of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
2 years full-time
Placement
2 days per week
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Our Health Hub lets you experience the range of settings you are likely to encounter in practice
Complete 2 days per week on placement to gain a range of practical skills
Start your journey towards a hugely rewarding career in the health and social care profession. Whether you are interested in nurse training, working with the elderly or a role as a health care assistant, our Health and Social Care college course will set you on your way to making a real difference in people’s lives.
This course is not just about classroom learning. You will get hands-on, practical training in realistic environments within our purpose-built Health Hub at University College Birmingham, as well as putting your skills to use in the real world by going on placement each week, letting you explore many different areas of work and gain vital experience alongside your studies.
On successful completion of the Award, you may be eligible to enrol on to the Certificate. Upon completing the Certificate, you will then have the opportunity to enrol on to the Extended Diploma. By the time you finish our Health and Social Care course, you will have a great foundation to progress onto more advanced qualifications as well as openings within the industry, with work available in both the public and private sectors.
Why choose this college course?
- WORK PLACEMENT – Give your CV a huge boost and experience the industry first-hand on work placements, with opportunities from care homes or hospitals to schools and more
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Take on projects and assignments based on realistic workplace situations and activities, supported by our superb simulation facilities in our Health Hub
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This college course will support your progression to relevant degrees at university
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
Award
- Equality, Diversity and Rights
- Human Growth and Development
- Safeguarding
Certificate
In addition to the modules above:
- Communication in HSC
- Sociological Perspectives
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Psychological Perspectives
- Working in Health and Social Care
- Reflective Practice
- Dementia Awareness
Extended Diploma
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Protection of Children, Young People and Adults
- Nutrition for HSC
- Research Skills
- Personal and Professional Development
- Voluntary Organisations
- Mental Health and Well-being
- Public Health
- Empowerment in HSC
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Maths and English
To help you secure your dream career, you will also continue developing your maths and English skills alongside your full-time course. If you haven’t achieved GCSE grade 4/C in English and maths at age 16, you will continue to study these through resits or taking Functional Skills at an appropriate level.
How maths will support your career
- Measurements are key in understanding prescriptions in pharmacies and administering drugs in nursing contexts
- Measurements are also key in determining and monitoring patient heights and weights
- Fractions are needed in calculating body mass index (BMI)
How English will support your career
- Accurate spelling and a wide and specialist vocabulary are key in the presentation of documents relating to patients
- Good quality speaking and listening skills are needed when communicating with colleagues and patients
- Customer service requires good English skills in speaking and written communication
- Accurate reading is a vital skill when following instructions and prescriptions
- Secure English is important when preparing a CV
Entry requirements
Our Health and Social Care lecturers are looking for students who are committed, enthusiastic and have a desire to excel in the health and social care industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Health and Social Care CACHE Level 3 Award
Academic requirements
4 GCSEs consisting of:
- 2 GCSEs at Grade 4 (grade C)
- 2 GCSEs at Grade 3 (grade D) including English Language
A minimum GCSE Maths of grade 2 (grade E) is also required.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Guaranteed progression option
Students who achieve Health and Social Care CACHE Level 3 Award, and achieve GCSE English Language Grade 4 and Maths at Grade 3 (studied alongside the programme), will be permitted to progress onto Health and Social Care CACHE Level 3 Certificate.
Health and Social Care CACHE Level 3 Certificate
Academic requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) including English Language
- A minimum GCSE Maths of grade 3 (grade D) is also required
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Guaranteed progression option
Students who achieve Health and Social Care CACHE Level 3 Certificate will be permitted to progress onto Health and Social Care CACHE Level 3 Diploma.
English and maths
If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.
Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
This course requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information about the DBS check and how to apply for it will be sent to you by our placement team after enrolment. University College Birmingham will coordinate and fund the completion of the DBS check.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Assessment methods for this course:
- Level 3 Award – A portfolio of evidence
- Level 3 Certificate – A portfolio of evidence and one extended assessment
- Level 3 Extended Diploma – A portfolio of evidence and two extended assessments
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Uniform and kit costs
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £30, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Students on our Level 3 Health and Social Care college course will need to complete two days per week on placement in an appropriate setting, with opportunities in residential homes, day-care centres, special schools, community centres, hospitals or youth centres.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Barchester Healthcare Edgbaston Beaumont Care Home
- Age UK Birmingham
- Anchor Homes
- Cerebral Palsy Midlands
- Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
I did four placements at college, which were the highlight of the whole course. I loved having the opportunity to put everything I was learning in the classroom straight into action. My final placement, at a residential care home, led to me being offered a permanent position as a care assistant.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Healthcare assistant
Average Salary: £17,500
Care worker
Average Salary: £18,750
Social work assistant
Average Salary: £18,750
Residential support worker
Average Salary: £22,000
Senior care worker
Average Salary: £18,750
Care home advocate
Average Salary: £24,000
Aspiring to a higher level career? Complete this course and you could progress onto our Health and Social Care or Adult Nursing degree.
Reneta’s Story
Reneta used her college course as a springboard for a degree to launch her career working with those with special educational needs.
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