UK Professional in Adult Care Diploma FAQ

Course Overview

Intakes: July, September, November, January, March, May
Course Duration: 9 months
Tuition Fee: £14,995
Scholarships: Scholarships are available for outstanding applicants
Qualification Awarded: Level 3 Professional Diploma in Adult Social Care accredited by City & Guilds UK. This Level 3 qualification is equivalent to A-Level study in the UK. This programme is ideal for those with a keen interest in the care industry and provides a clear employment pathway within 9 months.

Course Structure:
The 9-month program is divided into three terms:

• First Term: Study core skills and modules at a learning centre in London or Oxford.
• Second Term: A 9-week unpaid work placement organized by the school.
• Third Term: Return to the centre to complete coursework and prepare for a career.
• Average starting annual salary: From £23,730

 

Application Information

English Language Requirements: UKVI IELTS 5.5, with no less than 5.5 in each component (no exemptions).
Academic Requirements: Minimum requirement is a junior high school diploma or equivalent, with good grades.
Minimum Entry Age: Minimum age for entry is 17 years, with no upper age limit, but applicants must be capable of performing physical labor.
Interview: All accepted students will undergo a credibility/suitability interview with the school to ensure genuine interest in care. Upon passing the interview, the school will issue a formal offer letter (CAS) for the student to apply for a UK student visa.
Preliminary Assessment: An initial assessment before the course to determine if students need additional learning support.
Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from their home country, as they will work in the care industry.
Deposit: Accepted applicants must pay a deposit before the credibility/suitability interview. If the interview is unsuccessful, the deposit will be refunded in full deducts a £200 administrative fee.

 

Internship Information

• Internships will take place in the third term at care organisations.
• Internships will include induction training at the care home.
• Upon completion, positions available include Senior Adult Care Worker and Support Worker.
• If students meet all course and internship requirements and pass their assessments, employment is guaranteed, or tuition fees will be refunded in full.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Information, Entry Requirements, and Fees

Q: How long is the course?
A: The Professional Diploma in Adult Social Care is a 9-month course divided into three terms. The first two terms are at learning centres in London or Oxford, teaching core skills. The third term includes work placements organized by the centre, with the final weeks spent completing projects and preparing for a career.

 

Q: What is the minimum entry age for the course?
A: The minimum entry age is 17 years, and students must be 18 years old when starting the work placement.

 

Q: Is there an upper age limit?
A: There is no upper age limit, but applicants must be capable of performing physical labor, such as lifting. We welcome applicants of all ages.

 

Q: Do 17-year-old applicants need a guardian?
A: Yes, 17-year-old applicants need to arrange a guardian. We can provide information on guardian agencies in London and Oxford to assist applicants in finding a suitable guardian, with additional guardian service fees.

 

Q: Are IELTS alternative exams, such as PTE, accepted?
A: Yes, we accept SELT language proficiency tests.

 

Q: Can I transition to a foundation course after completing this course?
A: This course is designed as a direct employment pathway and does not articulate to foundation courses (same level programs).

 

Q: Is there an installment payment plan?
A: Currently, there is no installment payment plan, but future adjustments may be made based on demand.

 

Q: Can applicants with a bachelor’s degree from their home country apply?
A: Yes, but suitability will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Priority is given to applicants with an academic background or work experience in the care industry.
*If applicants have previously studied at a university level in the UK under a student visa, they cannot apply for this course according to current visa policies, even if they have graduated and left the UK.

 

Q: Can this course serve as a foundation for nursing?
A: This course is specifically designed for students who wish to enter directly into health and care-related employment.

 

Q: Where will the work placements be? Do students need to travel?
A: We strive to arrange placements near the learning centre or accommodation, minimizing long-distance travel.

 

Q: Can I apply if I already have work experience in the industry?
A: Yes, work experience is an advantage. Please provide detailed information (e.g., personal resume, work/employment certificates) in your application.

 

Q: Do applicants need a STEM background or specific educational background?
A: A STEM or specific educational background is not required.

 

Q: What employment opportunities are available after completing the diploma?
A: The UK care industry offers thousands of job opportunities. With this diploma, care employers may sponsor the following positions:

• Adult Care Supervisor
• Personal Assistant Supervisor
• Key Staff Member (Domestic Care)
• Care Worker
• Senior Care Assistant
• Support Worker

 

Learning Centres

Q: Do the learning centres in London and Oxford provide accommodation?
A: There is no dedicated accommodation for this course, but various options are available. We can help book listed student apartments or homestays if needed.
Oxford Accommodation Options

• Homestay: Living with a local family
• Student Castle: Student apartments
• The Mew: Student residence

London Accommodation Options

• Homestay: Living with a local family
• Vita: Student apartments

 

Visas

Q: What type of visa will students receive?
A: Students will receive a student visa (formerly Tier 4 General Student Visa). Apart from the work placement, students cannot work during the course.

 

Q: How long is the student visa valid?
A: The visa should start one month before the course begins, depending on the issuance date, and will be valid until two months after the course ends.

 

Q: Can students work during their studies?
A: No, students on this diploma course cannot work during their studies.

 

Q: Can students start working after graduation?
A: Upon receiving the certificate, students can apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa (Health and Care Worker Visa). We will help connect students with UK employment agencies to secure employer sponsorship for the work visa.

 

Q: Do students need to return home to apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa?
A: Students can apply within the UK but must first secure a job offer from a Health and Care sector employer. We cannot control the visa processing time, but we hope that employers will promptly provide job offers/contracts if students perform well during their internship, allowing students to start the visa application process quickly.

 

Q: How long is the Health and Care Worker Visa valid?
A: The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is valid for five years, meaning the initial work visa will be granted for five years. Students must have a fixed job to apply for this visa. The learning centre will provide employment support.
*If students change employers within the five-year visa period, they need to reapply for the work visa.

 

Q: Can students bring family members with the Health and Care Worker Visa?
A: No, current visa policies do not allow bringing family members on the five-year Health and Care Worker Visa.

 

Internship

Q: What is a work placement?
A: A work placement means working full-time in a care centre. The location is arranged nearby, either close to the learning centre or accommodation. The placement includes induction training at the care centre and performing all duties of a care assistant. The care centre will provide a job description and support students in completing course assessments while engaging in work tasks. The internship is unpaid.

 

Q: Is the work placement paid?
A: The placement is unpaid, but it offers students the opportunity to practice and be assessed on-site, familiarizing themselves with the role of a care worker.

 

Q: Do we collaborate with care industry contractors?
A: We do not directly collaborate with contractors, but since students will complete internships, we are confident that students can find permanent employment upon successful course completion. We provide employment support.

 

Q: Which companies offer internship opportunities?
A: We are connected with several local care centres and placement agencies. We will also assist students in registering with UK employment agencies.