OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care, online from 6 months
Awarded by OTHM Qualifications and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 3: 60 credits, 6 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
- 9 months
- Credits
- 60
- Level
- RQF Level 3
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £190 / 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 9 months; accelerated completion in 6 months is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £950. 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.
Clinic managers and care home directors no longer hire based on intuition; they hire based on verified compliance records that protect their licenses. The industry has moved past accepting "on-the-job training" as a valid credential for supervisory positions, creating a hard ceiling for experienced workers who lack formal documentation. This foundation diploma converts your daily operational experience into a regulated Level 3 qualification that signals immediate readiness for leadership.
Gain the authority to audit care plans against international safety standards and correct procedural errors before they become liability issues. You will command respect in multidisciplinary meetings by speaking the language of regulatory compliance and risk management, allowing you to transition from executing tasks to overseeing entire service delivery units. This credential enables you to manage staff rotas, handle sensitive patient data with legal precision, and take ownership of quality assurance metrics that directly impact facility ratings.
- Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 3
- Credits: 60
- Units: 6
- Duration: 9 months (accelerated 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:
- 9 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £190 / 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
Responsibilities of a Health and Social Care worker
10 creditsDefine your legal accountability and professional boundaries to mitigate liability and maintain credibility when managing high-stakes care scenarios.
Personal and Professional Development in Health and Social Care
10 creditsConstruct a strategic career roadmap that leverages reflective practice to secure leadership positions and adapt to new regulatory environments abroad.
Effective Communication and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care
10 creditsNavigate complex ethical dilemmas and diverse cultural expectations to resolve conflicts and maintain trust with stakeholders in multicultural settings.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing in Health and Social Care Settings
10 creditsDesign and enforce risk management protocols that align with international safety standards to protect staff, patients, and organizational reputation.
Person-centred Approaches in Health and Social Care Settings
10 creditsLead the creation of customized care strategies that honor individual autonomy and cultural diversity, driving higher patient satisfaction and service quality.
Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings
10 creditsMaster the governance of sensitive health data to ensure seamless, compliant information sharing across borders and integrated care networks.
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
A published source has not yet been matched to a salary figure for these roles.
Indicative UK salary information for related occupations. Figures reflect the referenced occupation and data source, not guaranteed earnings after completing this qualification.
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 page9 monthsStandard mode | 6 monthsFast-track | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £950 | £1,250 |
| Monthly | £190 × 5 | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) |
| Quarterly | £475 × 2 | — |
| Pay in full | £902.50 (save 5%) | £1,187.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£190 × 5
- Quarterly£475 × 2
- Pay in full£902.50 (save 5%)
- 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.
Insights and Q&A
Extra detail beyond this page — written for learners researching fees, assessment and outcomes.
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 9 months (Standard mode, £950); 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250). 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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