Standard mode
Study at your own pace with full tutor support
£950
Complete fee
- Duration: 9 months
- Start dates: Flexible start dates
Undergraduate diplomaOfqual UK recognised body
Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care
A 120-credit Level 5 diploma in health and social care, awarded through an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation and delivered fully online by UKSM.
- Duration
- 9 Months, 6 Months
- Credits
- 120 credits
- Level
- Level 5
- Awarding body
- Ofqual UK recognised body
Tuition from £950£1050(fast track £1250)
Duration
9 Months, 6 Months
Credits
120 credits
Awarding body
Ofqual UK recognised body
Level
Level 5
Course introduction
A short overview of this programme — what you'll study, who it's for, and how learning works online.
Programme overview
The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is an accredited qualification awarded through an Ofqual UK recognised body, regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. Delivered fully online by the UK School of Management (UKSM), this 120-credit programme is designed for practitioners who already work in health and social care settings and want to deepen their knowledge of care delivery, quality assurance, and leadership. The diploma sits at RQF Level 5, placing it alongside the second year of a UK undergraduate degree and signalling to employers that you can take on greater responsibility in service planning and team coordination.
Your studies are structured around five core units. You will examine Principles Underpinning Health and Social Care to understand the values, legislation, and ethical frameworks that shape professional practice. The Management of Quality in Health and Social Care unit develops your ability to monitor standards, respond to inspection requirements, and drive continuous improvement. The Research Project gives you the opportunity to investigate a real workplace issue in depth, while Partnership Working in Health and Social Care explores how agencies collaborate to deliver joined-up support. Working with Service Users with Complex Needs prepares you to assess risk, plan personalised care, and advocate for vulnerable individuals whose circumstances require coordinated, multi-disciplinary intervention.
Assessment is entirely assignment-based, with no written examinations, which makes the programme well suited to professionals balancing study with full-time employment. You will apply theoretical learning directly to your practice, building a portfolio of evidence that reflects how you lead care planning, support colleagues, and contribute to organisational goals. Throughout the course, UKSM provides structured learning materials, tutor guidance, and flexible pacing so you can complete the standard nine-month route or choose a six-month fast-track option if you need to qualify sooner.
Whether you are progressing from a Level 4 qualification or returning to formal study after several years in the sector, this diploma provides a clear pathway towards senior roles in residential care, community services, and NHS-affiliated settings. If you are building your foundation in the field, you may wish to start with the Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care before advancing to this programme. On completion, many learners continue to the Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management to develop strategic leadership and service-design skills at the highest diploma level UKSM offers in this discipline.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced person-centred care leadership in integrated teams.
- Implement care coordination across health, social care, and voluntary partners.
- Assess safeguarding and mental capacity act cases at senior practitioner level.
- Evaluate risk assessment outcomes and infection control compliance.
- Apply multi-disciplinary team working to complex case management.
- Develop practice leadership skills for health support and care coordinator roles.
Who is this course for?
Ideal for: Health Support Worker, Care Coordinator, Social Care Manager. This qualification supports progression to Health and Social Care Manager and meets CQC and NHS employers's training recommendations for health and social care workers.
What you'll study
- Principles Underpinning Health and Social Care (20 credits)
- The Management of Quality in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
- Research Project (40 credits)
- Partnership Working in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
- Working with Service Users with Complex Needs (20 credits)
Full module detail
Units
Principles Underpinning Health and Social Care (20 credits)
This unit explores the core values, legal frameworks, and ethical principles that guide professional practice in health and social care. You will analyse how legislation, codes of conduct, and organisational policies shape the way services are delivered and how practitioners safeguard dignity, choice, and inclusion for the people they support.
The Management of Quality in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
Quality management is central to safe, effective care. In this unit you will learn how to design quality assurance processes, interpret inspection standards, and use audit data to identify improvements. You will also examine how to embed a culture of continuous improvement across teams and services.
Research Project (40 credits)
The research project is your opportunity to investigate a topic relevant to your workplace or area of interest in depth. You will develop a research question, review academic and professional literature, collect and analyse evidence, and present findings that can inform practice or policy within your organisation.
Partnership Working in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
Effective care often depends on agencies working together. This unit examines models of partnership working, the roles of different organisations, and the communication skills needed to coordinate support across health, social care, housing, and voluntary sectors. You will evaluate barriers to collaboration and strategies for building productive multi-agency relationships.
Working with Service Users with Complex Needs (20 credits)
Some individuals require highly personalised, coordinated support due to multiple health conditions, behavioural needs, or safeguarding concerns. This unit prepares you to assess complexity, plan holistic interventions, and work with families and professionals to promote independence while managing risk responsibly.
Assessment
The evaluation process is conducted through the submission of assignments, and there are no written examinations involved.
Learners who complete this qualification often progress to the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management.
Career outcomes
Graduates progress into roles such as Health and Social Care Manager (Entry Level), Deputy Care Manager, Senior Care Coordinator, and Healthcare Services Coordinator. The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is designed for practitioners who want to move from frontline delivery into supervisory, coordination, and early management roles. Employers across residential care, domiciliary services, supported living, and NHS-affiliated settings look for Level 5 qualifications when recruiting staff who can lead teams, oversee care planning, and maintain regulatory compliance. By completing this programme, you demonstrate that you can apply evidence-based practice, manage quality standards, and work effectively with partners across the health and social care system. The skills you develop are directly transferable to roles that involve staff supervision, service improvement, safeguarding oversight, and the coordination of care for people with complex needs.
Entry requirements
- Previous Qualification: Applicants should have successfully completed a Level 4 qualification (e.g., Certificate, Diploma) or hold an equivalent credential. Higher qualifications are also accepted. OR
- Relevant Experience: Candidates with over 3 years of professional experience in their respective industry are encouraged to apply, as their practical knowledge is highly valued.
- Minimum Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older . This program is designed to support both recent graduates and experienced professionals in advancing their careers.
Assessment
The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is assessed through assignment and coursework submission. You complete set tasks online, submit your work for marking, and build evidence of learning without sitting written exams.
- Assessment is through written assignments and coursework submitted online.
- There are no written examinations.
- You receive tutor feedback on your submissions as you progress through the programme.
Awarding body
Ofqual UK recognised body
Fee and payment plans
Duration & course fee
Choose the study mode that fits your schedule and career goals.
Fast track
Intensive schedule, ideal for working professionals
£1250
Complete fee
- Duration: 6 months
- Start dates: Fixed cohort intakes
Fees quoted above represent the full programme cost. There are no additional or hidden charges.
Payment plans
9 months @ GBP £950
- •Payment option (c): GBP £190 x 5 monthly instalments
- •Payment option (d): GBP £475 x 2 quarterly instalments
- •Payment option (e): GBP £902.50 x 1 instalment (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)
6 months @ GBP £1250
- •Payment option (a): GBP £416 x 3 monthly instalments
- •Payment option (b): GBP £1187.50 x 1 instalment (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care take?
The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care can be completed in 9 months on the standard route or 6 months on the fast-track option. UKSM delivers the programme fully online with flexible scheduling, so you can choose the study mode that fits your work and personal commitments.
Is the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care accredited?
Yes. The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is awarded through an Ofqual UK recognised body, regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. This ensures the qualification meets national standards for recognition by UK employers and international organisations.
What are the entry requirements for the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care?
Applicants should hold a Level 4 qualification (such as a certificate or diploma) or an equivalent credential, although higher qualifications are also accepted. Alternatively, candidates with more than three years of relevant professional experience in health and social care are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be aged 18 or over.
How much does the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care cost?
The standard nine-month programme fee is £950, with flexible monthly and quarterly payment plans available. The six-month fast-track option is £1,250, and a 5% bursary applies when you pay the full fee upfront — see the Fee and Payment Plans section for full details.
Can I study the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care while working full-time?
Yes. The programme is delivered entirely online with assignment-based assessment and no written examinations. This structure allows working care professionals to study around their shifts and apply new knowledge directly in their current role.
What qualification will I receive after completing the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care?
On successful completion, you will receive the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care, awarded through an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation. The 120-credit qualification supports progression into supervisory and management roles and further academic study.
Is the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care recognised by UK employers?
Yes. Qualifications awarded through an Ofqual UK recognised body are designed to meet rigorous national standards, and Level 5 diplomas are widely recognised across the UK health and social care sector. Employers value this level of study for roles involving care planning, team leadership, quality assurance, and service coordination.
Can I progress to a degree after completing the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care?
Yes. Many graduates use the Level 5 Diploma to gain advanced entry onto undergraduate degree programmes or to progress to a Level 6 qualification. UKSM offers a natural next step through the Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management for learners ready to move into strategic leadership and service management.