Study this course FREE, with no course fees!
This course is a fully online, self-directed, independent study course with assessor support and guidance. Students must have use of a laptop to complete this course and must be aged 19+ at the beginning of the academic year (31 August).
This course operates flexible start dates, with the opportunity to start every few weeks. New dates are available until July 2026. Your actual start date will be confirmed at induction.
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There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, with this number expected to rise to over one million by 2025. The Level 3 Certificate in Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care enables learners to develop knowledge and understanding of caring for individuals with dementia. It allows learners to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of dementia and its effects.
You will gain an understanding of the types of dementia, the importance of early diagnosis and the role of communication, interaction and inclusion in dementia care and support.
To study this 24-week course FREE, with no course fees applicants must meet the following criteria:
- aged 19+ and live in England, not within a non-funded postcode region
Do not have one of the following visa types:
- Student visa
- Holiday/visitor visa
- Skilled worker, health care worker, temporary worker, Global mobility or scale up visa
- A visa that imposes restrictions on study
- are not currently enrolled on an apprenticeship
- Unemployed* or have gross annual earnings below £25,750 (must be evidenced)
*Unemployed students are those who are not working and are in receipt of a benefit or who are using the course to help them find employment.
Please note that the eligibility criteria is different for those living in the Greater London Authority for further information please refer to: Information for Adult Skills Fund providers | London City Hall
Please note: This course is funded via the ‘Free Courses for Jobs’ scheme, subject to meeting the criteria. If you are not eligible for a free course through government funding, you can still gain a qualification to further your career. The course fees are £811, with an Advanced Learner Loan available if required.
What you'll learn
By completing this Level 3 course in the Principles of Dementia Care, you can become familiarised with and develop an understanding of how to care for someone who has been diagnosed with dementia, and how to identify the early signs of dementia.
This course will cover the following:
- Understanding dementia
- How person-centred approaches are used to underpin the care and support of individuals with dementia
- Supporting positive interaction, occupation and activity in dementia
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in dementia care and support
- How to support individuals with dementia to exercise choice and rights
- The administration of medication and well-being of individuals with dementia
How you'll learn and be assessed
In taking this course you will:
- achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
- evidence your competency to employers
- further your personal and professional development
- learn at a time that suits you without the need to attend college
Progression
This qualification could help you to progress to the follow careers:
- Care Worker
- Social Services Manager
- Social Care Worker
Entry requirements
You must have English at either GCSE, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent. Applicants will need to have a successful assessment.
If you hold international qualifications, we can assess these to see if you meet the criteria.
Additional information
Fund your qualification with an Advanced Learner Loan with nothing to pay until you earn over £27k a year.
If you are not eligible for a free course through government funding, you can still gain a qualification to further your career with the help of an advanced learner loan. Find out more about financial support for students aged 19+ and the Advanced Learner Loan.
