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Extended Diploma Level 3 Health And Social Care

The Extended Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care is your launchpad for a rewarding career. This comprehensive qualification provides the essential practical skills and theoretical knowledge…

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Why enrol on this course?

The Extended Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care is your launchpad for a rewarding career. This comprehensive qualification provides the essential practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to make a real difference.


You will explore human development, safeguarding, and equality, preparing for roles in nursing, social work, or support work. This Level 3 Health and Social Care course builds your professional confidence.


Ready to start your journey in care? Discover how this diploma can unlock your potential and shape your future today.

About this course

The Extended Diploma Level 3 Health and Social Care is your essential first step towards a rewarding career. This comprehensive qualification provides practical, hands-on experience and a deep understanding of human growth, development, and care principles. You'll develop essential skills for roles in nursing, social work, or occupational therapy, opening doors to university or direct employment. The course's unique strength lies in its blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world application, preparing you to make a genuine difference in people's lives. Pursue the Extended Diploma Level 3 Health and Social Care to launch your future.

Who is this course for?

Primary Audience Individuals aged 16+ seeking a career in health and social care, including school leavers and career changers.
Secondary Audience Those looking to upskill, such as healthcare assistants or support workers aiming for progression.
Key Statistics The UK healthcare sector employs over 1.5 million people, with demand for care workers projected to grow by 20% by 2030.
Motivations Learners often pursue this qualification to gain practical skills, improve employability, or meet entry requirements for nursing degrees.
Personal Qualities Ideal candidates are compassionate, empathetic, and committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

Key facts

The Extended Diploma Level 3 Health and Social Care is a comprehensive two-year qualification designed for students seeking a career in the caring professions.
This vocational course provides a deep and practical understanding of the sector, preparing learners for both employment and further study.
A primary focus is on developing the essential skills and knowledge needed to support individuals of all ages and backgrounds with compassion and professionalism.
The curriculum covers a wide range of mandatory and optional units, ensuring a well-rounded education in health and social care principles.

Key learning outcomes include understanding human growth and development, which explores psychological and physical changes across the lifespan.
Students will learn about safeguarding and protection, a critical area for ensuring the welfare of vulnerable children and adults.
The diploma also covers promoting equality, diversity, and rights, equipping learners to provide inclusive and person-centred care.
Effective communication techniques are a core component, as they are vital for building positive relationships with service users and multi-agency teams.
Learners will also gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of health and social care workers within various settings.

In terms of duration, this full-time course typically requires two years to complete, similar to studying two or three A-Levels.
Assessment is continuous and involves a mixture of coursework, practical assignments, and work placements rather than final exams.
This structure allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, a crucial aspect of their professional development.
Gaining hands-on experience is a mandatory part of the qualification, making graduates highly attractive to future employers.

The industry relevance of this qualification is significant, as it meets the standards required by sector skills councils.
Successful completion provides the necessary foundation to pursue roles such as a support worker, healthcare assistant, or care coordinator.
It is also a recognised pathway to higher education, allowing progression to university degrees in nursing, social work, or occupational therapy.
This makes the Extended Diploma Level 3 Health and Social Care an excellent starting point for a rewarding career dedicated to helping others.

Why this course?

Year Extended Diploma Level 3 Health and Social Care Other Qualifications
2016 24,500 120,000
2017 26,000 115,000
2018 28,000 110,000
2019 30,000 105,000
2020 32,000 100,000
Extended Diploma Level 3 Health and Social Care has seen a steady increase in popularity in the UK, with over 30,000 students enrolling in 2020. This trend reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the health and social care sector. The qualification equips learners with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic industry. As the UK's population ages and the need for care services grows, the significance of this qualification continues to rise, making it an attractive choice for learners and a valuable asset for employers.

Career path

Completing an Extended Diploma Level 3 Health and Social Care opens doors to a multitude of rewarding career paths, with the UK's health and social care sector showing strong and consistent demand for qualified professionals. The chart above illustrates the projected growth for key roles, reflecting the increasing need for skilled practitioners. Senior Care Workers are in particularly high demand, providing essential support to the elderly in residential and community settings. The role of a Mental Health Support Worker is also growing rapidly, focusing on empowering individuals with mental health conditions. As a foundational position, Healthcare Assistants work directly with nurses in hospitals and clinics, delivering vital day-to-day patient care. Qualified Social Workers protect vulnerable individuals and families, requiring strong communication and safeguarding skills. Occupational Therapy Assistants help clients regain independence through therapeutic activities, a key part of rehabilitative care. Even Youth Workers, who support young people's development in community projects, represent a stable and valued career option. This Level 3 qualification provides the essential knowledge and practical care skills needed to excel in these roles, making graduates highly attractive to employers across the public and private sectors.

Course information

Duration

The programme is available in 2 duration modes:

  • 6 months
  • 9 months
Course delivery

Online

Entry requirements

No formal qualification required

Course content
• Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care
• The Role of the Health and Social Care Worker
• Promote Person-Centred Approaches in Health and Social Care
• Promote and Implement Health and Safety in Health and Social Care
• Promote Good Practice in Handling Information in Health and Social Care settings
• Introduction to Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care, or Children’s and Young People’s Settings
• Human Growth and Development
• Working in Health and Social Care
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.

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