Level 2–3
Best for: Care workers and residential childcare practitioners
Outcome: Core care practice, safeguarding, and person-centred support
- Ofqual regulatedOfficial UK qualifications register
- NQual accreditedOfqual-recognised awarding body
- UKPRN 10101873Registered UK learning provider
- Online & flexibleStudy while you work
Qualification pathways
Care & Health Qualifications
2 min readCare and health qualifications equip practitioners and managers to work in adult social care, health and social care services, and residential childcare. UKSM delivers Ofqual-regulated programmes — including NQual-accredited adult care and residential childcare diplomas — fully online so staff can train while remaining in post. Pathways run from Level 2 entry through Level 5 leadership, with additional health and social care management awards at higher levels. Qualifications appear on the Ofqual register and support career routes in CQC- and Ofsted-regulated settings.
What is Care & Health Qualifications?
Care and health qualifications train practitioners and managers in adult social care, health and social care, and residential childcare.
They cover person-centred care, safeguarding, therapeutic practice, and service leadership in regulated settings.
NQual-accredited adult care and residential childcare programmes appear on the Ofqual register.
Who regulates it?
Ofqual regulates UK awarding organisations that approve qualifications on the official register. UKSM programmes are delivered through Ofqual UK recognised awarding arrangements, including NQual for adult care and residential childcare. Search the Ofqual qualifications register to verify regulated status.
Why study with UKSM?
- UKSM is listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN 10101873).
- Care programmes are accredited through NQual and Ofqual UK recognised awarding arrangements.
- Courses are studied online so teams can train without leaving their workplaces.
Qualifications at a glance
| Level | Title | Duration | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 4 | Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 5 | Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 6 | Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 7 | Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 5 | Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care Management | 10 Months, 15 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 2 | Level 2 Diploma in Care | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 3 | Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 4 | Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 5 | Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 7 | Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 3 | Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 4 | Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 5 | Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 3 | Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Level 5 | Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare | 9 Months, 6 Months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
| Master's | MSc Healthcare Management | 12–18 months | NQual / Ofqual-regulated |
Which level is right for me?
Level 4–5
Best for: Senior practitioners, coordinators, and registered managers
Outcome: Care planning, service leadership, and regulatory compliance
Level 6–7
Best for: Health and social care managers and postgraduate learners
Outcome: Strategic service management and postgraduate progression
Programmes in this qualification area
Level 3
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care
The objective of the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care is to equip learners with the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills required for a career in the health and social care sector at a support worker, senior support worker or care assistant level.
View programme →Level 4Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
A 120-credit Level 4 diploma in health and social care management, awarded through an Ofqual UK recognised body and delivered fully online by UKSM.
View programme →Level 5Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
View programme →Level 6Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
A 120-credit Level 6 diploma in health and social care management, awarded through an Ofqual UK recognised body and delivered fully online by UKSM.
View programme →Level 7Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
View programme →Level 5Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
View programme →Level 2Level 2 Diploma in Care
View programme →Level 3Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
View programme →Level 4Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care
View programme →Level 5Level 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.
View programme →Level 7Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care
View programme →Level 3Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
NQual Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care — develop the skills to lead and support person-centred care for adults in residential, domiciliary and community settings.
View programme →Level 4Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
NQual Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care — advanced practice and leadership skills for professionals working with adults in regulated care settings.
View programme →Level 5Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service
NQual Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service — management and leadership for registered managers and care service leaders.
View programme →Level 3Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
NQual Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare — professional qualification for practitioners supporting children and young people in residential settings.
View programme →Level 5Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare
NQual Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare — leadership qualification for managers of children's residential services.
View programme →Master'sMSc Healthcare Management
A 12–18 month online MSc Healthcare Management, awarded by Plymouth Marjon University and delivered by UKSM in partnership with LAAT Institute.
View programme →Frequently asked questions
Are UKSM care and health qualifications recognised by CQC- and Ofsted-regulated employers?
Yes. NQual adult care and residential childcare diplomas are Ofqual-regulated and appear on the official register. Health and social care management awards sit on the RQF and are used by employers across NHS-aligned, local authority, and independent services.
Which care or health level should I start at?
Level 2 or Level 3 suits most frontline care and childcare practitioners. Level 4–5 supports coordinators, supervisors, and registered managers. Level 6–7 and MSc pathways are designed for service leaders.
Can I study care qualifications while working full-time?
Yes. All UKSM care and health programmes are delivered fully online with flexible pacing, portfolio-based assessment, and tutor support.
Who accredits UKSM adult care and residential childcare diplomas?
Adult care and residential childcare programmes are awarded by NQual, an Ofqual-recognised UK awarding organisation. UKSM delivers these as an approved NQual centre (UKPRN: 10101873).
How do I enrol on a care or health programme?
Browse the programmes below, review entry requirements on each course page, and apply online or contact admissions@uksm.org.uk.