Health and Social Care Level 3

Learners undertaking this course will have a keen interest in mental and physiological health and wellbeing and are likely to be caring and compassionate individuals seeking a professional career in the health and social care sector.

The Health and Social Care Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels and carrying the same UCAS (university) points. Most learners achieve the high grades required to progress to a university degree or a degree level apprenticeship on a range of pathways including Paramedic Science, Psychology, Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and Professional Policing.

Health and social Care learners participate in industry Placement with our range of local employers, many students are even offered paid employment whilst they study. Our active alumnus often come in and give guest talks and careers advice, sharing their industry experience. Students participate in a range of fund-raising events throughout the year supporting various charities. There are also some interesting and wide-ranging enrichment opportunities such as BSL and food hygiene.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

The course will be delivered in a number of ways to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for future career success. Classroom lessons will be engaging and will include individual tasks, group activities, projects, presentations, role plays, research, videos and Q and A’s.

At UoDB we have links to many local employers and alumnus, who are happy to come in to give guest talks, careers advice and participate in marketing activity such as case studies. There may also be the opportunity to get paid employment with these employers whilst you study.

In addition to your classroom studies, you will participate in trips and visits to places such as, the Live Simulation Suite at the University of Derby, Leeds Medical Museum and the live operating theatre at Keele University.

You will have the opportunity to gain enrichment qualifications, such as, British Sign Language, first aid and food hygiene. These have helped previous students secure part time work in the sector during their studies.  

You will be encouraged to participate in a range of fund-raising events throughout the year in support of various charities, and have access to a Virtual Work Experience module which you will complete independently. Activities that can gain you extra qualifications and add value to your CV and personal statements.

Students who achieve this qualification could look forward to a future career in Paramedic Science, Psychology, Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work or Professional Policing.

You will need a minimum of a four Grade 4 GCSEs including English language and maths.

If you are aged 16-18 on 31 August 2025, you will not usually pay tuition fees for your course. Most full-time college-level study programmes are fully funded for this age group.

However, you may still have additional costs, including: travel to and from college, uniforms, kits, and equipment, educational trips, meals while at college, childcare (if applicable).

This is where the college bursary can help support you.

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.