Health and Social Care

AAQ Level 3 / 2 year Course

The Level 3 Qualification in Health and Social Care is designed to provide a highly specialist work-related qualification in the health, social care and early years sectors. It gives students the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to prepare for higher education programmes, apprenticeships or employment.

More on this course

The qualification has been developed in collaboration with employers and representatives from higher education and professional bodies to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes relevant to Health and Social Care. Within this qualification, two examination units are studied.

The first, Human Lifespan and Development (Unit 1) allows students to learn about factors which can influence human growth, development and human health.

The second examination is entitled Working in Health and Social Care (Unit 2). Within this unit, students will learn about how to promote equality and diversity within the industry and will look at the skills and attributes required for developing relationships with service users, as well as examining ethical issues and studying legislation which underpins care environments.

Coursework units are also undertaken.

Teaching and learning methods

Students will develop their critical thinking skills, resilience and interpersonal skills and learn how to research actively and independently and become an effective writer. As 58% of the course is assessed through external examinations, students will also develop exam-based skills.

Assessment

It is equivalent to one A Level and it includes four units, two of which are externally assessed by written examinations. The other two units are internally assessed through coursework. Qualifications are graded using a unit grading scale of Pass-Distinction* and are recognised by UCAS with a tariff of 56 points for a Distinction*, which is the same tariff as an A* for an A Level.

Skills and Careers Insight

AQA Level 3 Health and Social Care equips you with essential skills in communication, empathy, critical thinking, and practical care, all of which are crucial for working in the health and social care sectors. You’ll learn about human development, health promotion, safeguarding, and the principles of care. This qualification opens doors to a wide range of careers, including roles in healthcare, social work, nursing, physiotherapy, mental health support, and public health. Whether you want to work as a social worker, healthcare assistant, counsellor, or within community health services, AQA Level 3 Health and Social Care provides a solid foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives.

Subject Combination

The qualification works well with a wide range of subjects, since throughout this course students will learn a broad base of transferable skills. Those students who are interested in NHS pathways may wish to consider other science subjects. Students interested in primary education may wish to consider a National Curriculum subject covered at primary level.

Biology

Business

Sociology

Student Testimonials

What do our students think about studying here?

I think the best thing about Durham Sixth Form Centre is the fact that it’s a mature environment and it gives you the independence you need.

Sam Henig

Previous school - Wellfield School

I think Durham Sixth Form Centre is a perfect choice because the lessons are well planned and there is a brilliant balance between independent learning and support from all teachers.

Hannah Warwick

Previous school - Hermitage Academy

When I was in Year 11, the biggest worry for me was the transitional period between Year 11 and Year 12. But the support and the teachers made this so much smoother for me moving from my secondary school to Durham Sixth Form Centre.

Jenni Fairish

Previous school - Whitworth Park Academy

The atmosphere and quality of teaching at Durham Sixth Form Centre is very impressive and you can see a great deal of passion from the educators, which is something I believe is very important.

Logan Aitchinson

Previous school - Park View School

Even if you start Durham Sixth Form Centre with no idea where you’re going, you will get the opportunities to talk about your future and go through it and you’ll know what you’re doing later on.

Alice Robson

Previous school - Belmont School

Durham Sixth Form Centre stood out to me for its amazing choice of subjects. I struggled to find anywhere else that would accommodate all my subjects and my specific combination.

Abbie Clifford

Previous school - Hermitage Academy