Health and Social Care Level 3

Course Overview

Build Your Future in Care

This Level 3 Health and Social Care course is equivalent to an A-Level or Access to HE qualification and is intended for those who wish to progress to a degree but lack the traditional entry qualifications. This Diploma offers a smooth progression pathway to a UK or international university. This opens the door to having a career in the care sector by formalising your education with a widely recognised certification. It also prepares the route for a Health Care Assistant qualification. This Ofqual-regulated certification explores care-related themes via industrial experience as well as personal and professional development. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body, regulating school and college qualifications, and vocational and technical qualifications.

Being certified in this Level 3 Diploma allows you to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. It offers a sense of purpose and personal satisfaction. The demand for professionals in the care sector is high, ensuring diverse employment opportunities. You can work in hospitals, care homes, community centres, and private residences. The roles can be direct care positions such as healthcare assistant or support worker to more specialised roles including social worker, mental health worker, or care coordinator. With experience and higher education, you can take on leadership positions.

This Level 3 Diploma is allocated up to 48 UCAS points based on the grade achieved.

GRADE UCAS POINTS
Pass (P)
16
Merit (M)
32
Distinction (D)
48

(RQF qualifications carry meaning and recognition. They are regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation that regulates qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England).

From day one, we go above and beyond to help you succeed in your studies. The most valuable resource available to all our students is their tutor. When you enrol in this course, you are assigned a personal tutor with in-depth knowledge and experience in your chosen subject.

Your assessment will be marked by your personal tutor, who will provide detailed feedback during your formative submissions. In addition to this, your tutor will offer pointers and advice on where you can improve. This guidance helps you get the most from your courses and continually enhance your skills.

Our dedicated student support team is also readily available to provide advice and guidance, helping you navigate your course materials and resolve any queries. With just one click, you can trust that assistance is always there when you need it.

Course Highlights

  • Access Duration: 12 Months
  • Awarded by: Qualifi
  • Credit Value: 60
  • Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 303
  • Total Qualification Time (TQT): 600
  • Qualification Level: 3
  • UCAS Points: Up to 48 

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn about the fundamental concept.
  • Understand the organisational structure.
  • Become familiar with multidisciplinary working.
  • Understand the role of industry regulators.
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of professionals working in this industry setting.

Who Is This Certification For?

This certificate is intended for those who wish to develop an in-depth understanding of health and social care practices. 

  • Healthcare workers 
  • Social care workers 
  • Healthcare assistants 
  • Adult care workers 
  • Domiciliary care workers 

Certification

Upon successful completion, learners will be awarded the Ofqual-regulated qualification of the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care by Qualifi.

Career Progression

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders 

This Level 3 Diploma is a highly recognised qualification that provides a strong foundation to progress to higher-level certification. With this Level 3 diploma, you can pursue entry-level positions in this rewarding industry while also obtaining a Healthcare Assistant qualification. Although this diploma is designed to help you transition to higher education, the introductory skills will open potential career paths. Here are some prospects you can explore once you’re certified.

  • Health Care Worker 
  • Support Worker 
  • Social Care Worker  
  • Adult Care Worker 
  • Domiciliary Worker 
  • Community Support Worker 

Entry Requirements

  • Learners must be over the age of 16.
  • 5 or more GCSEs at grades C and above or grade 4 and above.
  • Other related Level 2 subjects.
  • Other equivalent international qualifications.

Average Completion Timeframe

  • This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
    • Standard Course Plan (6 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
    • Fast Track Option (3 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
  • Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time.We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 3 Diploma requires approximately 303 guided learning hours.

Method of Assessment

  • This assessment process includes written assignments. Importantly, this course doesn’t have exams. Here’s an overview of how you will be assessed throughout the course:
  • Written Assignments: This course includes six units. You will complete written assignments which will be carefully reviewed and evaluated by an assessor. These assignments will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course theory. You can achieve a Pass, Merit, or Distinction for each unit based on the quality of the work submitted. (Pass 180 – 215, Merit 216 – 269, Distinction 270+)
  • Internal Marking and Feedback: All completed assignments are marked internally within South London College. You will receive constructive feedback and guidance from your personal tutor, which will support your learning and improvement.
  • Assessor Support: You will have comprehensive access to support from assessors via various channels including telephone, WhatsApp, online discussions, email, and web chats.

Academic Progression

After completing this Level 3 Diploma, you can advance to higher-level qualifications. You can also apply for an exemption to a university degree programme. Many universities accept this Diploma as an entry requirement.  

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

  • Step 01: Level 4 Diploma in Management for Health and Social Care 
  • Step 02: Level 4 Extended Diploma in Management for Health and Social Care 
  • Step 03: Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Social Care
  •  Alternative Progression Pathway:  
  • Level 4 Certificate in Management for Health and Social Care 

Regulated by

OFQUAL 

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Ofqual ensures that all qualifications offered by recognised awarding organisations meet national standards, so you can trust that any Ofqual-regulated certificate is high quality and widely recognised by employers and universities. 

 RQF 

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies. 

COURSE CURRICULUM

Unit 01

Structure and Overview of the Health and Social Care Sector

  • Understand the structure of health and social care provision
  • Understand health and social care provision for different ages and stages of life
  • Understand the different areas of specialism within health and social care
  • Understand issues in health and social care

Unit 02

Principles, Values and Regulation in the Health and Social Care Sector

  • Understand current policy on health and social care
  • Understand legislation and guidance which impact on the provision and practice of health and social care
  • Understand the principles and values that underpin the provision of care

Unit 03

Human Growth and Development

  • Know stages of growth and development throughout the human lifespan
  • Understand potential effects of life factors and events on growth and development
  • Understand physical and psychological changes of ageing
  • Understand the effect of transitions and significant life events

Unit 04

Working in Health and Social Care

  • Understand person centred working
  • Understand the use of effective communication in health and social care provision
  • Know how to reduce the spread of infection
  • Understand working relationships in health and social care
  • Understand the principles of care planning
  • Understand the safe administration of medication

Unit 05

Research in Health and Social Care

  • Understand the role of research and different approaches in health and social care practice
  • Know how to identify and justify a topic for research within services for health and social care
  • Be able to complete a research project in health and social care