If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s just how important the health and social care sector is to the whole of the UK. And it’s a sector that’s growing rapidly – the UK will need tens of thousands more dedicated professionals in the future.
Do you want to look back on this year and know that you did more than just clap for carers? Enroling on a Health and Social Care course can take you one step closer to becoming a key worker yourself. There are few other careers where you can make such a huge difference to someone’s life.
By the time you complete your studies at The Manchester College - the No.1 Further Education College in Greater Manchester for achievement*, you’ll have gained the skills, knowledge and experience to apply for a job in the sector, or to progress to higher education.
Whichever path you take, you’ll be choosing an incredibly rewarding career where you’ll make a difference to people in your community every single day.
*As per the latest Government National Achievement Rates Tables (NARTs)
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It starts with you!
Get career ready with us and unlock your potential today, view our range of Health and Social Care courses and enrol to study at the No.1 Further Education College in Greater Manchester for achievement*.
Our Courses
Whatever your starting point, we can help you to gain the knowledge, skills, experience and confidence you need to progress to a range of career paths or onto further study.
If you’re 16-18 and you've obtained the necssary entry requirements, you’ll have the opportunity to join our Industry Excellence Academy for Health and Social Care to study one of our T Levels in Health and Healthcare Science. These two-year qualifications are worth the equivalent to three A Levels and will give you the opportunity to study programmes co-developed with industry partners as well as benefit from a 59 day industry placement. Plus, they are a great way to prepare you for studying for a degree at university.
If you’d like to progress onto one of our T Levels but don’t currently have the entry requirements then you’ll still be able to do this by first choosing to study our Level 2 T Level Foundation Year.
Alternatively, you'll be able to join our Centre of Excellence for Health and Social Care and study Health and Social Care courses from Level 1 to Level 3.
Whichever route you take, you won’t just be learning your new trade in the classroom; you’ll also be applying your new skills through work experience opportunities and placements in real-life settings, such as hospitals, pharmacies and care homes.
Our Tutors
At The Manchester College, we believe the best tutors are usually those who have real world experience of working in the field they’re teaching. So in most cases, you’ll be taught by someone who has worked in the industry as a nurse, social worker or in another relevant profession.
As well as being able to share their knowledge and experiences with you, they have crucial industry connections, which is a huge benefit when it comes to helping you to secure a work placement in your chosen field.
Get to know some of our department:
Marion Foster - Department Team Leader
Gail Millward-Jackson - Tutor
Mehjabeen Shaukat - Tutor
Mehjabeen has seven years’ experience within teaching Early Years and Health and Social Care. She has a BSc in Early Years and is currently studying a BSc in Biology as she is interested in gaining deeper insight into Human Biology. She is always willing to support students to successfully progress and achieve throughout their course, encouraging them to challenge themselves with the intention of achieving higher grades.
Our Facilities and Location
Our Health and Social Care courses for 16-18 are offered at our Openshaw Campus and for 19+ at our Harpurhey and Wythenshawe Campuses, with the exception of Counselling which is also offered at City Campus Manchester and Shena Simon Campus, and Access to HE at Shena Simon Campus - all of which are well served by public transport.
Our Industry Excellence Academy for Health and Social Care is based at our recently re-developed Openshaw campus, which has benefitted from brand new industry standard facilities including a health suite, state-of-the-art hospital ward, a care suite and much more.
Do you have an EHCP or SEND need?
The Manchester College is committed to ensuring all our students receive the support they may need to achieve and enjoy college. We do this in a number of different ways including:
- Student Experience Support Team
- Careers Employability & Welfare
- Pastoral Support Officers
- Supported Learning
We also offer a bespoke transition service to new applicants with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), accessibility or medical need.
Find out more about our student support offer:
Student supportFind out more
Find out even more about our Health and Social Care department in our subject area guide or on our YouTube playlist:
19+ adult courses starting in 2024/25
Start something new with our Adult Education courses for 19+ starting in 2024/25!
Browse our wide range of courses and apply now.
Take care of others with a career in a rewarding sector
Explore our degrees passion in Healthcare Practice, Social Care and many more.
Top Careers Opportunities
Social workers
Average Salary £40,040
Health care practice managers
Average Salary £41,080
Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
Average Salary £25,480
Darcy Birch • Level 3 Health and Social CareThe campus is well located for me, which means I can travel to college with ease every day. My tutors have always given me great advice throughout my course. I have gained a lot of knowledge on potential career paths, which I would not have been able to do without their help.
Josh Peak • Level 3 Health and Social CareThe College has guided me towards the steps I need to take in order to reach my goals. My tutors have helped me to find a work placement within the industry, which has been really useful as I have been able to experience what the working world is like. I would love to work within mental health as this is such a big issue for young people and adults these days. I am going to go to university to study this further then progress into employment.
In one of The Manchester College’s 19 Centres of Excellence you’ll develop the skills and gain the qualifications that you need to take the next steps towards your dream career.
Learn moreIn our unique Industry Excellence Academy you’ll benefit from a programme of study that has been co-developed, and is co-delivered, with one of our industry partners.
Learn more