Adult Care (Working in Health and Social Care) - Level 3

Summary

Ready to take the next step in your adult care career? This nationally recognised qualification is designed for those who want to deepen their knowledge, enhance their practical skills, and take on more responsibility in health and social care settings working with adults. Whether you're already working in the sector or looking to progress into a senior role, this course will help you build the confidence and competence to lead with care.

This course blends theoretical learning with real-world application, giving you the tools to support individuals with complex needs while promoting dignity, independence, and wellbeing. You’ll explore a wide range of topics from safeguarding and communication to health and safety, person-centred care, and leadership in practice.

With a mix of mandatory and optional units, the course can be tailored to suit your interests, job role and career aspirations. By the end of the programme, you’ll be well-prepared for roles such as Lead Adult Care Worker, Senior Support Worker, or Lead Personal Assistant, and ready to progress to higher-level qualifications in care leadership and management.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
12 Nov 2025	Bispham Campus	27 Weeks	Apply now

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This qualification opens the door to a wide range of rewarding roles within the adult care sector. It’s ideal for those looking to move into more senior positions or take on greater responsibility in their current role. Upon completion, you’ll be qualified to apply for roles such as:

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Working in Health and Social Care Pathway, which includes the following courses.

WORKING IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PATHWAY

Understanding Personal Care Needs (Working in Health and Social Care) - Level 2

These advanced qualifications can lead to roles such as Care Manager, Team Leader, or Service Coordinator, and can even support progression into nursing, social work, or other allied health professions with further study.

Next steps at B&FC

This qualification is part of the Working in Health and Social Care pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College. It builds on the knowledge and skills developed in this course and is designed to support your progression into more advanced roles within the sector.

These qualifications are ideal for those aiming to move into supervisory or management roles, such as Care Manager, Team Leader, or Service Coordinator, and can also support progression into higher education or professional training in nursing, social work, or allied health professions.

Employment Opportunities

Lead Adult Care Worker
Senior Care Support Worker
Lead Personal Assistant
Key Worker
Care Supervisor
Rehabilitation Support Worker
Domiciliary Care Team Leader
Residential Care Officer

These roles are available across a variety of settings, including residential care homes, domiciliary care services, supported living environments, day centres, and community-based care organisations. This qualification demonstrates your ability to lead, support others, and deliver high-quality, person-centred care—qualities that are highly valued by employers in the sector.

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements:

Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Work Placement: Learners must be either employed in a suitable health and social care setting or have access to a practical placement or voluntary role. This is essential to demonstrate competence in real-world care environments and to meet the assessment requirements of the course.

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:

DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is not required for enrolment on this course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment or voluntary work involving vulnerable adults. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.

These entry requirements ensure that learners are prepared to engage fully with the course and are aware of the expectations for future employment in health and social care settings.

Qualification obtained

Diploma in Adult Care

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this course.

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

This course is designed to develop both your knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for more advanced responsibilities in adult care settings. You’ll study a range of mandatory units that cover the core principles of high-quality, person-centred care, as well as explore optional units tailored to your specific role or interests.

Mandatory units include:

Promote Communication in Care Settings
Communicate effectively with individuals, families, and colleagues to support care delivery and build trust.
Handling Information in Adult Care
Understand the importance of confidentiality, data protection, and accurate record-keeping in care environments.
Promote Own Continuous Personal and Professional Development
Reflect on your practice and identify opportunities for growth to maintain high standards of care.
Person-Centred Practice, Choice and Independence
Explore how to support individuals in making informed choices and maintaining control over their care.
Understand How to Promote Personal Wellbeing
Gain insight into the physical, emotional, and social factors that contribute to overall wellbeing.
Promote Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights in Care Settings
Learn how to uphold the rights of individuals and create inclusive, respectful care environments.
Promote Health and Safety in Care Settings
Understand your responsibilities in maintaining a safe environment for both individuals and staff.
Support the Health and Wellbeing of Individuals in a Care Setting
Develop the skills to assess and respond to the health needs of those you support.
Scope and Responsibilities of an Adult Care Worker
Examine the role of adult care workers and the standards expected in professional practice.
Understand Duty of Care
Learn how to balance your duty of care with respecting individual rights and choices.
Understand How to Safeguard Individuals
Identify signs of abuse or neglect and understand how to respond appropriately.
Understand Mental Capacity and Restrictive Practices
Explore the legal and ethical considerations around decision-making and the use of restrictions in care.
Infection Prevention and Control in a Care Setting
Understand how to minimise the risk of infection and maintain hygiene standards in care environments.

In addition to these core units, you’ll also choose from a selection of optional units that allow you to tailor the qualification to your current role, interests, or career goals.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

As part of this programme, a mandatory work placement is required. Learners must be employed, volunteering, or on a practical placement in a suitable adult care setting. This hands-on experience is essential for demonstrating the skills and competencies needed to meet the course’s assessment criteria and to succeed in real-world care environments.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we complement your practical experience with a rich programme of guest speakers and industry engagement events. These sessions bring the curriculum to life by offering insights from professionals working across the health and social care sector.

Recent guest speakers have included representatives from local care providers, NHS professionals, and adult social care specialists. These experts share their knowledge, discuss current challenges in the field, and offer valuable career advice. These opportunities not only enhance your learning but also help you build professional connections and gain a deeper understanding of the sector.

How will I learn?

Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course—you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme.

Teaching takes place in hybrid classrooms, allowing for interactive, tutor-led sessions that support both classroom-based and remote participation when appropriate. The programme primarily focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world care scenarios.

Teaching methods include:

Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion.

Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.

Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.

This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support.

Grading:

The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.