care settings.
You'll examine mental health conditions and approaches to support.
You'll develop understanding of person-centred values and communication in care.
You'll gain practical experience through work placements in real care or early years environments.
You'll build research and assignment skills needed for higher education or professional roles.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, guided research, and work placements. Assessment is coursework-based: you'll complete assignments, case studies, and research tasks for each unit. Some units include external assessments set by Pearson Edexcel. Work placements are a required part of the course and give you direct experience in health, care, or early years settings.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. North Devon College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to complete a DBS check before your work placement begins.

Where next

Jobs you could do

Care assistant: support adults or older people in residential or home care.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Early years practitioner: work with children in nurseries or pre-schools.
Mental health support worker: support people with mental health needs in the community.
Learning disability support worker: help people with learning disabilities live independently.
Senior care assistant: step into a team leader role after gaining experience.

What you could study next

Foundation Degree or BSc in Nursing, Social Work, or Midwifery: the Extended Diploma meets entry requirements for many university health programmes.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: if you want to move into teaching or training roles in care.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care: for those aiming toward management in care settings.
Nursing Associate apprenticeship: a work-based route into registered nursing.

Apply on petroc.ac.uk →