Qualification Overview

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is designed to support the development of current and future professionals in the health and social care sector. This qualification offers learners a comprehensive pathway to build both practical care skills and strategic management capabilities, equipping them to meet the demands of an evolving sector.

The course aims to enhance recognition and professionalism in the industry, offering a strong foundation for learners who wish to take on supervisory, leadership, or specialist care roles—or pursue further academic qualifications such as a final year of an Honours degree.

This extended diploma programme is structured to provide in-depth knowledge and advanced skills aligned with industry standards. With a credit value of 240 credits and a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 2,400 hours, it offers a comprehensive learning experience that supports both practical and strategic development. Ideal for professionals aiming to step into leadership, specialist, or academic pathways, the qualification ensures strong academic grounding and career progression opportunities.

Progression Routes

Successful learners may progress to:

1. The final year of an Honours degree in Health and Social Care or related field
   
2. Employment or promotion into supervisory, management, or specialist care roles
   
3. Further professional development and specialisation within the sector 

Learning Outcomes

Learners will develop the ability to:

1. Critically analyse, synthesise and summarise information relevant to health and social care
   
2. Read and use appropriate academic literature effectively and think independently
   
3. Apply knowledge to both familiar and unfamiliar situations
   
4. Identify and address moral and ethical issues within health and social care practice
   
5. Understand the interdisciplinary nature of care provision and service delivery
   
6. Construct and communicate arguments clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
   
7. Adapt to changing care environments and roles through transferable skills
   
8. Demonstrate professional standards, codes of conduct, and reflective practice
   
9. Progress toward further academic or career development opportunities 

Entry Requirements

Approved centres must assess each applicant’s suitability based on the following criteria:

1. Applicants must be aged 18 or over
   
2. For Level 4: Recommended entry is a Level 3 qualification
   
3. For Level 5: Entry typically requires a Level 4 qualification in a related field
   
4. Applicants with significant work experience in health and social care may also be considered
   
5. English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required if English is not the applicant’s first language
   
6. Applicants must provide two references, with at least one being academic (preferred)
   
7. International qualifications will be evaluated for equivalency with UK entry standards