OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management

This is an Ofqual-regulated, 120-credit qualification designed for learners who wish to develop their knowledge of care services and management practice. It focuses on partnership working, safeguarding, health education, team management, professional supervision and research.

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Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management

The programme develops learners’ understanding of how health and social care professionals work together to meet the needs of individuals and communities. It examines the management of teams, the supervision of professional practice and the protection of vulnerable people. Learners also consider approaches to promoting health and wellbeing and undertake study in research methods relevant to the sector. 

The qualification combines academic knowledge with evidence drawn from work or training activities. It is intended to help learners apply informed judgement in care settings and prepare for further responsibilities or higher-level study. 

Attribute Details
Qualification title OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
Qualification number 610/1537/4
Awarding organisation
Regulator Ofqual
Qualification level RQF Level 5
Credit value 120 credits
Total Qualification Time 1,200 hours
Guided Learning Hours 600 hours
Unit structure Six mandatory units
Typical full-time duration One academic year
Assessment method Coursework

OTHM describes Level 5 qualifications as academically comparable in level to a Foundation Degree, a Higher National Diploma and the second year of a three-year UK bachelor’s degree. LSMM’s available study modes and timetable should be confirmed with its admissions team.

Learners must complete all six mandatory units. Each unit is worth 20 credits.  

  1. Working in Partnership in Health and Social Care (20 credits) 
  2. Managing the Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Individuals (20 credits) 
  3. Health Education and Promoting Wellbeing (20 credits) 
  4. Team Management in Health and Social Care (20 credits) 
  5. Professional Supervision Practice in Health and Social Care (20 credits) 
  6. Research Methods in Health and Social Care (20 credits) 

The qualification is typically intended for learners aged 18 or over. Applicants would normally meet one of the following entry profiles: 

  • A relevant Level 4 diploma or equivalent qualification. 
  • GCE Advanced Level passes in three subjects, or an equivalent qualification. 
  • Relevant management experience if aged over 21, subject to discussion with LSMM before registration. 

English language proficiency: Applicants from countries where English is not a majority language must provide evidence of their English language competence. An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is preferred by LSMM, subject to its admissions assessment.

  • All six units are assessed through coursework. 
  • Learners must provide evidence that they have met the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. 
  • LSMM, as the delivery centre, assesses the work internally; OTHM externally verifies the assessment. 
  • An assessor determines whether the evidence meets the standard required for a pass. 

Outcomes

On successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management, learners will have developed specialist knowledge and management skills, enabling them to:

  • Understand how to develop effective partnerships within and between health and social care organisations.
  • Apply principles for managing the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable individuals.
  • Explore health education approaches that promote wellbeing.
  • Apply team management principles to support effective health and social care services.
  • Understand professional supervision practices that support staff development and performance.
  • Apply research methods to investigate a relevant health and social care topic.

These skills support further study and professional development in health and social care management.

Progression

Successful learners may:

  • Progress to a relevant OTHM Level 6 diploma, including the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management, subject to its entry requirements.
  • Apply for entry to the final year of a relevant three-year UK bachelor’s degree, where the receiving university accepts the qualification and the applicant meets its admissions criteria.
  • Continue their professional development through further study or workplace training.

Progression to a particular university course, including any top-up degree, is decided by the receiving institution. Completion of the Level 5 diploma does not itself confer a bachelor’s degree or provide direct entry to postgraduate study.

The qualification develops knowledge that may support progression towards roles in care service management, team supervision, safeguarding and service improvement. Depending on their experience and an employer’s requirements, learners may pursue opportunities such as: 

  • Care Co-ordinator or Care Supervisor. 
  • Community Care Co-ordinator. 
  • Health and Social Care Team Leader. 
  • Professional Supervision or Staff Development Officer. 
  • Quality or Safeguarding Support Officer. 
  • Deputy Manager within a care service. 

Some positions, particularly registered or clinical management roles, have additional professional, regulatory or experience requirements. The diploma alone does not qualify a learner for those posts. 

Application process

  1. Submit Your Application: Complete your application online via our application form on the 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: Deposit the fee as per the payment schedule 
  6. Induction: You will be informed about the commencement of your cohort and induction date. Attend the induction session and start the programme. 

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.