Qualification number 601/8435/8

About this qualification

The Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care has been designed to enable learners to access Higher Education or assist with progression into the workplace.

This qualification has been designed and written by a team of subject matter experts, and we have involved employers and Higher Education Institutions in the review of the content.

The Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma has been designed to meet the Department for Education’s criteria for the 16–19 Performance Tables, and has been approved as a ‘Tech Level’ qualification.

UCAS Points

This qualification has the following UCAS Points – D – 72, C – 96, B – 120, A – 144, A* – 168.

What does it cover?

This qualification covers a wide range of key subject areas in health and social care. The Extended Diploma includes a wide range of optional units, allowing learners to pursue an interest in the specific areas of social care, health studies and health sciences, while still allowing enough diversity for the optional units to be tailored to suit a learner’s preferred progression path.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16 or above who wish to progress on to Higher Education.

Experience in a real work environment

Learners will be required to attend placement in a real work environment to support their learning. The minimum required number of placement hours is 175 (includes the 75 hours completed during the Certificate).

Entry requirements of Higher Education Institutions may specify the need for more work experience.

What are some examples of suitable work placement settings for learners?

Placement is a crucial element of the learner’s journey. Listed below are some examples of appropriate settings which could support learners:

• Residential Care Home
• Nursing Home
• Day Centre
• Children’s Centre
• Health Centre
• Supported/Sheltered
• Accommodation
• Domiciliary/Community care
• Respite Care
• Residential Schools
• Assessment Centre
• Special Schools
• Hospital
• Specialised Voluntary Groups

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be at least 16 years old.

How long it takes to complete?

Learners will usually be able to achieve the Extended Diploma in two years.

What qualifications can you progress to?

Achievement of the Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care supports learners’ access to Higher Education and progression into a wide range of job roles within the health and social care sector.

The Care Certificate

This qualification promotes high quality care and support and has been mapped to the standards within the Care Certificate.
For more information about the Care Certificate, including free teaching and learning resources, please see the Skills for Health website.

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about this and other qualifications on the Funding page.

Assessment Opportunities

Please note: the assessment opportunities for all the externally set and marked assessments for the Diploma are limited to one attempt and one further reattempt opportunity (undertaking an alternative assessment).

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

This qualification does not provide a licence to practise, but may support progression into a wide range of job roles in the health and social care sector, including:

• Care Support Workers in adult residential settings
• Healthcare Assistants in community, primary care and acute health environments
• Care Support Workers in domiciliary services, supported living or day services
• Community-based Support Workers