Level 3 International Diploma (Health & Social Care)

Health and social care is about understanding the whole person – their physical health, psychological wellbeing, relationships, circumstances and the communities in which they live.

This diploma gives you a broad foundation across these areas, making it an excellent starting point for learners considering university study and future careers within health, social care and related professions.

You will begin by exploring the science behind human health. Cell Biology, Human Immunity, Human Nutrition & the Digestive System, Human Reproduction, Growth & Development, and The Human Muscular and Skeletal Systems develop your understanding of how the human body functions and responds to health and illness.

But good care requires more than scientific knowledge. Through Approaches to Health and Inequalities in Health & Illness, you will consider different ways of understanding health and explore why some individuals and communities experience poorer health outcomes than others.

You will examine the relationship between Poverty & Health and investigate Social Factors in Health and Social Care, helping you understand how circumstances such as income and wider social conditions can influence health and wellbeing.

Professional practice is explored through Equality & Diversity within Healthcare, The Roles & Responsibilities of Healthcare Professionals, and The History of the National Health Service. These subjects provide valuable insight into healthcare services, inclusive practice and the responsibilities involved in supporting others.

Psychology adds another dimension to your studies. Through Introduction to Psychology and The Brain & Nervous System, you will begin exploring human behaviour and the connections between biological and psychological functioning.

Alongside your specialist subjects, you will develop the academic skills universities expect through dedicated units in Independent Research, Academic Writing, Preparing Written Assignments, Preparing to Study, and Progressing to Higher Education. The diploma comprises 45 credits of Level 3 academic subject content and 15 credits of Level 3 study skills, totalling 60 credits and 600 notional learning hours.

There are no formal entry requirements for students applying for the Cambridge Online Education International Diplomas. Tutors are nevertheless, required to ensure that learners admitted onto the Diploma possess the necessary skills and personal qualities to cope with the demands of the course. We do expect candidates normally operate to at least Level Two in English and Level One in Mathematics - if this is a concern, we offer additional tuition to ensure these levels are met and can be taken forwards into assignments and to university applications. We also expect applicants show appropriate levels of commitment and motivation to have every success on their diploma.

All International Diplomas require the achievement of 60 credits. In terms of the length of time required for a learner to complete their diploma, for all International Diplomas the notional learning hours are 600. Notional learning hours comprise all learning that may be relevant to the achievement of the learning outcomes including directed and private study, practical and project work, assignments and assessment time. Your tutor will provide you with formative feedback and all units are PASS/FAIL. Your PASS grades will be then evaluated by the Examination Board. Final awards will be released to students after the External Moderation Visit.

On successful completion of the course, you will receive an accredited International Diploma at level 3, awarded by the Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group.

Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group are a national Awarding Organisation. Cambridge Online Education is a fully accredited education provider for this qualification.

The combination of health, psychology and social care makes this diploma particularly suited to learners interested in careers centred around supporting people, communities and wellbeing.

Potential future career pathways include:

• Social Worker
• Health & Social Care Practitioner
• Community Support Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Youth Worker
• Mental Health Support
• Counselling & Wellbeing
• Occupational Therapy
• Nursing
• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Community Healthcare
• Care Management
• Social Care Management
• Rehabilitation Services
• Safeguarding & Family Services
• Healthcare Management
• Charity & Third-Sector Services