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extended diploma in health and social care

The extended diploma in health and social care is your gateway to a rewarding career. This comprehensive qualification provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to support…

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Why enrol on this course?

The extended diploma in health and social care is your gateway to a rewarding career. This comprehensive qualification provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to support individuals and communities effectively.


It's perfect for aspiring nurses, carers, and support workers. You'll develop a deep understanding of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, promoting wellbeing, and effective communication. This extended diploma in health and social care equips you for real-world challenges, building a strong foundation for your professional journey.


Ready to make a meaningful difference? Discover your path today.

About this course

Embark on an Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care and launch a rewarding career dedicated to supporting others. This comprehensive course equips you with practical skills and deep theoretical knowledge, preparing you for roles like Nursing Assistant or Support Worker. You'll gain hands-on experience through valuable work placements, developing essential skills in communication and safeguarding. This qualification is a perfect stepping stone into higher education or direct employment within the care sector. Start your journey in health and social care today and make a genuine difference in your community.

Who is this course for?

The ideal audience for an Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care are compassionate individuals looking to build a rewarding career dedicated to supporting others. If you're drawn to roles where you can make a tangible difference in your community, this course is your perfect starting point. With over 1.5 million people employed in the adult social care sector in England alone, the opportunities for meaningful work are vast and growing.

Who You Are Your Career Ambition Why It's For You
The School Leaver Kickstart your career as a Healthcare Assistant or Support Worker. Gain a recognised qualification that is highly valued by UK employers, opening doors to the NHS and private care providers.
The Career Changer Transition into a fulfilling role in care, mental health support, or community work. Develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to confidently step into a new, purpose-driven profession.
The Unqualified Carer Formally qualify to progress into senior roles like Senior Care Worker or Team Leader. Validate your existing experience; over 40% of the social care workforce hold a relevant vocational qualification, boosting your earning potential and prospects.
The Future Professional Use the diploma as a stepping stone to university for nursing, social work, or occupational therapy. This pathway provides the essential UCAS points and foundational understanding required for higher education in health disciplines.

Key facts

The extended diploma in health and social care is a comprehensive qualification designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills for a rewarding career in the care sector.
This course typically spans two years of full-time study, providing an in-depth and thorough exploration of the subject matter compared to shorter awards or certificates.
Students will achieve a wide range of learning outcomes, including understanding human growth and development, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and promoting health and wellbeing.
The curriculum is highly relevant, covering current principles and values that underpin modern health and social care practice, ensuring graduates are industry-ready.
Learners will develop crucial communication skills and learn the importance of effective partnership working within multidisciplinary teams.
This vocational qualification includes work placement opportunities, allowing students to gain invaluable hands-on experience in real-world care settings.
The industry relevance of this diploma is significant, as it prepares individuals for roles such as care support workers, healthcare assistants, and community support workers.
Successful completion provides a strong foundation for further professional development or university study in fields like nursing, social work, or occupational therapy.
The extended diploma in health and social care is a robust and respected pathway for those committed to making a positive difference in people's lives.

Why this course?

The Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a vital qualification for launching a career in the UK's largest employment sector, which supports over 1.6 million people in adult social care alone. With an ageing population and rising demand for integrated care services, this diploma equips learners with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to excel. The sector is projected for significant growth, as shown below, creating a wealth of opportunities for qualified professionals. This Level 3 qualification is highly valued by employers, providing a direct pathway into roles such as care coordinator, support worker, or senior care assistant. It fosters a deep understanding of safeguarding, communication, and person-centred care, making graduates immediately effective in a demanding and rewarding field. It is the cornerstone for building a resilient and skilled workforce ready to meet contemporary health and social care challenges.
Sector Projected Growth (2021-2031)
Adult Social Care 21%
Residential Care Activities 22%
Social Work Activities 27%

Career path

An Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care opens doors to a sector with strong job market trends and growing skill demand across the UK. The chart above provides a snapshot of the financial rewards for these vital roles.

Care Workers and Support Workers form the backbone of the sector, providing essential daily living and emotional support. Healthcare Assistants often work within the NHS, supporting nurses with clinical tasks and patient care. Specialising, for instance as a Mental Health Support Worker, can enhance your career progression and earning potential, reflecting the specific skill demand in these areas. These roles are not just jobs; they are career pathways dedicated to making a tangible difference in people's lives, offering both personal fulfilment and professional stability.

Course information

Duration

The programme is available in 2 duration modes:

  • 6 months
  • 9 months
Course delivery

Online

Entry requirements

Please chat or email us to know the entry requirements

Course content
• Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
• Promoting Public Health
• Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
• Work Experience in Health and Social Care
• Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
• Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs
• Physiological Disorders and their Care
• Nutritional Health
• Safeguarding in Health and Social Care
• Psychological Perspectives
Assessment

Assessment is via assignment submission.

Fee structure

The fee for the programme is as follows:

  • 6 months — Accelerated mode @ GBP £1250
  • 9 months — Standard mode @ GBP £950
Fee payment plans

The programme offers the following fee payment plans:

6 months programme

● Payment option (a): GBP £416 x 3 monthly instalments
● Payment option (b): GBP £1187.50 x 1 instalment (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)

9 months programme

● Payment option (c): GBP £190 x 5 monthly instalments
● Payment option (d): GBP £475 x 2 quarterly instalments
● Payment option (e): GBP £902.50 x 1 instalment (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)
Accreditation
For detailed information, we kindly advise you to chat with our admissions team.

Insights

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