Health and Social Care Diplomas: Our students’ journey to university
A Future with Purpose
Find the Path that Feels Right
People arrive at health and social care careers in different ways - and for many, a vocational diploma is the pathway that gets them there and into university.
For students passionate about making a difference, the Health and Social Care Extended Diploma offers a hands-on, career-focused pathway with wide progression opportunities.
Students featured in this story have successfully progressed to universities across Wales and the UK, going on to study areas such as oncology, social work, radiography, nursing and even primary school teaching.
The added benefit of Health and Social Care
A key advantage of the Health and Social Care Extended Diploma is the mandatory 60-hour work placement. Universities value this highly, as it demonstrates employability, sector insight and on-the-job experience - all of which help students stand out when applying for university.
It also gives students a taste of the job which for many has cemented or redirected their career goals.
What will I study on the Health and Social Care course?
A range of modules such as factors affecting individuals’ growth and development, understanding how the human body is affected by common conditions, supporting individuals at risk, principles of care and safe practice within outcome focused person-centred care and much more.
I’ve heard that it’s better to study A-levels
This is a common and often untrue misconception. While A-levels are a strong option for many students, they don’t suit everyone’s learning style.
The difference lies in how the learning is structured, not in the value of the qualification.
Don’t forget, an extended diploma is the vocational equivalent to studying three A-levels.
A-levels or an Extended Diploma — which suits me best?
A-levels are often well suited to students who:
- Enjoy exam-based assessment
- Want to study three or more different subjects
- Prefer a more traditional academic route
Extended Diplomas are ideal for students who:
- Prefer coursework and assignment-based learning
- Enjoy researching, applying knowledge and presenting work
- Want to focus in-depth on just one subject
Diplomas are more assignment-based, which allows the student to totally delve into their work which is marked at grades A to E. This work also goes through an internal and external verification process. You need to be sure you will enjoy studying your subject of choice full-time.
Both pathways offer a route into university.
Meet some of our current Extended Diploma Health and Social Care students who will be heading to university this September.
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Ruby needed spinal surgery and saw the work of medical staff which inspired her to take up a course in healthcare.
She applied to study radiotherapy at Cardiff (NHS Bursary), Bristol, Plymouth and University of London (City St George)
“Some people told me that college was a ‘lower option’ than sixth form but that just isn’t true. The work is just as challenging but, not having as many exams does suit me better as I learn by doing. Also, this course has 60 hours of mandatory placement which has really helped with my university application.”
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Millie applied to Cardiff, Bristol, Swansea, Carmarthen and University of South Wales.
Her work placement was at Glangwili Hospital where she worked in the pre and post op ward, shadowing nurses and helping patients.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse or work in a medical field in a job that helps people. I’ve got family members that work in the sector as a midwifery team leader and a ward sister in a mental health unit and my mother is also a first responder.”
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Holly applied to study at Manchester, Bristol, Aberystwyth, Swansea and Cardiff.
“A mental health nurse came into college for a talk and that really turned my career focus. It’s been an amazing experience, it’s such a good course, I love it and I will miss it so much. The staff are such good people and they played a massive part in my success.”
![Holly Hopkins head shot, long blond hair]()
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Lexi applied to Bristol and Herefordshire.
“It’s a really good course and it gives you so many options at the end, like going on to study occupational health, speech and language therapy, teaching, psychology, healthcare management or public health.”
![Lexi looking at the camera in a holiday setting]()
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Applied to Cardiff Metropolitan and Carmarthen.
Ava also joined the college’s Rugby Academy during her studies.
“I went to Pwll Primary School for my work placement and I had really good feedback and an insight into primary school teaching. This placement cemented my decision to study primary education.”
![A selfie of Ava Martin wearing a black and white striped top]()
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Sanjana applied to Aberystwyth, Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea and University of South Wales.
She wanted to study psychology until her mum fell ill with a medical emergency and found herself having to deal with that critical situation which changed her focus. As nurses, her mum and grandmother are also her inspiration.
“I really enjoyed my placement at Glangwili Hospital. I was working in a dementia ward and was able to experience the morning meetings with the nurses and doctors. If you’re not sure what you want to do but know that you want to help people, then it’s a good option and you can use the time at college to explore what those areas of interest might be.”
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Applied to Swansea University
“I’ve always wanted to do something with health since I was very young. I thought about counselling but I think I’m too empathetic, so I thought social work was the better fit as I’d be putting solutions in place addressing the ‘how’ rather than ‘why’.
Abigail did her work placement at Mind in Llanelli.
“I have had a lot of support from staff which has paid off as I’m getting really good grades. But also, I’ve learned to understand my learning style and have developed coping strategies so that I don’t need so much support.”
![Abigail wearing her Coleg Cymraeg hoodie]()
