Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (Advanced) - Level 3
Overview
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We are currently waiting on the outcome of the government's ‘pause and review’ of the Level 3 qualification reform. This may result in a change to qualifications offered at Level 3 for academic year 2025/2026. If this course is affected, the college will make changes to our offer to enable similar outcomes for progression to higher education, higher-level apprenticeships or skilled employment.
For more details, please contact our enquiries line on 0808 100 3626.
Do you want a career supporting adults in a rewarding job sector? Yes, then this course is for you.
This qualification will provide you with the theoretical and practical underpinnings for a career working in health and social care. It will also support progression into employment or an apprenticeship in adult social care.
Work experience plays a large role in this course, in an exciting work placement, which includes local care providers.
Whilst this course does not carry UCAS points, it does open up avenues for pursuing an apprenticeship or employment in the social care sectors.
Start dates and fees
You will be required to purchase a uniform.
| Start Date | Code | Annual Fee (Age) | Actions |
| 16-18 | over 19 |
| Sep 2025 | 1480A1623 | FREE | FREE* to £811.00 | Apply |
* If you are aged 19-23 and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. Please contact us for more details. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.
What will I study?
- Principles of communication in adult social care settings
- Understand person-centred approaches in adult social care settings
- Understand the role of the social care worker
- Work Placement.
Entry requirements
- Four GCSEs at grade 4-9 including English Language or Maths.
You will need to be successful in an interview and have an Enhanced DBS check.
If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses. If you are not planning on sitting GCSE exams, we can also support you with completing an English Language and Maths assessment. Please contact our admissions team for further details:
Applicants aged over 19
If you don't meet the listed entry requirements, you may still be accepted with relevant experience, a strong portfolio, and a commitment to the subject.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
If you're a student between the ages of 16 and 18 (or 19 to 25 with an EHC Plan) we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.
Students who haven't achieved a grade 4/C in GCSE maths or English to continue studying these subjects while you're here with us. By doing so, you'll be building a strong foundation of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.
Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.
In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.
How long is the course?
One year.
How will I be assessed?
Assignment based with a variety of different tasks such as producing reports and information packs.
What can I progress onto?
- Skilled Employment
- Higher Level Apprenticeships
- Higher Education (University)*.
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626 or discover more about this benefit here.
Career opportunities