Level 3 Health and Social Care Extended Diploma: Your Path to a Fulfilling Career
The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is designed for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. This qualification equips learners with the in-depth skills and knowledge to care for patients through their many challenges in various circumstances. Whether you’re starting out, working as a care assistant, or aiming to progress into more senior roles, this course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide high-quality care across a range of settings.
Is This Course Right for You?
This qualification is perfect for anyone looking to build a rewarding career in health and social care. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a course for students who have an interest in working in the health and social care sector. It is ideal for:
- Individuals seeking a career change.
- Those already working as care workers aiming to advance their careers.
- Anyone with an interest in the health and social care sector.
During this course, we aim to give you the practical knowledge and skills needed to work in health and social care.
Course Structure and Pathways
There are three pathways you can take: Generic Health and Social Care, Dementia or Learning Disability.Choose from our Standard or Fast-Track pathways, both designed to deliver the same high-quality education and nationally recognised qualifications.
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a course for students who have an interest in working in the health and social care sector. This qualification is equivalent in size to 3 A-levels and is assessed through a combination of coursework and external examination. There are 8 units which are covered over 2 year.
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Learning Experience
The course is delivered 100% online through South London College’s e-learning platform. You’ll have access to interactive study materials, real-life scenarios, and practical guidance to apply learning directly in care settings. Our learning material is available to students 24/7 anywhere in the world, so it’s extremely convenient. These intensive online courses are open to everyone, as long as you have an interest in the topic!
Key Skills and Knowledge Gained
In the Health and Social Care Level 3 - CPD Accredited Course, you will gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills required to work in health and social care settings. This course covers the principles and policies of caregiving, and it also details useful communication techniques and the legal and ethical guidelines that will need to be adhered to. We’ll also coach you in safeguarding and incorporating risk management into your routine.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
- Patient care techniques.
- Safeguarding practices.
- Ethical standards in healthcare.
- Medical terminology.
- Dementia assessment.
- Infection control protocols.
- First aid procedures.
- Mental health care approaches.
- Effective communication techniques.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is through written assignments, practical tasks, and scenario-based exercises designed to demonstrate your understanding of health, social care, safeguarding, communication, and practical care skills. You will develop evidence of your work practice, including assignments, case studies, written accounts and work products.Your evidence will be uploaded to our easy to use and accessible online e-portfolio platform, which is available 24/7 on computers, tablets and mobile devices.Your assessor will support you throughout your qualification and observe work-based practice on at least six occasions.
The assessment process includes a combination of written assignments and workplace evaluations. Importantly, this course doesn’t have exams.
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- Written Assignments: Each unit includes written assignments that are evaluated by an internal assessor. Your assessment will be marked by your personal tutor, who will provide detailed feedback during your formative submissions. In addition to this, your tutor will offer pointers and advice on where you can improve.
- Practical Placement: Gaining practical experience is a fundamental part of the course. Learners will be required to attend practical placement in a suitable health and social care setting to support their learning. You are required to complete practical placements in suitable work settings such as nursing homes, adult residential care homes, health centres, day centres, children’s centres, domiciliary care agencies, assessment centres, or hospitals.
You must participate in an automated multiple-choice question exam to assess your learning. You must score at least 60% to pass the exam and qualify for CPD accredited certificates. After passing the exam, you will be able to apply for a certificate. We advise you to complete the assignment questions provided at the end of the course to enhance your knowledge and assess your learning. You can complete the assignments at any time that suits you. After completing the MCQ assessment, you will qualify for the CPD Certificate from HF Online as proof of your continued professional development.
Accreditation and Recognition
Train to provide the absolute best levels of Health and Social Care with our Level 3 certification course, which has been fully accredited by CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
NCFE (Northern Council for Further Education) is a nationally and internationally recognised awarding organisation with over 175 years of experience in education. Regulated by Ofqual and other key UK bodies, NCFE offers a wide range of vocational and technical qualifications across areas such as English, mathematics, health & social care, business, and more. NCFE CACHE is a specialist division of NCFE focused on qualifications in health, social care, and early years education. With programmes ranging from Entry Level to Level 5, NCFE CACHE equips learners with the practical skills, knowledge, and professional standards needed to work effectively with children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the system used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to standardise qualifications by level and size. Overseen by regulatory bodies such as Ofqual, the RQF ensures qualifications are consistent, transparent, and easily understood by learners, employers, and higher education institutions.
Career Opportunities
The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care will open up many fulfilling career opportunities in the health, health and social care, and public services sectors. Certificate holders can pursue diverse roles in a range of health and social care settings. Graduates can confidently work in health and social care roles such as healthcare assistants, support workers, community care workers, or care coordinators.
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With further training and experience, there is potential to advance to positions such as Healthcare Workers, Social Care Workers, and other senior care roles. You can expect a number of job opportunities and roles in this sector with the level 3 diploma. You can start your career as a social care worker or healthcare professional. Well, a level 3 diploma offers you a great opportunity to advance your career. So, of course, it can help you to take your career further like nursing or any other.
Progression to Higher Education
After completing the Level 3 Extended Diploma, you can advance to the HNC or HND in Healthcare Practice.
Providing pathways for progression to Honours Degree programmes.
Please note that universities are increasingly asking for GCSEs or L2 Functional Skills as part of their entry criteria and therefore if you wish to gain admission to university, you may need to enrol on GCSE or L2 Functional Skills English and Maths course. Please note that it is the responsibility of the student to ensure their current and future qualifications comply with the entry requirements of any university to which they intend to progress.
Support and Resources
From day one, we go above and beyond to help you succeed in your studies. The most valuable resource available to all our students is their tutor.
Our dedicated student support team is also readily available to provide advice and guidance, helping you navigate your course materials and resolve any queries. 24/7 dedicated tutor support is available for you during your level 3 diploma course with us.
At South London College, we believe in the transformative power of education and lifelong learning. As a respected name in UK online learning, our mission is to help you reach your personal and professional goals. We offer high-quality study materials and dedicated support every step of the way, ensuring your learning experience is rewarding and effective. Our focus is on empowering you to gain new skills, strengthen your knowledge, and stay ahead in your career.
Flexibility and Accessibility
This course is fully flexible, allowing you to balance learning with work, family, or other responsibilities. Our learning material is available to students 24/7 anywhere in the world, so it’s extremely convenient. The Health and Social Care Level 3 Certification Course - CPD Accredited Course is fully accessible from any internet-enabled smart device.
Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time. We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. Level 3 diploma online course can take you over 30 hours to complete. However, that totally depends on you.
No special software is required.
Entry Requirements and Funding
There are no specific prerequisites to enrol in this Health and Social Care Level 3 Certification Course - CPD Accredited Course. Anyone and everyone can take this course. All applicants will be interviewed to ensure that the course is the right choice based on previous educational and work experience.
All applicants will be required to take an English and Mathematics initial assessment, regardless of previous qualifications.
This course can be funded through the 19+ Advanced Learner Loan. You will need to check that you meet the eligibility criteria for the 19+ Advanced Learning Loan. Alternatively, the tuition fee can be paid cash. Installment payment options are available.
Are you worried about the cost? Do not be! Select the payment plan that best fits your needs and begin your online learning journey now. Pay in 3 interest-free payments. Pay in 4 interest-free payments. Pay in 6 interest-free payments.
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