Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care

This course can lead directly to careers in care establishments and nursing assistants or lead on to higher education study in health and social care.


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10469
Campus: Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newtownards
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Health & Care
Course Overview

This is a 2 year course and you will undertake the National Extended Certificate in Year 1 and then the year 2 the following year if successful.

There will be 8 Units in total, some of which will have external exams and some will be course work.

6 Mandatory Units and 2 Optional Units. Subjects studied will include:  

- Human life span development

- Working in Health and Social Care

- meeting individual care and support needs 

Work placement in either a care or health setting along with a project are integral parts of the course.

 Will include:   

- Human life span development

- Working in Health and Social Care 

- Meeting individual care and support needs 

- Research in health and social care

- Work experience in health and social care

- Principles of safe practice in health and social care

- Promoting public health and another optional unit 

You would like to work with individuals in a Health & Social Care setting including Nursing Home, Residential or Community settings.  Or if you wish to progress to Higher Level study. 

You will gain experience in Health and Social care settings as you will be required to undertake placements.  You will learn about working with individuals in different settings.

You will gain experience in Health and Social care settings as you will be required to undertake placements.  You will learn about working with individuals in different settings.

Successful completion of this course will enable you to apply for jobs in the Health and Social Care sector or Higher Level HNC or University Courses.

4 GCSEs at Grade C or above to include grade C or above in English or maths (Preferably English).  Merit or Distinction required if progressing from a Level 2 Diploma.  (You are required to complete an Access NI).

Available Sessions

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

Explore Further Education