OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care, online in 6 months
Awarded by OTHM Qualifications and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 3: 60 credits, 10 units, assessed by assignment with no exams. Delivered 100% online by LEAP Education.
£10 to apply · Offer within 24 hours · Apply with qualifications or relevant work experience
Stanmore School of Business Limited — UK registered learning provider since 2017.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Credits
- 60
- Level
- RQF Level 3
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £416.67 / month
What this qualification is
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care is awarded by OTHM Qualifications and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 3. The qualification totals 60 credits across 6 mandatory units. Ofqual register reference 603/3938/5. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 6 months; accelerated completion in available on selected programmes is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £1,250. Assessment is through coursework and assignments — there is no requirement to attend a UK campus.
Team leaders and senior support workers building formal qualifications for NHS and independent sector employers. Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management or Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
Care coordinators and senior support workers are hitting a hard ceiling because multinational health groups no longer accept informal experience as proof of operational competence.
Completing this diploma allows you to lead multidisciplinary handovers with authority, audit service standards against international regulations, and implement safeguarding protocols that protect your organization from liability. You move from executing daily care tasks to designing compliant frameworks, giving you the specific credentials needed to pass promotion panels for roles like Care Manager or Operations Lead.
This qualification targets support workers with two to five years of hands-on experience in markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia who are currently trapped in entry-level salary bands. It is also for career switchers from hospitality or administration who need a fast, recognized credential to enter the regulated care sector. If you are ready to leave generalist support work behind for a specialized role with a clear promotion ladder, this foundation provides the compliance and leadership expertise hiring managers require.
- Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 3
- Credits: 60
- Units: 10
- Duration: 6 months
- Ofqual qualification no.: 603/3938/5
- Progression: Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management or Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care
- Awarding organisation:
- OTHM Qualifications
- Qualification number (Ofqual):
- 603/3938/5
- Level:
- RQF Level 3
- Credits:
- 60
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 6 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £416.67 / month
- Entry requirements:
- A Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs, Level 2 Diploma), or equivalent; or relevant experience. Minimum age 18.
- Progression:
- Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management or Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
See how the programme works, how you're assessed and how online study fits around your job.
What you'll study
Person-Centred Practice in Health and Social Care
Design bespoke care strategies that prioritize individual autonomy, a critical competency for managing high-value client relationships in premium international care sectors.
Communication Skills in Health and Social Care
Execute precise information exchange across multidisciplinary teams to prevent clinical errors and streamline service delivery in complex, fast-paced care environments.
Health and Safety in the Workplace
Implement rigorous risk assessment protocols to ensure operational compliance and mitigate liability, a foundational requirement for leadership roles in regulated healthcare facilities.
Dignity and Respect in Care
Apply ethical frameworks that preserve client autonomy and trust, essential for maintaining professional integrity and reducing turnover in senior care management positions.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Integrate psychological support into holistic care plans, enabling you to manage complex patient needs and drive better health outcomes in integrated service models.
Physical Health and Disability
Adapt care delivery for diverse physical capabilities, ensuring inclusive service design that meets the rigorous accessibility standards of global healthcare providers.
Nutrition and Hydration in Care
Make evidence-based dietary decisions that prevent clinical complications, demonstrating the specialized knowledge required for senior roles in clinical nutrition and patient management.
Medication Management in Care
Enforce strict adherence to administration protocols to minimize clinical risk, a non-negotiable skill for professionals overseeing patient safety in international care settings.
Supporting Individuals with Diverse Needs
Demonstrate cultural competence in delivering inclusive care, a strategic advantage for professionals operating in multicultural markets and global healthcare organizations.
Health and Social Care Law and Policy
Navigate complex regulatory landscapes to ensure organizational compliance, providing the legal acumen necessary for senior leadership and policy implementation roles.
Every unit is assessed by written assignments submitted online, with tutor feedback and sample assignments to guide you.
Two ways in
Qualifications
A Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs, Level 2 Diploma), or an international equivalent. Higher qualifications are also accepted.
Work experience
Candidates with some relevant work experience or a keen interest in the subject are encouraged to apply. Your practical knowledge counts.
Minimum age 18. International applicants welcome. Send us your certificates and we'll confirm eligibility within 24 hours.
Fully online
No campus visits. Study on any device, in any time zone.
Materials included
Study notes, sample assignments and resources from day one.
24/7 study assistant
Instant explanations and assignment guidance from our AI study assistant.
Tutor feedback
Qualified tutors mark assignments and give feedback by email and chat.
Where this can take you
Team leaders and senior support workers building formal qualifications for NHS and independent sector employers.
Progression: Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management or Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
Universities that recognise this qualification for progression
- University College Birmingham
- University of Sunderland
- University of Greater Manchester
- University of Staffordshire
Progression routes vary by university and programme. Contact admissions for current entry requirements.
Choose your pace
All plans are interest-free and include every unit, study material and tutor support. A £10 enrolment fee applies.
| This page6 monthsFast-track | 9 monthsStandard mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £1,250 | £950 |
| Monthly | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) | £190 × 5 |
| Quarterly | — | £475 × 2 |
| Pay in full | £1,187.50 (save 5%) | £902.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250)
- Pay in full£1,187.50 (save 5%)
* Programme fees shown include online learning, study materials and tutor support for the qualification. A separate £10 enrolment fee is payable when you submit your application. Interest-free instalment plans and a 5% discount for paying the full programme fee upfront are available where shown.
Need a different payment plan? Our admissions team can help.
Talk to an adviser on WhatsApp →Who awards your qualification
This qualification is awarded by OTHM Qualifications, an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation. OTHM qualifications are regulated on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and recognised by employers and universities in the UK and internationally.
Regulation
Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 3, 60 credits.
View on the Ofqual Register (No. 603/3938/5) →
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235.
OTHM Qualifications →
Start in three steps
- 01
Apply online
Complete the short form and pay the £10 enrolment fee. About five minutes.
- 02
Receive your offer
We confirm eligibility and email your start date and payment options.
- 03
Start learning
Pay your first instalment and get access to your units.
Common questions
Is this qualification regulated by Ofqual?
Yes. This qualification is awarded by OTHM Qualifications at RQF Level 3 and is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Qualification number: 603/3938/5.
Can I study from outside the UK?
Yes. The programme is 100% online with no campus visits, so you can study from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
Are there any exams?
No. Every unit is assessed through written assignments submitted online. There are no written examinations.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants should hold a Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs, Level 2 Diploma) or an equivalent credential. Candidates with some relevant work experience or a keen interest in the subject are also encouraged to apply. Minimum age 18.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
You can choose 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250); 9 months (Standard mode, £950). Interest-free instalment plans are available on each option.
When can I start?
You can enrol at any time. Once your application is accepted and the first payment is made, you receive access to the learning platform and study materials.
What can I progress to?
Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management or Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
Who operates LEAP Education?
LEAP Education is a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited (Company No. 10591140, UKPRN 10085235), a UK learning provider.
Last reviewed 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
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