Awareness of Dementia (Dementia Pathway) - Level 2

Summary

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals living with dementia? This course offers a powerful introduction to dementia care, helping you build the knowledge and confidence to support people with empathy and respect.

This course is designed to develop your understanding of dementia, its causes and symptoms, and the impact it has on individuals and their families. You’ll explore the importance of person-centred care, effective communication, and inclusive practices that promote dignity and wellbeing. Whether you're new to the sector or looking to enhance your existing skills, this qualification provides a solid foundation for working in health and social care settings.

This course is aligned with the National Dementia Strategy and is suitable for anyone working in or aspiring to work in care environments, including residential care, community support, or home care. It’s also ideal for qualified practitioners who have not previously studied dementia care and want to expand their professional knowledge.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
08 Dec 2025	Bickerstaffe House	6 Weeks	Apply now
13 May 2027	Bickerstaffe House	6 Weeks	Enquire now

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This is an ideal qualification for those looking to begin or enhance a career in dementia care and related support roles. It provides essential knowledge that is highly valued across health and social care settings, particularly in environments where understanding and responding to dementia is a key part of the role.

Completing this course can lead to further study and progression into specialised roles such as dementia support work, residential care, or community outreach. It’s a valuable step for anyone considering a career in health and social care, particularly in settings where person-centred dementia care is essential.

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 successfully completed this course, students can progress to further qualifications offered by Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) as part of the Dementia Pathway (detailed opposite). This pathway is designed to support learners in developing the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in dementia care and related fields.

Completing these qualifications can lead to advanced studies and specialised roles. You can also progress to:

Employment Opportunities

Students can apply for entry-level roles within the health and social care sector where dementia awareness is essential. This qualification demonstrates your commitment to person-centred care and your ability to support individuals living with dementia with empathy and professionalism.

Potential job titles include:

These roles are commonly found in care homes, supported living environments, hospitals, and community organisations. This course provides a strong foundation for making 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

Award in Awareness of Dementia

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.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: NCFE

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

This qualification is made up of four key units that build your understanding of dementia and how to provide compassionate, person-centred care:

Understand Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Dementia Care – Learn how inclusive practices support dignity and respect in dementia care.
The Person-Centred Approach to the Care and Support of Individuals With Dementia – Explore how personalised care improves wellbeing and quality of life.
Dementia Awareness – Gain insight into the types of dementia, their symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis.
Understand the Factors That Can Influence Communication and Interaction With Individuals Who Have Dementia – Discover how to adapt communication to meet the needs of individuals with dementia.

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 community support organisations.

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