Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care (Dementia Pathway) - Level 3

Summary

Are you ready to deepen your understanding of dementia and take the next step in your career in health and social care? This advanced qualification is ideal for those who want to provide high-quality, person-centred support to individuals living with dementia.

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of dementia, including its types, progression, and the importance of early diagnosis. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of person-centred approaches, effective communication, and inclusive practices that promote dignity, choice, and wellbeing. The course also covers the role of medication and how to support individuals in maintaining independence and exercising their rights.

This qualification is suitable for those already working in care or looking to specialise in dementia support. It provides the underpinning knowledge needed for roles in residential care, community support, and specialist dementia services, and is a valuable step toward higher-level study or leadership roles in the sector.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
02 Feb 2026	Bickerstaffe House	17 Weeks	Apply now
22 Feb 2027	Bickerstaffe House	16 Weeks	Apply now

A woman engages with children in a supportive circle, fostering interaction and connection.

Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?

Explore our pathways in Health, Education and Childcare to see how we can help you reach your career goals.

View Career Pathways

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This is an excellent qualification for those aspiring to work in various roles within the health and social care sector. This qualification is part of a comprehensive pathway designed to prepare individuals for a rewarding career in dementia care and related fields.

Completing this course can lead to advanced qualifications and specialised roles, enhancing employability and providing opportunities for career progression in the sector.

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Dementia Pathway, which includes the following courses.

DEMENTIA PATHWAY

Next steps at B&FC

Having completed all the qualifications in the Dementia Pathway, students are ideally place to progress onto:

Employment Opportunities

These roles offer a range of opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with dementia and their families

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements: 

Age: 19 years or over (19+)

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 progression or employment in mental health and care-related roles. 

Qualification obtained

Certificate in Understanding the Principles of Dementia 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.

What will I learn?

This advanced qualification is made up of seven key units that deepen your understanding of dementia and equip you to deliver high-quality, person-centred care:

Understanding Dementia – Explore the types, causes, and progression of dementia and its impact on individuals and families.
Understand How Person-Centred Approaches are Used to Underpin the Care and Support of Individuals With Dementia – Learn how personalised care supports dignity, independence, and wellbeing.
Principles of Communication and Interaction in Dementia Care and Support – Discover how to adapt communication to meet the needs of individuals with dementia.
Supporting Positive Interaction, Occupation and Activity in Dementia Care – Understand how meaningful activities and engagement promote wellbeing and reduce isolation.
Principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Dementia Care and Support – Learn how inclusive practices ensure respectful and equitable care.
Understand How to Support Individuals With Dementia to Exercise Choice and Rights – Explore how to empower individuals with dementia to make informed choices and maintain autonomy.
Principles of the Administration of Medication and Well-Being of Individuals With Dementia – Gain insight into safe medication practices and how they relate to overall wellbeing.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There is no mandatory work placement required for this course, making it accessible to learners who may not currently be working or volunteering in a care setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in a relevant environment—such as a dementia care home, supported living service, or community outreach organisation—can significantly enhance your understanding and employability.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from dementia care services, local NHS teams, and specialist support organisations.

Guest lectures and live discussions provide valuable insights into real-world dementia care, current sector challenges, and best practices in person-centred support. They also offer opportunities to ask questions, build professional connections, and explore the wide range of career paths available in dementia and health care.

How will I learn?

Our courses are delivered through face-to-face teaching, providing a supportive and engaging classroom environment. Teaching takes place in dedicated learning spaces where you’ll benefit from interactive, tutor-led sessions that encourage discussion, collaboration, and active participation.

The programme focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios in children’s social care. These activities may include role plays, group projects, case studies, and scenario-based learning—all designed to build your confidence and prepare you for the workplace.

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 you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector. Tutors are experienced professionals who bring real-life insights into the classroom, helping you connect theory to practice every step of the way.

Expert tutors

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

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.  

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 related to childhood illnesses, 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.