NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Health and Social Care (RQF)

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Health and Social Care (RQF)

Qualification Reference: 601/6108/5
Sector: Health, Public Services and Care – Health and Social Care
UCAS: Nested qualification
Level: 3
Minimum Age Requirement: 16
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 180
Total Qualification Time (TQT): 215
Credit Value: N/A

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About the Qualification

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Health and Social Care is designed to support learners in progressing to Higher Education or moving directly into employment within the sector. The content has been carefully written by subject specialists and reviewed with employers and Higher Education institutions to ensure it meets both academic and professional needs.

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What is a Nested Qualification?

This is a nested qualification, meaning learners can build upon it to achieve higher-level qualifications within the same subject area. For example:

• Completing this Award can lead to the Certificate and eventually the Extended Diploma at Level 3 in Health and Social Care.

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What Will You Learn?

The course covers core topics essential to health and social care, including:

• Equality, diversity, and rights

• Human growth and development

• Safeguarding principles

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Who is it For?

• Learners aged 16 and above

• Those wishing to progress to Higher Education

• Individuals interested in beginning or enhancing a career in health and social care

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Entry Requirements

• Minimum age: 16 years

• No specific academic qualifications required

• Access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet is recommended

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Duration

• Most learners complete the Award within 3 months

• Flexible online study option available (180 hours of study over 1 year)

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Assessment

• No formal exams required

• Progression is based on written assignments aligned with the course syllabus

• Assignments are assessed by a qualified tutor who provides grades, feedback, and suggestions for improvement

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Progression Opportunities

On completion, learners may progress to:

• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care

• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

This Award also supports entry into care-related job roles, including:

• Care Support Worker (residential, domiciliary, supported living, or day services)

• Healthcare Assistant (community, primary care, or hospital settings)

• Community Support Worker

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Career Pathways

This qualification provides a foundation for roles in:

• Residential care homes

• Nursing homes

• Day centres

• Supported living services

• Schools with specialist provision

• Health centres

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Membership Benefits

Enrolling on a CACHE course provides free access to CACHE Alumni, a professional membership network offering:

• Sector news and research articles (for two years)

• Access to webinars, podcasts, and career resources

• Ongoing professional support

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Awarding Body Recognition

NCFE CACHE (Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education) is a leading awarding organisation in the UK and internationally, regulated by:

• Ofqual (England)

• DCELLS (Wales)

• CCEA (Northern Ireland)

Successful learners receive an Ofqual-regulated NCFE CACHE Level 3 Health and Social Care certificate, recognised by employers and education providers.

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Who Can Take This Course?

• Current or aspiring Health and Social Care workers

• Healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses, support workers)

• Students pursuing Public Health or Health and Social Care studies

• Aspiring medical professionals

• Anyone with an interest in health and social care – no prior experience required