Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Social Care (Diploma)

Course Code

Course Type

Course Duration

2 years

Start Date

7 September, 2026
Nurse caring for patient in hospital bed

This course is ideal for students who are passionate about supporting others and want to build a career in social care, health, or community services. It is suitable for school leavers who are interested in working with adults, promoting wellbeing, and making a positive difference to people’s lives. The qualification is also a great choice for learners who prefer coursework and practical learning rather than a heavily exam-based programme.

The course is particularly suited to students who:

  • Aspire to work in adult social care or support services
  • Are considering careers such as support worker, care practitioner, occupational therapist, social worker, or nurse
  • Enjoy working with people and helping others achieve independence
  • Want to gain practical experience through work placement opportunities
  • Plan to progress to university, apprenticeships, or employment within the health and social care sector

Students on this course benefit from studting at The Learning Campus, Sandwell College’s brand-new education facility located on the site of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

Designed to create an immersive learning experience, the campus provides students with access to industry-standard facilities that reflect real health and social care environments. This unique location allows learners to study alongside healthcare professionals and gain valuable insight into the modern health and care sector.

 

To enrol on this course, you will need:

  • Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including:
    • English Language
    • Mathematics
  • An interest in working within the health and social care sector.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A caring, professional, and respectful attitude towards supporting others.

A willingness to participate in work placement activities and engage with practical learning opportunities is also essential.

This two-year Level 3 qualification will prepare you for a career in adult social care and related health and care professions. You will develop the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours needed to support individuals with a range of needs, while promoting their independence, dignity, wellbeing and inclusion. You will study key areas including communication, safeguarding, equality and diversity, person-centred care, advocacy, health and safety, infection prevention and control, and professional development.

You will also explore specialist areas such as mental health, learning disabilities, autism, dementia, anatomy and physiology, psychology, sociology and end-of-life care. Through practical activities, professional discussions and workplace learning, you will develop important skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, research and leadership.

A minimum 30-hour work placement will give you valuable experience in a real social care setting, allowing you to put your learning into practice and gain an insight into the profession. You will also have opportunities to meet employers, industry professionals and local health and care organisations, helping you understand the wide range of career opportunities available.

Modules:

Year 1 – Building Foundations

  • Understanding the social care sector
  • Professional values and behaviours
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Effective communication
  • Safeguarding and duty of care
  • Person-centred care and support
  • Care planning and risk assessment
  • Advocacy and empowerment
  • Health, safety and infection prevention
  • Personal and professional development

 

Year 2 – Specialist Social Care Practice

  • Mental health and wellbeing
  • Human behaviour and development
  • Health, illness and society
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Learning disabilities and autism
  • Partnership and collaborative working
  • Research and evidence-based practice
  • Quality care and professional standards
  • End-of-life care
  • Dementia awareness and support

At Sandwell College, students benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities designed to enhance their learning, develop employability skills, and provide valuable insight into careers within health and social care.

Some examples of planned enrichment opportunities include:

  • Disneyland® Paris Educational Seminar – An immersive educational experience where students participate in workshops and team-based challenges to develop communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills.
  • Medical Mavericks Careers Workshops – Interactive sessions providing hands-on experience of healthcare careers, clinical skills and progression opportunities within the NHS.
  • West Midlands Air Ambulance Educational Sessions – Opportunities to learn about emergency care, patient pathways and the role of multidisciplinary teams in supporting individuals.
  • Employer and University Engagement Events – Guest speakers, careers fairs and visits from universities, healthcare providers and social care organisations to support progression planning and career development.

Additional enrichment opportunities may include volunteering, work placement experiences, wellbeing activities, community projects, skills development workshops and employer-led events throughout the academic year.

Assessment is designed to reflect real-life social care practice and allows students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and professional behaviours through a variety of methods.

Assessment methods include:

  • Written assignments
  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Practical activities and observations
  • Professional discussions
  • Reflective accounts
  • Work placement activities and evidence

Successful completion of this course can lead to a wide range of progression opportunities within health and social care, higher education, apprenticeships, and employment.

Career pathways may include:

  • Support Worker
  • Adult Social Care Practitioner
  • Residential Care Worker
  • Healthcare Assistant
  • Community Support Worker
  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Learning Disabilities Support Worker
  • Dementia Care Practitioner
  • Rehabilitation Support Worker
  • Care Coordinator

Students may also progress onto:

  • Higher or Degree Apprenticeships in Health and Social Care
  • Foundation Degrees and Higher Education programmes
  • University courses such as Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or Paramedic Science

This qualification provides a strong foundation for students wishing to enter the social care workforce or continue their studies at a higher level.

Course Details

Qualification

Level 3

Exam Board

NCFE

Study Mode

Full Time

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