OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care

The course is an Ofqual-regulated, 60-credit qualification for learners who wish to develop the knowledge and professional values needed to support adults in health and social care settings.

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Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care

The programme introduces learners to the responsibilities of a health and social care worker, effective communication, and ethical practice. It also provides opportunities to study areas of adult health and wellbeing that are relevant to a learner’s interests or intended career. 

Through the qualification, learners develop an understanding of: 

  • Professional roles, responsibilities, and conduct in care settings. 
  • Communication with people receiving care, colleagues, and other professionals. 
  • Ethical practice and respect for the people being supported. 
  • Personal and professional development. 
  • Selected areas of health, disability, wellbeing, and information handling. 

Learners complete three mandatory units and three optional units. This structure combines a common foundation in care practice with a choice of specialist topics. 

Attribute Details
Qualification title OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care
Qualification number 610/6122/0
Awarding organisation
Regulator Ofqual
Qualification level RQF Level 3
Credit value 60 credits
Total Qualification Time 600 hours
Guided Learning Hours Minimum recommendation of 300 hours
Qualification duration Six months
Unit structure Three mandatory units and three optional units
Assessment method Coursework
Overall grading Pass or fail

OTHM describes its Level 3 diploma qualifications as academically comparable in level to GCE A levels. This comparison describes the level of study; it does not mean that every university will accept the diploma in place of particular A-level subjects or grades.

All learners complete the following three units. Each unit carries 10 credits. 

  1. Responsibilities of a Health and Social Care Worker
  2. Personal and Professional Development in Health and Social Care
  3. Effective Communication and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care 

Optional Units 

Learners complete three optional units from the following selection. Each is worth 10 credits. LSMM should confirm which units it offers for each intake before applicants choose their pathway. 

  1. Health Promotion
  2. Diabetes Awareness
  3. Stroke Awareness and Management
  4. Dementia Awareness
  5. Mental Health Awareness
  6. Physical Disability Awareness
  7. Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings 
  • Applicants may enrol from age 16.  
  • OTHM does not specify a particular Level 2 qualification or set of GCSEs for entry.  
  • LSMM must assess whether each applicant can undertake learning and assessment at Level 3 

Applicants from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency, ideally with an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. 

Assessment 

The qualification is assessed through coursework. Learners must provide evidence that they have achieved the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. The overall qualification is graded pass or fail.  

Outcomes

On successful completion of the OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care, learners will have developed foundational knowledge and understanding, enabling them to:

  • Understand the roles, responsibilities and professional boundaries of health and social care workers.
  • Explain person-centred approaches that respect individual needs, preferences, dignity and independence.
  • Understand effective communication with adults receiving care, their families and colleagues.
  • Recognise the importance of ethical practice, equality and inclusion in adult care.
  • Develop knowledge of specialist adult care topics through their selected optional units.

This knowledge provides a foundation for further study and professional development within adult health and social care.

Progression

Successful completion may support progression to:

  • A relevant Level 4 qualification in health and social care, including a health and social care management pathway where its entry requirements are met.
  • Further vocational study or professional development within adult care.
  • An undergraduate programme, where the receiving university accepts the qualification and the applicant meets all other course requirements.

Admission to a nursing, social work or other professionally regulated degree is subject to the university’s specific entry criteria. Applicants should check the requirements of their intended course before relying on this diploma as a route to entry.

OTHM identifies Level 4 health and social care study as a progression opportunity for this qualification.

The qualification can help learners develop knowledge relevant to care and support roles, including: 

  • Care Assistant 
  • Adult Social Care Worker 
  • Support Worker 
  • Community Support Worker 
  • Health and Social Care Assistant 

A particular post may also require workplace training, experience, suitability checks or qualifications specified by the employer. The diploma itself should not be presented as a professional registration or a guarantee of employment. 

Application process

  1. Submit Your Application: Complete the application form via our website.   
  2. Application Review: Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed within one week of receipt. 
  3. Receive Your Offer: Upon a successful assessment, you will receive an acceptance letter. 
  4. Accept the Acceptance Letter: Review the acceptance letter, sign it, and send it back to LSMM admissions. 
  5. Fee Deposit: Pay the required fee as per the payment schedule. 
  6. Induction: You will be informed of your cohort start date and induction schedule. Attend the induction session and begin your course. 

For More Information

Ofqual Regulated Qualifications

Programmes regulated by OFQUAL (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, Govt of UK), ensuring recognised UK standards and international credibility

Flexible Study Options

Study online, blended, or part-time with flexible schedules including weekend and evening classes designed for working professionals and adult learners.

Career-Focused Learning

Programmes designed to develop practical workplace skills aligned with current industry requirements, globally.

University Progression Pathways

Learners can progress to university degree programmes in the UK and internationally.