Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care

The ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is a comprehensive programme designed to develop the advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and professional capabilities required to lead and manage teams within health and social care settings. It is suitable for learners seeking career progression, increased managerial responsibility, or further study in health and social care.

The programme develops learners’ understanding of leadership, management, professional responsibilities, organisational values, workforce performance, service improvement, and innovation. It enables learners to examine how effective leadership and evidence-informed decision-making can improve staff performance, service quality, individuals’ experiences, and organisational outcomes.

This Ofqual-regulated qualification consists of 60 credits and is graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction. It is mapped to the knowledge and skills requirements of the Level 5 Leader in Adult Care occupational standard. Further information is available on the official ATHE qualification page.

By completing this qualification, learners will develop the confidence and professional skills needed to lead teams, manage performance, promote organisational values, support workforce development, and contribute to innovation and continuous improvement. They will also strengthen their analytical, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and reflective-practice skills.

Our courses are delivered fully online, allowing learners to study anytime and anywhere at their convenience. This flexibility enables learners to develop their knowledge and leadership capabilities without unnecessarily disrupting their employment, family responsibilities, or daily schedules. We also provide continuous online support and one-to-one tutorials for personalised academic guidance, including during designated breaks and holiday periods.

Qualification Information

• Qualification title: ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care (2024)
• Qualification number: 610/3579/8
• Qualification level: Level 5
• Total credits: 60
• Grading: Pass, Merit, or Distinction
• Mode of delivery: Fully online through distance learning

Course Units

The qualification consists of four mandatory units:

1. Leading and Managing Health and Social Care – 15 credits
2. Responsibilities, Values and Behaviours in Health and Social Care – 15 credits
3. Improvement and Innovation in Health and Social Care – 15 credits
4. Professional Development and Performance Management in Health and Social Care – 15 credits

Entry Requirements

Applicants are normally expected to meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or above.
• Have completed prior study in health and social care or a related subject at Level 4 or above.
• Hold a relevant Level 4 qualification, such as an ATHE Level 4 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, a Pearson HNC, or an equivalent qualification.
• Alternatively, hold a relevant Level 4 apprenticeship or an equivalent international qualification.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of spoken and written English.
• Possess a valid passport or national identification card.
• Have an interest in developing leadership or management capabilities within health and social care.

Applicants whose first language is not English should normally demonstrate English-language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5, CEFR B2, Cambridge English Advanced 162 or above, Pearson Test of English Academic 42–49, or another approved equivalent.

Relevant employment, leadership, supervisory, or voluntary experience in health and social care may also be considered as part of the admissions process.

Admission Session

The course is available throughout the year, with a new academic session beginning every month. For example, if an applicant applies on the 13th of a month and completes the admission process before the end of that month, the academic session will begin on the first day of the following month.

Admission Procedure

Every applicant is required to apply through our online application system: Apply Now.

Applicants must provide all the required information and supporting documents and pay a non-refundable application fee of £10, regardless of their country of residence.

After the application has been submitted, the applicant will receive a confirmation email. The Admissions Team will review the information and documents provided before making an admission decision. The outcome will then be communicated to the applicant.

Once the applicant accepts the admission offer, further information about course fees, payment arrangements, the course schedule, learning resources, induction, and enrolment requirements will be provided.

Course Assessment

Learners will complete online knowledge checks, case-study activities, reflective exercises, and other formative assessments to develop their understanding and monitor their progress. Summative assessment will primarily involve the completion and submission of written assignments through which learners demonstrate achievement of the relevant learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Assessment activities may require learners to analyse organisational practices, evaluate leadership and management approaches, examine workplace challenges, and recommend evidence-informed improvements.

Assignments will be assessed by the course lecturer and reviewed through DSE’s internal quality-assurance procedures in accordance with applicable ATHE requirements. Constructive feedback will be provided to support learners’ academic and professional development.

Fees and Payment Plans

• Full payment: Learners may pay the full course fee before the programme begins. This option is suitable for learners who prefer to complete their payment in one transaction and avoid ongoing instalments.
• Instalment payment: Learners may pay their course fees in agreed instalments. This option enables learners to spread the cost of their studies over a specified period. The payment amounts, schedule, and due dates will be confirmed before enrolment.

Career Path

Completing the Level 5 Diploma may support progression towards leadership, supervisory, quality-assurance, and management responsibilities within health and social care. Subject to relevant occupational experience, employer requirements, background checks, professional registration, and additional mandatory training, potential career pathways may include:

• Adult Care Team Leader
• Senior Support Coordinator
• Deputy Care Manager
• Assistant Service Manager
• Care Services Manager
• Health and Social Care Supervisor
• Care Quality or Compliance Coordinator
• Workforce Development Coordinator
• Service Improvement Officer
• Community Care Manager
• Residential Care Manager
• Health and Social Care Administrator

The qualification does not, by itself, confer occupational competence or automatic eligibility for a regulated role. Some positions may require relevant workplace experience, registration, practical assessment, or additional sector-specific qualifications.

Learners may also progress to an appropriate Level 6 qualification, a related higher-education programme, or further professional development in areas such as health and social care management, adult care leadership, public health, nursing, social work, community services, or organisational leadership. Progression remains subject to the receiving institution’s admission requirements.