Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 3 Diploma |
| Duration | 2 years |
| 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 | 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including maths and English. You will also be invited to an interview which you must pass successfully alongside a clear DBS check. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
This course is designed to support individuals who are interested in a career within the Healthcare sector.
The course has a mixture of coursework, exams and work placements to support a well-rounded education for students who would like to work in this rewarding and challenging client-facing sector.
The course is an imaginative and engaging qualification, the equivalent to studying two A Levels, which will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge, understanding and real-life skills surrounding the Health and Social Sector.
The course gives you first-hand experience of the Healthcare sector through various placements, helping you to develop character strengths that prepare you for working life, and positive life experiences.
You will be supported with your progression towards your future career goals and have the opportunity to gain valuable work-related experience, giving you the insight and connections necessary for building a successful career within the industry.
What you'll learn
Lifespan Development
Working in Health and Social Care
Nutrition
Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
Supporting People with Additional Needs
Principles of Sociology
Any student who does not hold a GCSE at grade 9 to 4 or equivalent qualifications in maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.
Equipment required for the course
You are required to purchase two work placement shirts.
We recommend you purchase the exam revision guides for the units.
Total approximate cost is £65.
Work experience placements
There is a specialised work placement which will enable you to complete work-set projects and work placements in a variety of settings in order to prepare for employment with training or university. This is supported by some of the region's largest healthcare employers such as West Suffolk Hospital and East of England's Ambulance Service, and many more.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods; these involve both internal and external assessments/exams which will allow you to develop your vocational and study skills.
Further study
T Level in Health Nursing/Midwifery Pathway
T Level in Health Therapeutic Pathway
T Level in Healthcare Science
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