Ofqual-regulated
Level 2 Diploma in Care
Entry pathway into adult social care — Ofqual-regulated, fully online.
From £950 · 6 or 9 months
View courseNorth East England
Health and Social Care Courses in Sunderland
Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma — study online from Sunderland
Health and Social Care in Sunderland
Sunderland is undergoing major economic regeneration as part of the North East Freeport, with significant investment in healthcare infrastructure. South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust operates Sunderland Royal Hospital — one of the North East's busiest acute sites. Sunderland City Council's adult social care team directly employs over 1,800 staff and commissions significant further capacity from independent providers.
Sunderland City Council directly employs 1,800+ adult social care workers
Sunderland Royal Hospital is one of the North East's busiest acute sites
Care Worker Salaries in Sunderland (North East England)
| Role | Typical pay |
|---|---|
| Care Worker | £10.42–£11.50/hr |
| Senior Care Worker | £12.00–£13.20/hr |
| Care Home Manager | £27,000–£36,000/year |
Source: Skills for Care Workforce Intelligence, 2024/25
NHS and Care Employers in Sunderland
Our Level 3 Diploma is recognised by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and by Sunderland City Council Adults, Health & Housing for adult social care roles. Employers across North East England specify Level 3 as the standard qualification for career progression.
Popular courses for Sunderland learners
All programmes are Ofqual-regulated, assignment-based and fully online.
Ofqual-regulated
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
The standard qualification for senior care and NHS band 3 progression.
From £950 · 6 or 9 months
View courseOfqual-regulated
Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care
Advance into supervisory practice and higher-responsibility care roles.
From £950 · 6 or 9 months
View courseOfqual-regulated
Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
Management and leadership for care coordinators and aspiring managers.
From £950 · 6 or 9 months
View courseFrequently Asked Questions — Sunderland
Can Sunderland City Council sponsor me through this qualification? ▼
Sunderland City Council uses the Apprenticeship Levy to fund Level 3 Health and Social Care training for existing staff. If you're already working in the Council's social care team, speak to your line manager about levy-funded training.
Is there demand for home care workers specifically in Sunderland? ▼
Yes — significantly. Sunderland has a high concentration of older residents living independently, creating strong and growing demand for home care workers. Qualified workers in home care typically earn £11.50–£13.00/hr in Sunderland.
How does the North East Freeport affect health and care employment in Sunderland? ▼
The Freeport investment is expected to grow Sunderland's working-age population, increasing demand for health and social care services overall. The council and NHS Trust are planning corresponding workforce expansions from 2025–2028.