With several levels available within Health and Social Care, students will be taught a variety of content including dealing with minor incidents, human growth and development, the impact of nutrition on health and well being, caring for individuals with dementia, plus much more.
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What can I study?
Care and Early Years Level 1
Care and Early Years Level 1 is an introductory, vocational qualification designed for learners interested in childcare and early years.
Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College
Health and Social Care Level 2
Our Level 2 in Health and Social Care is designed to provide opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge, which are transferable and will enable individuals to meet changing circumstances.
Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College
Health and Social Care Level 3
The Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is ideal for anyone who wishes to enter a health or social care related profession
Length: 2 Years
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College
Pearson Level 3 T Level Qualification in Health - Supporting The Therapy Teams
On this two-year course, students will benefit from learning in our industry-standard facilities that replicate real hospital wards and health suites.
Length: 2 Years
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College
100%*
pass rate for Health and Social Care Introductory Certificate Level 1
*data from Proachieve September 2024
Over 100
courses to choose from
Good
Ofsted Report 2024
Meet our Health and Social Care students and tutors
Lynsey Makin
Head of Curriculum for Health, Education and Foundation LearningI am an experienced educator with a background in the health and care sectors. I am passionate about supporting learners on their educational journey and take great satisfaction in seeing them achieve their goals and progress into rewarding careers. I am proud to be part of a highly effective team that combines high expectations with a caring and nurturing approach. Together, we strive to equip our learners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to recognise their potential, achieve their ambitions, and succeed in their future careers.
Paula Cunningham
Health and Social Care LecturerI am an experienced Health lecturer who has taught across all levels of study, with a particular specialism in T Level qualifications. I take great pride in supporting learners to achieve their full potential and progress towards successful careers in their chosen professions. My industry experience includes working within the health and fitness sector, as well as supporting Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) with the recruitment and training of Mental Health Care Assistants for a purpose-built mental health hospital. These experiences have provided me with valuable insight into the healthcare sector, which I am passionate about sharing with learners through engaging theory lessons, real-life scenarios, and practical skills development. I am committed to helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in both their studies and future careers, while providing a supportive and inspiring learning environment that encourages personal and professional growth.
Suzanne Gibson
Health and Social Care LecturerI teach on the Level 2 and Level 3 Health and Social Care programmes and, as an experienced educator, I am passionate about helping students develop an understanding of health, nutrition, and their vital role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I thoroughly enjoy teaching Health and Social Care and find it incredibly rewarding to see students work hard, achieve their goals, and progress to positive destinations, including employment within the care sector and higher education across a wide range of disciplines. I am part of a small, dedicated, and highly effective team that is committed to supporting every learner to achieve their full potential. Together, we provide a caring, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in their future careers.
Caren Stewart
Health and Social Care LecturerWith over 12 years of experience in education, I am passionate about teaching and supporting learners from all walks of life. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals in recovery, people from a wide range of health backgrounds, and aspiring professionals looking to enter the health sector. My goal is to empower learners to thrive, grow in confidence, and achieve their full potential. I am committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that enables students to develop the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to take meaningful steps towards their future careers. Supporting learners as they progress and achieve their ambitions is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
Alicia
Health and Social Care Alumni StudentI enjoyed learning about a range of topics, including different diseases, the cardiovascular system in the anatomy unit, and aspects of public health, such as medicines, treatments, and government strategies designed to support the public. I would recommend West Lancashire College to any high school student, as it gave me the opportunity to explore different career options, with tutors who adapted their teaching to suit my interests and support my learning.
Eleanor
Health and Social Care Alumni StudentI would highly recommend the Health and Social Care course at West Lancashire College to anyone considering a career in the health industry. The teachers treated me with respect as an adult and encouraged me to develop my independence. As part of the Level 3 course, I completed a combination of exams, coursework, and practical assessments, which I particularly enjoyed. I also gained valuable experience through work placements, as well as a range of trips and visits that enhanced my learning and understanding of the sector.
Eva
T Level Health Alumni StudentThe course provided me with a wide range of valuable experiences, and I found every aspect of it interesting and engaging. My course tutor made the learning experience extremely enjoyable, and I particularly enjoyed hearing about her experiences working within the nursing profession. Her insight and industry knowledge helped bring the subject to life and gave me a greater understanding of potential career opportunities within the sector.
Maddy
T Level Health Alumni StudentThe opportunity to gain experience in a variety of healthcare settings was one of the main reasons I chose to study the T Level Health course. My favourite part of the programme was working alongside nurses, as it gave me valuable insight into the profession and helped me develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for my future career. The industry placement provided real-world experience and reinforced my ambition to become a paramedic.
Olivia
T Level Health Alumni StudentI chose this course because it offered a highly practical approach to learning and would broaden my opportunities for a future career in healthcare. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on elements of the course, especially gaining experience on hospital wards and learning how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly. These practical experiences gave me valuable insight into working in healthcare and helped me develop the skills and confidence needed for my future career.
Kiera
T Level Health Alumni StudentI chose to study the T Level Health course because it was the ideal pathway for pursuing a career in nursing. My favourite part of the course was the industry placement, which provided invaluable hands-on experience and gave me many opportunities to develop my skills, knowledge, and confidence in a real healthcare environment. The placement played a key role in preparing me for my future career and reinforced my ambition to become a nurse.
Katie
T Level Health Alumni StudentI chose the T Level Health course because I felt it was the best route to gain the experience I needed for my future career in nursing, particularly through the industry placement at the hospital. When I visited the College, I was impressed by the facilities, especially The Ward, which provided a realistic healthcare learning environment. I was also a College Ambassador, supporting Open Events and assemblies to help promote West Lancashire College to prospective students. The free college transport made travelling to and from College easy and removed the worry of additional transport costs. West Lancashire College gave me many opportunities to develop my confidence through a wide range of enrichment activities and experiences. I was particularly excited to begin my industry placement, which provided valuable insight into the healthcare sector and helped prepare me for my future career. We also visited Chorley Hospital, where we met professionals working in a variety of NHS roles and gained a deeper understanding of the different career pathways available within healthcare. Following my studies, I secured a role as a Police Control Room Operator with Lancashire Police.
Chloe
T Level Health Alumni StudentI joined the course after initially choosing A Levels because I wanted a more practical learning experience. My ambition was to become a paramedic, and the work placements offered as part of the course provided an excellent opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience in real-world settings. I particularly enjoyed the practical elements of the programme, including CPR training, working in the health ward to gain an understanding of the environment I hoped to work in, and practising with mock patients to build my confidence and skills before starting my placement. I completed a placement in a primary school, where I gained insight into early years education, health, and a variety of working environments. The tutors were always supportive, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at College. I also had the incredible opportunity to travel to Malta on a fully funded international trip with the College, where I worked in a medical centre and gained valuable knowledge, practical experience, and important life skills. Following my studies, I secured a role as an ICC Call Handler with North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, taking the next step towards my long-term career ambitions within the healthcare sector.
Poppy
Health and Social Alumni StudentI studied Health and Social Care at West Lancashire College because I wanted to pursue a career in nursing. I thoroughly enjoyed learning alongside my teachers and classmates, and I found the assignments and course units both engaging and rewarding. As part of the course, I completed work experience at Ormskirk Hospital, initially on the maternity ward before progressing to a role as a Healthcare Assistant. This experience provided valuable insight into the healthcare sector, helped me develop practical skills and confidence, and reinforced my ambition to build a career in nursing.
Taylor
T Level Health Alumni StudentI chose this course with my future career in mind, as I aspired to become a paramedic. I particularly enjoyed the practical learning experiences in the ward, which gave me valuable hands-on experience and helped me develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for a career in healthcare. The practical elements of the course allowed me to apply my learning in realistic settings, providing a greater understanding of patient care and the healthcare environment. These experiences reinforced my career ambitions and helped prepare me for the next steps towards achieving my goal of becoming a paramedic.
Will
T Level Health Alumni StudentI chose the T Level Health course because I aspired to become a paramedic. I felt this was the best pathway for me, as I enjoyed the practical elements of the programme and the industry placement opportunities, which helped me develop valuable real-world skills for my future career. My placement experience was invaluable in helping me build my confidence, knowledge, and practical abilities. The teachers were excellent and created a supportive learning environment that encouraged me to achieve my full potential. The health ward facilities were particularly beneficial, allowing me to become familiar with the equipment and procedures I would encounter during placements and in a healthcare setting. I also had the incredible opportunity to travel to Malta on an international trip, where I worked in a medical centre and gained valuable experience, practical skills, and insight into healthcare in a different environment. This was a truly memorable experience that helped prepare me for my future career and reinforced my ambition to work as a paramedic.
Bobbie-Jo
T Level Health Alumni StudentI chose to study the T Level Health course because it offered a unique blend of high-level academic theory and essential practical experience. Studying the course was an incredibly rewarding experience, thanks to the balance of classroom learning and hands-on clinical practice. I particularly enjoyed the practical training, including gaining my Level 3 Emergency First Aid qualification and taking part in competitions. These experiences gave me the opportunity to put my knowledge into practice, develop my skills, and build my confidence in a professional healthcare environment. I have progressed to Nursing Degree (Adult) BSc (Hons) at Edge Hill University.
Niah
Health and Social Care StudentWith a dream of becoming a paramedic, studying Health and Social Care is the right choice for me. I enjoy making new friends and building my confidence through the course. Dissecting a pig heart is also a particularly interesting experience, helping me develop a greater understanding of human anatomy and healthcare.
Chloe
Health and Social Care StudentI chose to study the Level 3 Health and Social Care course because I believe it will help me take the next steps towards my future career. I have enjoyed learning more in depth about health and social care, taking part in trips such as visiting Edge Hill University, and getting hands-on experience through the practical elements of the course. I am currently completing my work experience at Stocks Hall Care Home in Skelmersdale, where I have gained valuable insight into the sector. It has been an amazing experience learning how the staff work together to provide high-quality care and building relationships with the residents, which has further strengthened my passion for the industry.
Contact our team
What can I do with a qualification in Health and Social Care?
Daily tasks:
- Assesses and advises on factors affecting business performance.
- Determines staffing levels appropriate for accounting activities.
- Plans external and internal audit programmes, arranges for the collection and analysis of accounting, budgetary and related information, and manages the company.
- Participates in the formulation of strategic and long-term business plans, assesses the implications for the organisation financial mechanisms and oversees their implementation.
Daily tasks:
- Ensures custody of all cash receipts and organises regular stock checks.
- Recruits, supervises and trains staff.
- Determines financial, staffing, material and other short- and long-term needs.
- Advises on the facilities available and promotes publicity in relation to shows, games, races, new theme parks, etc..
- Keeps abreast of new trends and developments in recreational activities and arranges exhibitions, theatrical productions, concerts, demonstrations etc..
- Ensures that facilities are kept clean and in good condition and that appropriate health and safety requirements are adhered to.
- Organises timetable of activities/schedule of programmes.
Daily tasks:
- Carries out research into aspects of the natural world.
- Prepares applications for funding to other organisations, and assessing applications for funding from other organisations.
- Promotes conservation issues via educational talks, displays, workshops and literature and liaison with the media.
- Maintains and develops knowledge in relevant policy areas within a national and European legislative context.
- Liaises with other groups in the selection and maintenance of the Protected Site System including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Ramsar sites, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs).
- Provides advice and information to government at national and local levels, clients, landowners, planners and developers to facilitate the protection of the natural environment.
- Implements, evaluates and monitors schemes for the management and protection of natural habitats.
- Carries out environmental impact assessments and field surveys.
- Promotes and implements local and national biodiversity action plans, particularly with regard to threatened species and habitats.
Daily tasks:
- Provides professional guidance to clients, government agencies, regulators and other relevant bodies, having regard for sustainable approaches and solutions.
- Implements, reviews and advises on regulatory and legislative standards, guidelines and policies.
- Assists organisations to conduct their activities in an environmentally appropriate manner.
- Communicates scientific and technical information to relevant audiences in an appropriate form, via reports, workshops, educational events, public hearings.
- Carries out environmental audits and environmental impact assessments.
- Carries out environment-related desk-based research and fieldwork to collect, analyse and interpret data to determine their validity, quality and significance.
- Implements remediation works.
- Advises on and provides solutions for mitigating the effects of such contamination.
- Identifies contamination of land, air or water and assesses any adverse impact on the environment.
Daily tasks:
- Monitors the standards of scientific and technical research undertaken by the research team.
- Plans work schedules, assigns tasks and delegates responsibilities to the research and development team.
- Develops research methodology, implements and reports upon research investigations undertaken.
- Liaises with production departments to investigate and resolve manufacturing problems.
- Establishes product design and performance objectives in consultation with other business functions.
Daily tasks:
- Supervises the implementation of care and treatment plans by other healthcare providers.
- Prepares and delivers lectures, undertakes research, and conducts and participates in clinical trials.
- Refers patient to specialist where necessary and liaises with specialist.
- Supervises patient.
- Administers medical tests and inoculations against communicable diseases.
- Diagnoses condition and prescribes and/or administers appropriate treatment/surgery.
- Examines patient, arranges for any necessary x-rays or other tests and interprets results.
Daily tasks:
- Applies psychological treatment methods to help athletes achieve optimum mental health and enhance sporting performance.
- Applies professional knowledge and techniques within the workplace, addressing issues such as job design, work groups, motivation etc..
- Maintains required contacts with family members, education or other health professionals, as appropriate, and recommends possible solutions to problems presented.
- Studies psychological factors in the treatment and prevention of mental illness or emotional and personality disorders.
- Analyses the effect of hereditary, social and physical factors on thought and behaviour.
- Observes and experiments on humans and animals to measure mental and physical characteristics.
- Develops treatment and guidance methods and gives treatment or guidance using a variety of therapy and counselling techniques.
- Develops and administers tests to measure intelligence, abilities, aptitudes, etc. and assesses results.
Daily tasks:
- Ensures that drugs and medicaments are in good supply and are stored properly.
- Tests and analyses drugs to determine their identity, purity and strength.
- Liaises with other professionals regarding the development, manufacturing and testing of drugs.
- Maintains prescription files and records issue of narcotics, poisons and other habit-forming drugs.
- Checks that recommended doses are not being exceeded and that instructions are understood by patients.
- Highlights a drug.
- Advises health professionals on the selection and appropriate use of medicines.
- Prepares or directs the preparation of prescribed medicaments in liquid, powder, tablet, ointment or other form following prescriptions issued by medical doctors and other health professionals.
Daily tasks:
- Carries out research with glass and lens manufacturers.
- Refers patient to a specialist, where necessary.
- Advises patient on proper use of glasses, contact lenses and other aids, and on appropriate lighting conditions for reading and working.
- Prescribes, supplies and fits appropriate spectacle lenses, contact lenses and other aids.
- Examines eyes and tests vision of patient, identifies problems, defects, injuries and ill health.
Daily tasks:
- Prepares and delivers lectures, undertakes research, and conducts and participates in clinical trials.
- Maintains patients.
- Refers patient to specialist, where necessary.
- Educates patients on oral health care.
- Supervises patient.
- Constructs and fits braces, inlays, dentures and other appliances.
- Carries out clinical treatments, restores teeth affected by decay etc., treats gum disease and other disorders.
- Administers local anaesthetics.
- Assesses and recommends treatment options to patients.
- Examines patient.
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