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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Can anyone talk to me about NVQ3 in Health and Social Care?

21 replies

GOLDdebka · 05/09/2012 21:34

I want to do a nursing degree.

However I am 20 blasted UCAS points short.

I work as a carer, which I love, been working for a few months now (previously SAHM). I can do an NVQ through work which would really help on my application to university.

I think I need Level 3 for the university to really consider it, but work want me to start at Level 2. Thing is, it'll take a year to do each level, and cost about £700 each , so if I can get away with jumping in at L3 I would rather do that.

So, anyone done/doing one and can advise? I am a rather academic type, with A levels (I just lost interest towards the end of 6th form and cocked up the exams, hence poor results).

Any other advice regards my application to become a nurse also very welcome :)

OP posts:
loho · 05/09/2012 21:42

Hi, i done my svq level 3 in health and social care through my last job, is this a scottish equivilant to nvq? I done it while working part time when my daughter was about 1, im glad i did do it, it took me about a year to complete.

I quit my nursing training after a few months so cant advise on that,

go for the level 3! Good luck

RoobyMurray · 05/09/2012 21:46

really, a YEAR to do each level??

I'm sure it only took me a few months to do level 3 (though it was a few years ago).

If you are academically minded you won't have any problems with it. The main difficulty is that it requires collecting a lot of evidence that you have shown competence in loads of areas, so it's time consuming. If it's not changed much, then there's minimal written work in the form of essays. Just written accounts of work you have done which will form evidence that you have achieved key skills (or whatever they're called!)

however, having said that, if you are relatively new to social care, you may not yet have the knowledge/skills to jump straight to level 3.

Svrider · 05/09/2012 21:46

I assess both nvq level 2 and 3 (not nursing tho)
I think level 3 will be fine for you
Mostly difference is "able to do" and "is aware of" for L2
For L3 its more "describe" and "explain"
Also supporting and supervising others
Good luck

Original poster
GOLDdebka · 05/09/2012 21:55

roobymurray the lady at work said 9-12mo to complete. I am new to the job, and I work very part time- only about 8 hours a week, so I wonder if my lack of experience will hinder me.

Svrider I am a raw newbie- I am being supervised and supported myself! I wish it were just a matter of reading, researching and writing a few essays....

loho good to hear it's doable around small children :)

OP posts:
loho · 05/09/2012 22:00

If u do a wide range of activities/different types of support u shud b ok, i worked 16 hours a week when i did mine but there was a lot going on around the people i supported at the time so it was quite easy to gather evidence and my assessor cud see me doing lots of different things in my direct obs. It may take longer only doing 8 hours

creamteas · 06/09/2012 00:01

It would need to be level 3 to be considered by universities.

Are you sure you can't get onto a nursing course without an extra 20 points? In my experience, mature students are often accepted without needing the make level of qualification as 18 year olds.

Another option to consider would be a short course with the OU perhaps?

Original poster
GOLDdebka · 06/09/2012 10:55

creamteas thanks for that. When I went to the open day they did say it was worth applying regardless, and make sure my personal statement was very good. I just don't want to be turned down! I think I'll get in touch with the university again and see what they advise.

OP posts:
Ilovedaintynuts · 06/09/2012 11:01

Are you still doing NVQs? We changed last year to QCFs (Quality credit framework).

I'm an assessor in the clinical setting for them.

If you are even remotely academic go straight to level 3. Level 2 is VERY basic. Even my employees with very poor English manage Level 2 fine.

The minimum time to do level 3 is 6 months (at my college at least).

Mck33 · 17/11/2015 21:12

Hi I am thinkng about doing my level 3 but I think I will struggle putting it to paper has anyone got an example of a reflective account that can help me see what's involved thanks

DownstairsMixUp · 04/12/2015 12:24

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

babes1811 · 21/06/2016 20:08

hi all i'm doing my svq3 in health and social care, i am doing a module called support individuals at the end of life care and i'm not sure how to start my reflective account can anyone help please

cis5740 · 15/01/2020 10:41

I’m working as a carer for a long time now, I’ve done my nvq2,3 and 4 while working.you can’t jump to level 3 without doing your level 2 unfortunately. And it takes more than a year each level and it depends how fast your nvq provider. I’ve done my level 3 almost 2 years because the nvq provider that my company uses are so slow. Most companies don’t allow you to go the next level as well you have to wait for a year or more before you can go in next level. So if you really want to go to nursing quickly, apply to nhs work as hca and while doing that they will help you get to nursing.

PuppyClub · 19/01/2020 14:47

If you work 8 hours a week can you do Health and Social Care Level 3 at college, or an Access to Nursing course?

PuppyClub · 19/01/2020 14:50

And you don't need to do level 2 first. Level 2 (or even level 1) is usually the starting point if a person has no GCSEs, but as a mature student lack of qualifications isn't always an issue.

titchy · 19/01/2020 16:18

This is a 7 year old thread folks....

Northernsoullover · 20/01/2020 17:52

Hopefully the OP is now a nurse...

FyRubySwan1 · 29/05/2024 16:18

Iam a care and support worker and which to upgrade in my career. Presently i love to broaden my knowledge in the care and support industry and I do have interest in courses like physiotherapy as well.

I therefore write pleading/requesting for an advice as the cost of learning is not cheap.

FyRubySwan1 · 29/05/2024 16:19

Iam a care and support worker and which to upgrade in my career. Presently i love to broaden my knowledge in the care and support industry and I do have interest in courses like physiotherapy as well.

I therefore write pleading/requesting for an advice as the cost of learning is not cheap.

FyRubySwan1 · 29/05/2024 16:19

Iam a care and support worker and which to upgrade in my career. Presently i love to broaden my knowledge in the care and support industry and I do have interest in courses like physiotherapy as well.

I therefore write pleading/requesting for an advice as the cost of learning is not cheap.

Janny50Banny · 09/12/2025 02:03

Mck33 · 17/11/2015 21:12

Hi I am thinkng about doing my level 3 but I think I will struggle putting it to paper has anyone got an example of a reflective account that can help me see what's involved thanks

Hi I am the same I am 54yrs old been in Health care since 17yrs old when we were called Auxiliarys 😉 I have worked in hospital settings, hospice,cancer teams, Marie Curie Nursing, District Nursing so a huge range of knowledge and been successful in my posts. Doing this svq which I am very reluctant for & concerned it's to much for me written work. Can anyone put my mind at ease at all.

Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 19/12/2025 22:58

I would go an access to higher education course. Health / Nursing: This would prepare you more for the degree.

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