Course may be subject to change.
Are you ready to make a real difference in people’s lives and build a rewarding career in social care? Our brand-new Level 3 Social Care Technical Occupation Qualification (equivalent to 3 A-levels) offers a clear and compelling route into the health & social care sector — and beyond.
Why choose this qualification?
This qualification has been specifically developed in partnership with employers to reflect what the social-care workforce needs — so you’ll be gaining the skills that are in demand.
It supports progression to higher education (for example social work or adult nursing degrees) and also enables direct entry into roles within health and social care.
It provides a credible alternative to existing Level 3 routes and gives you flexibility, relevance and real-world preparation.
What will you learn?
You’ll explore areas such as:
The legislative, ethical and person-centred frameworks that underpin quality social care.
Supporting individuals with different needs (such as adults, older people, those with learning or physical disabilities).
Planning, delivering and evaluating high-quality care and support.
Communication, safeguarding, health & wellbeing in the care setting.
Work-experience/placement opportunities and practical application of your learning in real-world settings.
Entry Requirements
To enrol, you will need:
At least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (or equivalent) or above; and
One of these must be in English Language or mathematics.
This ensures you’re ready to succeed on the programme and fully engage with the learning, placements and progression opportunities.
Who is this course for?
Students aged 16-19 who want a meaningful, vocational route into the social care field.
Those who are motivated to work with people, have empathy, communicate well and want to make a positive impact.
Students who may be exploring social work, adult nursing, specialist support roles, or other careers where caring, supporting and enabling people are at the heart of the job.
What are the possible progression routes?
You could progress to a higher-education degree such as social work or adult nursing.
You could move directly into employment in roles such as support worker, care practitioner, community services assistant or other health-and-social-care roles.
You’ll be equipped with transferable skills (communication, teamwork, problem solving) that are valued in many settings.
Entry Criteria
4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or maths. OR L2 Diploma in this subject.
Additional Costs
No additional costs
What are the next steps?
As part of the application process, all prospective students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their enthusiasm and suitability for the course through our supportive interview process. Applicants will first take part in either a group presentation or information session, where they’ll learn more about the qualification and what to expect. This is then followed by a one-to-one interview with a tutor, allowing us to get to know each applicant individually their interests, experiences, and career goals. This personalised approach helps ensure each student is on the right course for them and feels confident and well-prepared before being offered a place.
Study Aims
The aim of this qualification is to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to work confidently and competently within the social care sector. It prepares learners to support individuals with a wide range of needs in settings such as residential care, supported living, day services, and community-based environments.
Through a combination of classroom learning, practical experience, and employer-led projects, students will:
Understand the principles, values, and legislation that underpin high-quality social care.
Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills to build positive, person-centred relationships.
Learn how to promote health, wellbeing, inclusion, and independence.
Gain experience in assessing risk, safeguarding individuals, and maintaining professional standards.
Apply their learning in real-world care settings through work placements, developing confidence and practical competence.
Overall, the qualification aims to produce caring, skilled, and reflective practitioners who are ready to progress into employment or further study in health and social care professions.
Modules Studied
TBC
Times of Delivery
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
A range of assessment methods, from powerpoints, role plays, written assignments and more.
Industry Links
This qualification has been developed in close partnership with employers and sector bodies to ensure it reflects the real needs of today’s social care workforce. Our college works collaboratively with a wide range of local and regional care providers including Supportive, Skills for Care, Home Instead, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Care Academy, Beamish Museum’s Dementia Action team, and a variety of residential, day service, and community care settings.
These strong employer links give students valuable opportunities to take part in work placements, employer-led projects, guest lectures, and enrichment activities that bring learning to life. Students will gain insight into different areas of the care sector, develop professional networks, and build the confidence and experience needed to move successfully into employment or higher education.
Maths and English
Embedded through all assessments
Placement
100 hours over the two years.
Work placement is a vital part of this qualification, giving students the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in real social care settings. Each student will complete a structured placement within a local care organisation — such as a residential home, day service, supported living setting, or community project — supported by our strong employer partnerships.
During placement, students will develop essential professional skills including communication, teamwork, safeguarding, and person-centred practice. They’ll gain first-hand experience of supporting individuals with a range of needs, helping them build confidence and competence in a real-world care environment. Placement experience not only enhances employability but also provides valuable evidence towards qualification assessment and progression to higher education or employment.
Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Social Care Technical Occupation Qualification, students will be fully prepared to progress into a wide range of rewarding pathways within the health and social care sector. Many learners choose to advance to higher education, studying degrees such as Social Work, Adult Nursing, Learning Disability Nursing, or Health and Social Care Practice at university — including right here at the NCD University Centre.
Others may choose to move directly into employment, taking on roles such as Support Worker, Care Practitioner, Community Outreach Worker, or Senior Care Assistant. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for apprenticeships and higher technical qualifications (HTQs), supporting continued professional development in the adult care field.
This flexible progression route ensures every learner can take their next step with confidence — whether that’s into university, employment, or advanced training within the sector.
