Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF)

• Access Duration: 12 Months
• Awarded by: ATHE
• Credit Value: 60
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 303
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 600
• Qualification Level: 3
• Qualification Number: 603/6568/7
• UCAS Points: Up to 48 

• Learn about the fundamental concept of health and social care. 
• Understand the organisational structure of the health and social care sector.  
• Become familiar with multidisciplinary working in health and social care.  
• Understand the role of health and social care regulators. 
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of professionals working in health and social care settings. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety procedures in health and social care settings. 

• Healthcare workers 
• Social care workers 
• Healthcare assistants 
• Adult care workers 
• Domiciliary care workers 

This Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is a highly-recognised qualification that provides a strong foundation to progress to higher-level certification. With this Level 3 diploma, you can explore entry-level roles in this rewarding field. Although this diploma is designed to help you transition to higher education, the introductory skills will open up potential career paths. Here are some prospects you can explore once you’re certified.  

• Health Care Worker 
• Support Worker 
• Social Care Worker  
• Adult Care Worker 
• Domiciliary Worker 
• Community Support Worker 

• Learners must be over the age of 16.
• 5 or more GCSEs at grades C and above or grade 4 and above.
• Other related Level 2 subjects.
• Other equivalent international qualifications.
• A good standard of written and spoken English.

• This course can be completed in a matter of months or over the course of a year. Most learners will complete this course in 6-9 months. Some learners may complete the course quicker, depending on their personal circumstances and available study time. We will accommodate your pace, providing unlimited support for 12 months.
• The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care requires approximately 303 guided study hours. This figure is an estimate and depends on how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how quickly you grasp the teaching, learning concepts, and course materials.

• This assessment process includes written assignments. Importantly, this course doesn’t have exams. Here’s an overview of how you will be assessed throughout the course:
• Written Assignments: This course includes six units. You will complete written assignments which will be carefully reviewed and evaluated by an assessor. These assignments will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course theory. You can achieve a Pass, Merit, or Distinction for each unit based on the quality of the work submitted. (Pass 180 – 215, Merit 216 – 269, Distinction 270+)
• Internal Marking and Feedback: All completed assignments are marked internally within South London College. You will receive constructive feedback and guidance from your personal tutor, which will support your learning and improvement.
• Assessor Support: You will have comprehensive access to support from assessors via various channels including telephone, WhatsApp, online discussions, email, and web chats.
• For further details or any specific questions about the assessment process, please click the ‘Enquiry’ button below to get in touch with us.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 01: Level 4 Diploma in Management for Health and Social Care 

• Step 02: Level 4 Extended Diploma in Management for Health and Social Care 

• Step 03: Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Social Care

 Alternative Progression Pathway:  

• Level 4 Certificate in Management for Health and Social Care 

Ofqual-regulated qualifications are overseen by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body regulating school, college, and vocational qualifications in the UK. Ofqual ensures these qualifications meet high standards of quality and rigour, providing assurance they are recognised and respected by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies. This oversight guarantees the qualifications maintain consistency, transparency, and credibility, meaning potential employers and organisations will have confidence in the individual’s skills and abilities, making them competitive candidates. They support professional development and compliance with industry standards, particularly in regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and public services. Ofqual-regulated qualifications are accepted abroad or can be easily converted to the country’s equivalent. 

 RQF 

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.