Level 3 Diploma in AdultHealth and Social Care - OTHM

The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care is a regulated UK qualification for people working with adults in care settings. It builds knowledge in person-centred care, safeguarding, communication, health and safety, and specialist conditions such as dementia. It sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England.

Learners must be aged 16 or over. A Level 2 qualification or equivalent prior learning is recommended but not always essential. Applicants need a good standard of written and spoken English.

Yes. The diploma is open to complete beginners as well as existing care staff. Units start with foundational principles before moving into specialist care topics. No prior employment in a care setting is required to enrol or complete the qualification.

Most learners complete the diploma in 6 to 8 months. Study is self-paced, so the timeline depends on weekly study hours. Learners studying part-time alongside work typically take longer. Access to course materials runs for 12 months from enrolment.

This qualification is delivered fully online. Learners access all units, materials and assessments through Lead Academy's learning platform. There are no timetabled classes and no attendance requirement. Study can be completed from any UK or international location with an internet connection.

The diploma comprises 6 mandatory units worth 60 credits in total. Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 600 hours, including 300 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). All units must be completed and passed to achieve the full diploma.

There are no written exams. The qualification is assessed entirely through written assignments. Each unit has assessment tasks mapped to its learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Learners submit work online and can resubmit if a unit is referred.

Assessment is by coursework assignments submitted online. Work is marked against OTHM assessment criteria by qualified assessors, then internally verified. OTHM carries out external quality assurance before certification. Learners receive written feedback on each submitted unit.

Yes. OTHM is an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation. The qualification is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications at Level 3 on the RQF. Certificates are issued directly by OTHM.

The qualification is Ofqual-regulated and sits at RQF Level 3, which employers use as a benchmark when reviewing applications. Graduates work in residential care, supported living, domiciliary care, community services and NHS settings. Individual employers set their own recruitment criteria, so requirements vary by role.

Common roles include care assistant, support worker, senior care worker, healthcare assistant, residential care worker, domiciliary care worker and health advocate. The diploma also supports progression into team leader and senior support roles for those already employed in adult care.

Learners can progress to a Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care or Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management. Other routes include Level 4 leadership qualifications or a related university foundation year. Some learners move directly into employment and study later.