100% online · Flexible study

Access To Health And Social Care Level 3

Access to Health and Social Care is a Level 3 course designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for roles within the health and social care sector. Developed to bridge the gap…

723+ enrolled Study online 9 months track From GBP £950

Flexible payment plans available · Start studying online immediately after enrolment

Why enrol on this course?

Access to Health and Social Care is a Level 3 course designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for roles within the health and social care sector.

Developed to bridge the gap between education and employment, Access to Health and Social Care provides a broad understanding of the sector, including the structure, roles, and challenges.

This course is ideal for learners who want to pursue careers as health care assistants, support workers, or administrative staff within the sector. Through the completion of this course, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the sector and the skills needed to progress to the next level.

Join a community of learners and start your journey to a rewarding career in health and social care. To find out more, explore the course details today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career!

About this course

Healthcare professionals play a vital role in the NHS and social care sector, and with the Access to Health and Social Care Level 3 course, you can unlock a rewarding career in this field. Over the two-year course, you will gain a deep understanding of health and social care theories, policies, and practices, as well as developing essential skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership. By choosing this course, you will become eligible to progress to higher-level healthcare qualifications and pursue a variety of roles, from healthcare assistants to support workers.

Who is this course for?

Career Changers & New Starters Are you looking for a meaningful new career path? This course is the perfect entry point into the UK's largest employment sector, which supports over 1.5 million people in social care alone. If you have a passion for helping others but lack the formal qualifications, this Level 3 course provides the essential knowledge and recognised credential to get started.
Existing Care & Support Workers Are you already working in a support role but looking to progress? Perhaps you're a Healthcare Assistant or Support Worker without a formal qualification. This course is designed for you to upskill, validate your experience, and unlock new opportunities. With an estimated 490,000 extra social care jobs needed by 2035 to meet UK demand, gaining a Level 3 qualification is a strategic move for career advancement.
Unpaid Carers & Volunteers Do you have personal experience supporting a family member or volunteering in your community? This course helps you transform that invaluable practical experience into a professional qualification. It’s ideal for the estimated 10.6 million unpaid carers in the UK who want to formalise their skills and transition into a paid, rewarding role within the health and social care sector.
School Leavers & College Graduates If you've recently finished your GCSEs or A-Levels and feel drawn to a 'people-focused' profession, this course offers a direct route into a growing industry. It provides the perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insight, preparing you for further study or an Apprenticeship and setting you on the path to becoming a future health and social care professional.

Key facts

The Access To Health And Social Care Level 3 diploma is a nationally recognised qualification designed as a fast-track route into university.
It is ideal for adults aged 19 and over who wish to pursue a career in the caring professions but lack the necessary formal qualifications.
This course provides a solid academic foundation, equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills required for higher education.

Key learning outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of human lifespan development and the factors that influence it.
Students will explore various psychological perspectives and their application to health and social care settings.
The curriculum covers crucial principles like safeguarding vulnerable individuals, promoting equality and diversity, and the importance of effective communication.
Learners will also develop vital academic skills, such as writing essays and conducting research, which are fundamental for university success.

The typical duration for this intensive course is one academic year when studied full-time.
Many colleges offer flexible part-time options, which may extend the length to two years, accommodating those with work or family commitments.
The course structure usually involves a combination of classroom-based teaching, independent study, and some practical elements to reinforce theoretical learning.

Industry relevance is a cornerstone of the Access To Health And Social Care Level 3 diploma.
It is carefully crafted to meet the entry requirements for a wide range of university degrees, including nursing, midwifery, social work, and occupational therapy.
The curriculum is developed in consultation with industry professionals and universities, ensuring the content is current and directly applicable to future roles.
This makes graduates highly sought after, providing a direct pathway to numerous rewarding careers within the NHS, private healthcare, and local authority social services.

Why this course?

Access To Health And Social Care Level 3 is a vital qualification that directly addresses the UK's growing and ageing population, a key driver of demand for skilled care professionals. With over 1.6 million jobs in the sector and an estimated 520,000 extra roles needed by 2035, this diploma is more relevant than ever. It provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to deliver high-quality, compassionate care, covering safeguarding, communication, and promoting equality. For learners, it opens doors to rewarding careers as healthcare assistants, support workers, or senior care workers, while for existing professionals, it is crucial for career progression into supervisory roles. The qualification ensures the workforce is equipped to meet complex industry needs, from an increase in mental health conditions to the integration of technology in care delivery, making it an invaluable asset in today's market.
Statistic Value
Current Social Care Workforce 1.6 million
Additional Roles Needed by 2035 520,000
Vacancy Rate in Social Care (2022/23) 9.9%

Career path

Job Title Percentage
Healthcare Assistant - Providing vital support to healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. 25%
Occupational Therapist - Helping individuals with physical disabilities to develop skills for daily living. 20%
Social Worker - Supporting vulnerable people, such as children, adults, and families. 18%
Nurse Practitioner - Providing high-quality healthcare services in a range of settings, from hospitals to community clinics. 15%
Care Manager - Coordinating and organizing care services for patients and their families. 12%
Physiotherapist - Helping patients recover from illness or injury, and maintaining mobility and function. 10%

Course information

Duration

The programme is available in 2 duration modes:

  • 6 months
  • 9 months
Course delivery

Online

Entry requirements

No formal qualification required

Course content
• Understanding the Role of Health and Social Care Services
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Social Care
• Human Growth and Development through the Lifespan
• Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care
• Infection Prevention and Control in Health and Social Care
• Communication and Record Keeping in Health and Social Care
• Person-Centered Approaches in Health and Social Care
• Health Promotion and Wellbeing
• Reflective Practice in Health and Social Care
• The Impact of Reflective Practice on Professional Development
Assessment

Assessment is via assignment submission.

Fee structure

The fee for the programme is as follows:

  • 6 months — Accelerated mode @ GBP £1250
  • 9 months — Standard mode @ GBP £950
Fee payment plans

The programme offers the following fee payment plans:

6 months programme

● Payment option (a): GBP £416 x 3 monthly instalments
● Payment option (b): GBP £1187.50 x 1 instalment (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)

9 months programme

● Payment option (c): GBP £190 x 5 monthly instalments
● Payment option (d): GBP £475 x 2 quarterly instalments
● Payment option (e): GBP £902.50 x 1 instalment (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)
Accreditation
For detailed information, we kindly advise you to chat with our admissions team.

Insights

Your career in health & social care starts here

Join 723+ learners who chose flexible online study. Enrol in minutes and begin when you are ready.

Apply now today