Courses in social care

There are a wide variety of qualifications and courses you can pursue to further your career in social care.

Diplomas in Society, Health and Development

• You can start studying for a Diploma from the age of 14
• You can study alongside or in place of GCSEs or A levels
• There are three levels of Diploma: Foundation, Higher and Advanced
• Advanced Diplomas can qualify for university entrance

If you are still at school and think you might like to work in social care, you could consider taking a Diploma in Society, Health and Development. If your school is offering it you can start studying for this qualification from the age of 14 and you can take it alongside, or in place of, GCSEs or A levels

You will learn all about the principles and values that underpin social care work. Once you have completed your Diploma you may go on to further study, or start a job with training. Either way, you will have developed the awareness and understanding to help you relate to some of the most vulnerable members of society.

If you choose to stay in education you can progress from a Foundation Diploma to a Higher Diploma and finally onto an Advanced Diploma. Alternatively, you might go on to study for different qualifications such as GSCEs, A levels or an Apprenticeship. If you get an Advanced Diploma it can qualify you for university entrance.

You can find out more about the Diploma in Society, Health and Development at http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas. Or you may prefer to discuss your options with a Connexions adviser www.connexions-direct.com.

AS and A2 levels in Health and Social Care

Some sixth forms and colleges of further education offer AS and A2 levels in Health and Social Care. These courses will give you an introduction to the various careers in the sector, as well as an awareness of the needs of particular service user groups such as 'early years', 'older people' or 'individuals with specific needs'.

BTEC courses

• Relevant BTEC courses are widely available at colleges across the country
• Study a range of learning modules
• Practical learning
• Courses developed with reference to National Occupational Standards

BTEC courses covering health and social care are widely available in many colleges across the country. They allow you to develop your knowledge and skills through a range of learning modules such as communications, human development, supporting and protecting adults, caring for young people and children and equality, diversity and rights in health and social care. You will put your learning into practice in relevant sectors, and because BTEC qualifications have been developed with close reference to the National Occupational Standards, you will be well placed to start a career in health or social care, or progress onto higher education.

The National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) contains details of qualifications that are accredited by the regulators of external qualifications in England (Ofqual), Wales (DCELLS) and Northern Ireland (CCEA). www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk You can search for courses in your local area from the Learn Direct website www10.learndirect-advice-search.co.uk

If you are thinking of studying and it has been a while since you last studied, many colleges offer return to study courses to refresh your basic skills in maths, English, essay writing and IT.

Access courses

Access courses are also available for people over 19 who wish to go onto higher education but who do not hold the entry requirements or who have not studied for a long time. For each unit successfully completed, you'll earn credits that gradually build towards the 60 credits that are required for the Access to HE Diploma.

A list of access courses can be found on www.accesstohe.ac.uk