Diploma in Health and Social Care
Care work changes lives — and the right qualification changes careers. A diploma in health and social care from Wedocourses gives you a UK-regulated qualification from TQUK, OTHM or ATHE, studied online around your shifts. With programmes from Level 2 to Level 7, you can start as a new carer and build all the way to senior management without stepping away from work.
Where Are You in Your Care Career Right Now?
| Your Stage |
Recommended Starting Point |
| New to care |
TQUK Level 2 Diploma in Care (RQF) |
| Experienced carer or senior carer |
TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) |
| Planning university or a career change into care |
OTHM Level 3 Foundation or ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care |
| Team leader or deputy manager |
Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care |
| Registered or aspiring manager |
TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care |
| Senior or strategic healthcare leader |
Level 6 or Level 7 Health and Social Care Management |
Is the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care Right for You?
Level 3 is the most popular entry point for working carers. You can choose between two routes:
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Competence route — the TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) proves your practical skills in a care role. It is the modern replacement for the NVQ Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care, so you need to be working or volunteering in a care setting.
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Knowledge route — the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma and the ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care build theory and can support progression to higher study.
Why Do Care Managers Choose the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Adult Care?
The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is widely regarded as the benchmark qualification for registered managers in adult social care in England. It develops your skills in leading teams, managing quality, safeguarding and running a compliant service. Wedocourses offers the TQUK Level 5 Diploma for Adult Care and a companion Level 5 Diploma for Children, Young People and Families in the Community.
What Comes Between and Beyond? Level 4 to Level 7 Explained
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Level 4 diploma in health and social care — OTHM and ATHE options for team leaders building management knowledge
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Level 5 management diplomas — OTHM and ATHE Extended Diplomas, including an Adult Care Leadership pathway
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Level 6 and Level 7 — OTHM and ATHE diplomas in Health and Social Care Management and Healthcare Management for senior leaders
Level 7 diplomas sit at the same RQF level as a master's degree and can support progression to the MSc in Health and Social Care Management.
Which Health and Social Care Course Fits Your Goal?
| Course |
Level |
Fee |
| TQUK Level 2 Diploma in Care (RQF) |
2 |
£900 |
| TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF) |
3 |
£1,100 |
| OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care |
3 |
£1,000 |
| ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care |
3 |
£1,000 |
| OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management |
4 |
£1,000 |
| ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care |
4 |
£1,400 |
| TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF) |
5 |
£1,300 |
| TQUK Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Children, Young People and Families in the Community (RQF) |
5 |
£1,900 |
| OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management |
5 |
£1,100 |
| ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (incl. Adult Care Leadership) |
5 |
£1,600 |
| OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management |
6 |
£1,200 |
| ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Management |
6 |
£1,800 |
| OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management |
7 |
£1,400 |
| ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Health Care Management |
7 |
£2,100 |
Planning Your Next Move in Healthcare?
See every route Wedocourses offers for access to higher education online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study a diploma in health and social care online?
Yes. All health and social care diplomas at Wedocourses are studied online. Competence-based qualifications such as the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care also require evidence from your work in a care setting.
Is the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care the same as an NVQ Level 3?
Yes, in practice. The RQF Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care replaced the older NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
Which qualification do I need to become a care home manager?
The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care is the qualification most commonly expected for registered managers in adult social care in England.
What is the difference between Level 4 and Level 5?
Level 4 builds supervisory and management knowledge. Level 5 prepares you to lead and manage a whole service or team.
How much does a health and social care diploma cost?
Fees at Wedocourses range from £900 for the Level 2 Diploma in Care to £2,100 for the ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Health Care Management.
Find Your Care Qualification
