Health and Social Care
A hands-on head start health & social care
The Nurse Cadets Programme gives health & social care students a head start in clinical careers, combining hands-on practice in a fully equipped simulation suite with placements in hospitals, GP surgeries, hospices, and care settings. Supported by registered nurse educators and strong partnerships with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth City Council, and the University of Portsmouth, students gain real nursing experience, confidence, and direct links to employers. Every cadet graduates ready to join the future NHS workforce – caring, skilled, and career-ready.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
Subject overview
What's on offer
Caring for someone else is one of the most selfless acts, and it takes someone with special qualities to make a career from it. If you are drawn to social care, counselling or nursing, City of Portsmouth College will help you make a difference.
We’ll provide you with the knowledge, skills and resilience you'll need for your chosen role, through the guidance of our quality staffing team, and together with the fantastic industry links we are proud to hold. You’ll progress to a fulfilling role that earns more than just a wage.
Wherever you are in your learning journey – and whatever your desired career pathway – we have a course to suit.
Subject highlights
- apply your new skills and knowledge in a real work placement
- develop clinical and nursing skills through a bespoke, certified Nurse Cadets Programme
- quality industry links for learners including Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth City Council, and the University of Portsmouth
- get career-ready by working with local health and social care providers
- Level 3 students gain additional qualifications in manual handing and first aid.

Course: Level 1 Pathway to Health & Social Care
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P220972
Course: Level 2 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P214286
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Course: Level 3 AAQ in Health & Social Care
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q274173
Course: Level 3 AAQ in Medical Science
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q274196
Course: Level 3 CTEC Diploma in Health & Social Care
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100068
Course: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P293030
Course: Level 3 T Level in Health & Nursing
- Course Type: T Levels
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P270757
Our facilities
Study health and social care at City of Portsmouth College and your learning will go far beyond the classroom. You’ll build professional skills in simulated environments.
Key facilities include:
- simulation suite for skills development and immersive exercises
- a mock ward including nurses’ station and dispensary
- lockers and changing facilities to help simulations feel lifelike
- high quality teaching spaces for quality learning.
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“My lecturer is amazing. If you've got an issue you can always go to her and be open about it, and get the help you need.”Maddie Fletcher
Studying: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
Careers within the health & social care industry
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses identify patients’ needs and administer appropriate treatment.
Main responsibilities:
- Work in a hospital, health centre, hospice, care home or the community
- Take and record temperatures, pulse rates and blood pressure
- Administer medicine, take samples, treat wounds and set up drips
- Monitor patents’ progress and keep up-to-date records
- Work closely with doctors and other healthcare specialists
- Give advice and updates to patients and their relatives
Salary range:
£31,000 - £47,000
Social Worker
Social Workers help to protect and support vulnerable adults and young people.
Main responsibilities:
- Work in the community or a healthcare setting
- Review and record the needs of clients and their families
- Provide emotional and practical support, and create care plans
- Help clients to develop skills they need to live safely and independently
- Work closely with health professionals and other agencies
Salary range:
£32,000 - £48,000
Mental Health Counsellor
Counsellors support people dealing with mental health challenges, to bring about change.
Main responsibilities:
- Work with individuals, couples, families or groups
- Discuss and agree what to explore in your sessions together
- Listen carefully, ask questions and check your understanding
- Help your clients to understand and talk about their feelings and explore ways to cope
- Keep confidential records
Salary range:
£25,000 - £47,000
Health Promotion Specialist
Health Promotion Specialists champion health and wellness in the community.
Main responsibilities:
Promote the benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise
Advise people on the dangers of unhealthy lifestyle choices
Give information about risks, such as heart disease and cancers
Raise awareness of drug misuse, sexual health and mental health
Create publicity materials, and run training courses and events

Salary range:
£25,000 - £35,000
Substance Misuse Outreach Worker
Substance Misuse Outreach Workers help people who are struggling with addiction.
Main responsibilities:
- Work in the community or at a health or outreach centre
- Help people with drug or alcohol problems to manage their recovery
- Advise people on suitable support services
- Help clients to access services like benefits and housing advice
- Write and maintain confidential records
Salary range:
£20,000 - £35,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
Care that works smarter, not harder
The government plans to up-skill the social care sector, so practitioners can get the best from a wide range of digital technologies. The goal is for care homes and other care settings to make full use of tools which are proven to improve care quality, while taking pressure off staff. From motion sensors which alert teams when someone falls, to AI which automates note-taking and predicts additional care needs, this tech frees up time to focus on what matters most: making a difference.
Frequently asked questions
Our Health and Social Care provision includes qualifications in Health and Social Care and specialist Counselling pathways.
These courses prepare you to support individuals’ wellbeing in a range of professional contexts. If you're motivated by making a difference, this is where you can find your brilliance in caring professions.
Health and Social Care focuses on practical support, wellbeing, safeguarding and understanding how to meet the needs of individuals across a range of care settings.
You'll explore topics such as equality, communication, mental and physical health, and professional responsibilities within health and social care environments. This pathway prepares you for direct work in care, support and community roles.
Counselling centres on communication skills, empathy and therapeutic approaches that help individuals explore challenges safely and constructively. You'll develop active listening skills, ethical awareness and an understanding of different counselling theories, building a strong foundation for further specialist training.
Many courses include work placement to build professional experience and confidence in real care or support settings.
Placement provides valuable insight into day-to-day responsibilities, professional boundaries and the standards expected within the sector. It allows you to apply classroom learning in meaningful contexts while developing reliability, communication and teamwork.
You'll receive guidance and structured support throughout your placement to help you reflect on your experiences and strengthen your professional practice.
Courses involving placement typically require a DBS check to ensure safe and responsible practice when working with vulnerable individuals.
Clear guidance and support are provided throughout the process so you understand what is required and how to complete the necessary checks in good time. This helps ensure you're fully prepared to begin placement confidently and professionally.
Opportunities include care roles, support work, counselling progression and healthcare pathways.
Many learners move into employment or continue their studies in nursing, social work or related professions.
Yes. Health and Social Care qualifications are widely recognised for progression to higher education and professional training.
They provide strong foundations in research, communication, ethics and applied practice, all of which are valued by universities. Many students progress into degree programmes linked to nursing, social work, psychology or related health professions, continuing their journey with clarity and purpose.
Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.
Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.
Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.
Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.
Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
