Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 1 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | GCSEs at grade 2 or above or other equivalent qualifications or relevant experience. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes - Work related experience and projects - 35 hours |
Is it for me?
This course will support you in developing skills relating to health and caring for people of all ages and in various settings.
You will learn about the different types of Health and Care provision, the principles and values of caring for others alongside developing your work-ready skills - preparing you for further study and eventually employment.
The course is suitable for you if you have few formal qualifications but are enthusiastic about engaging you with your learning in an experiential way, developing your knowledge, and supporting your achievement of functional skills in maths and English.
You will also develop invaluable character strengths during the course, such as confidence and resilience, with a real focus on your own personal journey and progression.
At the end of successfully completing the course, you will be able to progress to a Level 2 qualification within this course area.
What you'll learn
- Principles and Values of Working with People
- Equality and Inclusion for Children and Adults
- Human Growth and Development
- Play Activities for Young Children
- Working with Others
- Healthy Eating
- Infection Prevention
- Healthy Living
- Planning Leisure Activities for Adults
- Physical Care for Babies
Work experience placements
A work-related project will be run towards the end of the academic year to develop work ready related skills.
Assessment
There will be coursework for you to complete, which is a mixture of written work, activities and practical demonstrations.
Further study
Health and Social Care Extended Diploma Level 2
Health and Social Care Extended Diploma Level 3
Health Science Level 2
Psychology and Human Sciences Level 2
Psychology and Health Level 3
Psychology and Social Sciences Level 3
T Level in Health Nursing/Midwifery Pathway
T Level in Health Therapeutic Pathway
T Level in Healthcare Science
Working in the Health and Care Sector Level 3
BA (Hons) Integrative Counselling
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
BSc (Hons) Psychology
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology
BSc (Hons) Sociology and Criminology
Example careers
Paramedic
Nurse
Cardiologist
Care Worker
Psychologist
Activity and Wellbeing Coordinator
Anthropologist
Counsellor
Social Worker
Youth worker
Teacher
Occupational Therapist
Midwife
Health Visitor
Rehab Worker
Healthcare Assistant
Days & times
Starting September 2025