Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Slough. Classes run at Slough and Langley College, full-time during the day over 36 weeks. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, maths and science, to join this course. The level 3 health and social care qualification covers the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work in the social care sector. You'll study core topics in depth and develop practical and technical skills alongside your subject knowledge. This NCFE health and social care course also prepares you for further study at a higher level.
Who this course is for
This qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to work in the Social Care sector. These qualifications will also enable progression to further studies. This qualification aims to: focus on the study of the social care sector, offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge, skills and behaviours, provide opportunities to acquire several practical and technical skills. The objectives of this qualification are to: Provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to develop competence as a lead social care worker in a range of social care support settings, develop the knowledge and skills needed when working in social care settings. This is an interesting and demanding course with a strong theoretical base, supported with industry placement, that will help you prepare by equipping you with the communication skills, organisational ability and understanding of the core values of the care sector.
Entry requirements
You will need four GCSE at grade 4 or above including English, maths and science.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of how the social care sector works and the values that underpin it.
You'll study how to support individuals with their physical, emotional, and social needs.
You'll learn about safeguarding, health and safety, and duty of care in care settings.
You'll build practical skills in communication and person-centred approaches to care.
You'll explore equality, diversity, and inclusion in health and social care contexts.
You'll gain understanding of how to work professionally within a care team.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Slough and Langley College, combining taught lessons with practical tasks. Assessment is through a mix of coursework, assignments, and portfolio evidence that demonstrates your knowledge and skills across the qualification. There are no formal written exams for the Extended Diploma; your progress is assessed continuously throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Slough and Langley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults in residential or home care settings.
Support worker: help individuals with daily living and independence.
Healthcare assistant: assist clinical staff in hospitals or GP surgeries.
Senior care worker: take on a lead role within a care team.
Domiciliary care worker: provide care and support in people's own homes.
Mental health support worker: work with adults experiencing mental health challenges.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Leading and Managing Health and Social Care: move into supervisory or management roles in care.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care: suited to those aiming for registered manager roles.
Foundation Degree or BA in Health and Social Care: university-level study for those wanting to deepen their expertise or move into specialist practice.
