Level 3
Health & Social Care, NCFE Extended Diploma
Level 3
Health & Social Care, NCFE Extended Diploma
Build the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to begin a rewarding career in health or social care. This two-year diploma combines classroom learning with industry placement, preparing you for higher education or employment in one of the UK's fastest-growing sectors.
Course Overview
This two-year diploma provides a comprehensive introduction to the health and social care industry, combining classroom learning with practical work placement to ensure you develop the confidence and capability needed for professional practice. From the foundations of safeguarding and communication to understanding health, wellbeing and care legislation, you’ll explore the core principles that shape high-quality person-centred care.
You will complete an industry placement, giving you the opportunity to work directly with individuals in real care environments such as residential homes, outreach services, and healthcare settings. These experiences help you build essential employability skills, apply your learning in a meaningful way, and gain a clear sense of your future direction.
In the first year, you’ll study a range of theoretical and practical units that prepare you for your chosen specialist pathway in Year 2. The diploma offers two progression routes: the Health Care pathway, aimed at learners aspiring to roles such as nurse, paramedic, nursing assistant or medical practitioner, and the Social Care pathway, which supports those interested in careers such as social worker, care worker, community support worker or residential warden. Optional units, masterclasses, and real-world projects allow you to tailor your experience to your career ambitions.
With state-of-the-art facilities at Knightstone Campus, strong connections to employers, guest speakers, educational trips and lecturers with extensive industry experience, you’ll benefit from a learning environment designed to help you succeed. As a Microsoft Showcase College, you will also develop digital confidence using modern tools and technologies that enhance your studies and prepare you for the future of the sector.
What will I study?
• Core principles of health and social care, including safeguarding, duty of care and responding to abuse • Health, safety and infection prevention, with a focus on maintaining safe care environments • Effective communication and person-centred approaches when supporting individuals • Understanding and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across care settings • Supporting individuals with a range of physical, emotional and mental health needs • Key legislation, ethics and professional frameworks underpinning safe practice • Practical experience through work placements in real care settings
Specialist content linked to your chosen pathway in Year 2:
• Health Care Pathway: Preparation for roles such as nurse, paramedic or nursing assistant • Social Care Pathway: Preparation for roles such as social worker, care worker or residential warden
How will I be assessed?
• Coursework and practical assignments • Observations during work placements • Case studies and reflective journals • Examinations
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
• Work placements in local care settings • Visits to hospitals, care homes, and community health centres • Guest talks from healthcare professionals • Career guidance and support from the Career Excellence Hub
Entry requirements
• Minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English, maths and science • Interest in health, wellbeing, and caring for others • DBS check
What can I do after this course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be well prepared to progress into employment or continue your studies at a higher level.
• Health Care pathway: Nurse, paramedic, nursing assistant or medical practitioner • Social Care pathway: Social worker, care worker, community support worker or residential warden
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
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