Entry Requirements
4 GCSE subjects with 4 points or C grade and above, including 4 points or C grade in English, or an appropriate Level 2 qualification at a merit grade.
You must also supply details of two personal referees who are not relatives so the college can formally write to them to obtain up to date references to support your application.
You will be required to attend an interview at the college for all courses and Apprenticeships, and we will also request a school or college report.
To complete the placement aspect of this course, you will be required to complete an enhanced disclosure DBS check. We will contact you prior to enrolment to arrange this check. Please do not purchase your DBS through an external company as external DBS checks may not be accepted by us or our placement settings.
What's Involved
Course overview
The Level 3 Technical Certificate in Health and Social Care is a one year course which when all elements are completed the student can then move on to the Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma. When both of the 2 years are completed the maximum amount of UCAS points that can be claimed are 168.
You will spend 3 days in college for theoretical learning and 1 day in placement per week.
Each year has 9 mandatory units, the course is graded D to A*. At the end of each year there is an extended controlled assessment which is externally marked.
Below are the mandatory units:
> HSC CM1 Equality, diversity and rights in health and social care
> HSC CM2 Human growth and development
> HSC CM3 Safeguarding in health and social care
> HSC CM4 Communication in health and social care
> HSC CM5 Infection prevention and control in health and social care
> HSC CM6 Psychological perspectives in health and social care
> HSC CM7 Sociological perspectives in health and social care
> HSC CM8 Working in health and social care
> HCS CM9 Reflective practice
As part of your level 3 study programme there is an expectation that learners will participate in the Government Industrial Placement trial during their course placement element.
For participating in the trial learners will receive extra benefits such as pay for food and travel, reimbursed DBS and uniform fees and a financial bonus on successful completion*
*subject to conditions
Course Assessment Method
You will mainly be assessed through coursework, along with an extended controlled assessment which is externally marked.
What's Next
By progressing onto the Extended Diploma, this will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to progress to Higher Education in a related field of study.
Future careers include being a midwife, adult/child nurse, psychologist, sociologist, criminologist, social worker, lab technician or paramedic.
What if I Need Support
Here at the college we have outstanding support. Our support staff are dedicated to providing you with all the help and guidance you may need throughout your college journey.
You might need help and advice on a wide range of issues such as childcare, counselling and additional learning support. For more information on any aspect of student support contact the Course and Information Team, who will direct your call to the appropriate member of the college support team, call: 01325 503030.
What does it Cost?
This course is free if you are 16-18 years of age on August 31 of the calendar year in which you begin your studies. If you are 19+ years of age fees may apply. However help may be available. To see if you can receive any funding call our Student Services Team on 01325 503030.
Course fees are payable to Darlington College. Registration and membership fees may be payable. All course fees are per year.
| Course Information | |
| Qualification Type: | Certificate in Health and Social Care (VRQ) |
| Level: | Level 3 |
| Awarding Body: | CACHE |
| Academic Year: | 23/24 |
| Start Date: | September 2023 |