Courses in Social Care

Many people choose to undertake a full time social care course before looking for work. Financial help may be available depending on the type of course you choose to study and your individual circumstances.

Diplomas in Social Care

Diplomas in Social Care are ideal for those who are still in school and thinking of a career in social care. For this, the best one to consider is the Diploma in Society, Health and Development. Whether this course is offered depends on each individual school, however, ifyour school is offering it you can start studying for the foundation level of this qualification from the age of 14 and you can take it alongside, or in place of, GCSEs or A levels.

The content of this course is designed to enable you to learn all about the principles that underpin social care work. Upon completion of your Diploma, you may opt to continue with further study or you can start a job with training. Regardless, this diploma will leave you with a respected social care qualification, whilst also having helped to develop an understanding of how best to relate to some of the most vulnerable members of society.

Those who opt to remain in education can go on to undertake a Higher Diploma and finally an Advanced Diploma. Those who attain an Advanced Diploma are then eligible for entrance into higher education.

A levels in Health and Social Care

Some sixth forms and colleges offer AS and A2 levels in Health and Social Care. These courses will give you an introduction to the various Health and Social Care careers. This qualification is designed to offer students a choice of routes into higher education and employment. It is part of the national framework of vocational qualifications which has five levels. The course is sufficiently flexible to allow students to study other AS Level subjects and General Studies. The 3 units of study/1 year course is equivalent to an AS level, the 6 units of study/2 year course is equivalent to an A2 level and the 12 units of study/2 year course is equivalent to 2 A2 levels. Work Experience can be incorporated into the programme.