Maybe you’ve just finished school without the grades for a nursing, midwifery or other health degree. Or maybe you’re worried you won’t get the grades for your first-choice offer. Either way, take a deep breath. The Health & Social Care (NCFE CACHE Level 3) pathway at The London School of Public Health is built for exactly this situation: a steppingstone that gets you the qualifications, experience and UCAS points to apply to university.

Why choose this pathway?

These qualifications prepare you for university degrees in nursing, midwifery, social work and allied health subjects. They are a route to that degree, which is what you’ll need to qualify in any of these professions.

There are no sit-down exams. Instead, you build a coursework portfolio that shows your practical understanding through:

• written assignments
• real-world case studies
• reflective logs
• professional discussions

At Certificate and Extended Diploma level, you also complete extended research-based assessments set by NCFE. These help prepare you for university-level research, and they give you something concrete to talk about in your UCAS personal statement.

What is a nested course?

A nested course lets you study in stages rather than committing to a large programme all at once. Think of a set of Russian dolls: each smaller qualification fits inside the next one up. Every stage gives you an official qualification, and everything you complete counts towards the next level.

UCAS points depend on the grade you achieve. At the highest grade, the full Extended Diploma can carry up to 168 UCAS points, equivalent to three A* grades at A-level. You can check the current values on the UCAS tariff calculator.

Which stage do you need for university?

Most health degrees ask for UCAS points equivalent to three A-levels, so the full Extended Diploma is the strongest route to degree entry. The Award and Certificate are useful milestones, but on their own they usually won’t be enough.

Every university sets its own entry criteria. Before you commit, check the entry requirements for your top-choice courses on UCAS and confirm they accept the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. Pay particular attention to:

• Competitive courses, such as midwifery and physiotherapy, which may ask for higher grades.
• Subject requirements. Some courses also want a science A-level or specific GCSE grades in English, maths or science.

Is this the right route for you?

Be honest with yourself about timing. The full Extended Diploma takes around two years. If you just missed your grades, other options include re-sitting your A-levels over one year or finding a place through UCAS Clearing.

This pathway may suit you better if you prefer coursework to exams, want real placement experience before university, or like the security of earning a qualification at each stage.

Strengthen your CV and university application

Grades matter, but healthcare degrees look for more than grades. Admissions teams want evidence of relevant experience, an understanding of the role, and the values the NHS expects, often tested at a values-based interview.

This pathway helps you build that evidence. Your work placements give you real experience to write about in your personal statement.

Most health degrees also ask for English and maths at GCSE grade 4 or above. If you don’t have these, you can study Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths alongside your diploma. Many universities accept Functional Skills Level 2 in place of GCSEs, though some may ask you to sit a short test of their own, so check with each university you apply to.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get into nursing without A-levels?

Yes. Many universities accept the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care for nursing degrees. Most also ask for English and maths at GCSE grade 4 or above, or Functional Skills Level 2, which you can study alongside your diploma. Always check each course’s entry requirements on UCAS.

Can I work in healthcare with this qualification?

Yes, in support roles. It can help you with jobs such as healthcare assistant or care support worker. It isn’t a licence to practise, though: to become a nurse, midwife, social worker or allied health professional, you’ll need a degree.

What if I only complete the Award or Certificate?

You keep every qualification you complete. Each stage is a recognised qualification, and you can top up to the next level later.

What do I need to start the course?

You’ll usually need four or five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or maths, or a Level 2 qualification in health and social care at merit or distinction. Contact our admissions team to check your qualifications.

How is the course delivered, and when can I start?

Our admissions team can tell you how the course is delivered and when the next intake begins.

How much does it cost, and is funding available?

Fees depend on which stage you study. To make the course affordable, we offer personal payment plans at zero interest, so you can spread the cost. Call us to discuss the plan that works for you.

What does the work placement involve?

You’ll spend your placement hours in a health or social care setting, such as a care home, hospital or community service. Because you’ll be working with vulnerable people, you’ll need an enhanced DBS check before your placement starts. Talk to our admissions team about how placements are arranged.