Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF)

• Explain the roles and responsibilities of professionals within the health and social care sectors.
• Develop and apply effective communication skills in various health and social care settings.
• Understand the importance of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in care settings.
• Implement safeguarding policies and procedures to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Recognise the importance of equality and diversity in health and social care environments.
• Plan and promote activities that enhance the health and well-being of individuals.

Ofqual-regulated qualifications are overseen by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body regulating school, college, and vocational qualifications in the UK. Ofqual ensures these qualifications meet high standards of quality and rigour, providing assurance they are recognised and respected by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies. This oversight guarantees the qualifications maintain consistency, transparency, and credibility, meaning potential employers and organisations will have confidence in the individual’s skills and abilities, making them competitive candidates. They support professional development and compliance with industry standards, particularly in regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and public services. Ofqual-regulated qualifications are accepted abroad or can be easily converted to the country’s equivalent.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.

• Duration: 365 Days 
• Qualification Level: 3 
• Awarded By: NCFE CACHE
• Guided Learning Hours: 1185
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 1491
• Qualification number: 601/6110/3
• UCAS Points: 168

• Learners over the age of 16 years are eligible to enrol for the course.
• It is recommended learners have GCSE in English and Maths or have a minimum Level 2 qualification or equivalent.
• Learners will be required to attend practical placement in a suitable health and social care setting to support their learning. The minimum required number of placement hours is 175 (including 75 hours completed during the Certificate).

• Care Support Workers
• Healthcare Assistants
• Community-Based Support Workers
• Support Workers
• Care Workers

• Written Assignments: Each unit includes written assignments that are evaluated by an internal assessor. Your personal tutor will review your work, providing constructive feedback and guidance to help you succeed.
• Practical Placement: Gaining practical experience is a fundamental part of the course. You are required to complete practical placements in suitable work settings such as nursing homes, adult residential care homes, health centres, day centres, children’s centres, domiciliary care agencies, assessment centres, or hospitals. You have the flexibility to choose your own placements, allowing you to experience various work environments and tailor your learning to your career goals.
• External Assessments: In addition to the written assignments and practical placements, you must complete two external assessments. These are externally marked by NCFE CACHE, the awarding body.
• Assessor Support: Throughout your studies, you will have comprehensive support from assessors through multiple channels, including telephone, WhatsApp, online discussions, email, and web chats.

For further details or any specific questions about the assessment process, please click the ‘Enquiry’ button below to get in touch with us.

• This course can be completed in a matter of months or over the course of a year. Most learners will complete this course in 09-12 months. Some learners may complete the course quicker, depending on their personal circumstances and available study time. We will accommodate your pace, providing unlimited support for 12 months. 
• The NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care requires approximately 1185 guided study hours. This figure is an estimate and depends on how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how quickly you grasp the teaching, learning concepts, and course materials. 

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 01: HNC/HND in Healthcare Practice for England. 
• Step 02: Degree programmes in nursing, counselling services, occupational therapy, social care, early years education, and youth and community. 
• Step 03: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Health and Social Care Management 

 Additional qualifications you can progress to: 

• Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care 
• Registered Nurse Training Programme 
• Social Worker Registration and Training Programme 

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care will open up many fulfilling career opportunities in the health, health and social care, and public services sectors. The qualification equips learners with the in-depth skills and knowledge to care for patients through their many challenges in various circumstances. Certificate holders can pursue diverse roles in a range of health and social care settings. With further training and experience, there is potential to advance to positions such as Healthcare Workers, Social Care Workers, and other senior care roles. Additionally, the acquired skills are highly transferable and beneficial in many other careers, including social work, youth work, adult care, children’s care, and mental health support. 

Here are some career prospects you can explore, once you’ve achieved the Level 3 Extended Diploma.  

• Healthcare Assistants
• Care Support Workers
• Community-Based Support Workers
• Care Workers
• Support Workers

• From day one, we go above and beyond to help you succeed in your studies. The most valuable resource available to all our students is their tutor. When you enrol in this course, you are assigned a personal tutor with in-depth knowledge and experience in your chosen subject.
• Your assessment will be marked by your personal tutor, who will provide detailed feedback during your formative submissions. In addition to this, your tutor will offer pointers and advice on where you can improve. This guidance helps you get the most from your courses and continually enhance your skills.
• Our dedicated student support team is also readily available to provide advice and guidance, helping you navigate your course materials and resolve any queries. With just one click, you can trust that assistance is always there when you need it.