Health and Social Care (Level 3 Diploma)
Why Study Health and Social Care?
The OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is a vocational qualification designed for learners who are interested in developing the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for careers in the health and social care sector. The course explores how care professionals support individuals across the lifespan, focusing on promoting health, wellbeing, equality and person-centred care.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grades 9-4, with a minimum of a level 3 in GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language
The Course
Equivalent to 2 A-levels learners will gain an understanding of key topics such as human development, safeguarding, communication, anatomy and physiology, and the importance of safe and effective care practices. The qualification combines theory with practical coursework, allowing learners to apply their learning to real-life care scenarios and develop transferable skills such as teamwork, research, communication and problem-solving.
Assessment is through a combination of externally assessed examinations and internally assessed coursework assignments.
This course is suitable for learners who wish to progress into employment, apprenticeships or higher education within health, social care or related fields.
Course Activities
Students learn through a variety of activities. Real-life case studies will be used to examine issues around care. Students are encouraged to discuss and share views in small groups. Research will involve studying current documents such as equality legislation. There are some practical elements including the placement, communication tasks and presentations. We recommend that you devote 4.5 hours of private study time per week to this subject.
Career and Progression Opportunities
This qualification provides a strong foundation for progression into higher education, apprenticeships or employment within the health and care sector. Possible progression routes include:
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Social Work
- Occupational Therapy
- Healthcare Assistant
- Care Worker or Support Worker
- Youth Worker
- Childcare Practitioner
- Mental Health Support Worker
Course Structure and Assessment
Learners study a range of core units that develop essential knowledge and skills in health and social care, including:
- Building Positive Relationships in Health and Social Care Coursework
- Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care Exam
- Health, Safety and Security in Health and Social Care Exam
- Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care Exam
- Infection Control Courework
- Personalisation and a Person-Centred Approach to Care Exam
- Safeguarding Exam
- Promote Positive Behaviour Coursework
- Promoting Health and Wellbeing Coursework
- Psychology for Health and Social Care Coursework
- Sociology for Health and Social Care Coursework
- Public Health Coursework
Additional Information
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel