NQual Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care, online from 10 months
Awarded by NQual and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 4: 70 credits, 12 mandatory units (37 credits) + minimum 33 optional credits (70 credits total), 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
- 15 months
- Credits
- 70
- Level
- RQF Level 4
- Guided learning hours
- 560 hours
- Total qualification time
- 700 hours
- Assessment
- Portfolio of workplace evidence
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £950
What this qualification is
The NQual Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care is awarded by NQual and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 4. The qualification totals 70 credits across 12 mandatory units (37 credits) + minimum 33 optional credits (70 credits total). Ofqual register reference 610/2969/5. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 15 months; accelerated completion in 10 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.
Senior care workers and team leaders in adult social care settings. Level 5 leading and managing an adult care service and other management routes.
International healthcare recruiters reject candidates who can only follow care plans, demanding leaders who can architect safety protocols and withstand rigorous regulatory scrutiny.
This qualification shifts your capability from executing daily routines to designing comprehensive safeguarding frameworks and managing complex clinical risks. You gain the authority to lead multidisciplinary teams through compliance audits, directly positioning you for Registered Manager roles that carry significant budgetary responsibility and higher compensation bands in global health organizations.
Advanced adult care practice and leadership foundations — assessed through an NQual portfolio of workplace evidence.
- Awarding organisation: NQual
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 4
- Credits: 70
- Units: 12 mandatory units (37 credits) + minimum 33 optional credits (70 credits total)
- Duration: 15 months (accelerated 10 months)
- Ofqual qualification no.: 610/2969/5
- Progression: Level 5 leading and managing an adult care service and other management routes.
Per the NQual specification (610/2969/5): achieve all mandatory unit credits (37) and at least 33 credits from optional units with your centre — 70 credits in total. At least 55 credits on the qualification must be at RQF Level 4 or above, as set out in the NQual rules of combination.
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
- Awarding organisation:
- NQual
- Qualification number (Ofqual):
- 610/2969/5
- Level:
- RQF Level 4
- Credits:
- 70
- Units:
- 12 mandatory units (37 credits) + minimum 33 optional credits (70 credits total)
- Guided learning hours:
- 560 hours
- Total qualification time:
- 700 hours
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 15 months
- Assessment:
- Portfolio of workplace evidence
- Fees from:
- £950
- Entry requirements:
- A Level 3 qualification (e.g., A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, Level 3 Diploma), or equivalent; or relevant experience. Minimum age 18.
- Progression:
- Level 5 leading and managing an adult care service and other management routes.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
Related: Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, Level 5 Adult Care Service Management, health and social care qualifications.
See how the programme works, how you're assessed and how online study fits around your job.
Level 4 adult care units
Qualification rules (NQual specification): 12 mandatory units (37 credits) + minimum 33 optional credits (70 credits total). Per the NQual specification (610/2969/5): achieve all mandatory unit credits (37) and at least 33 credits from optional units with your centre — 70 credits in total. At least 55 credits on the qualification must be at RQF Level 4 or above, as set out in the NQual rules of combination. 560 guided learning hours (GLH) 700 hours total qualification time (TQT). The mandatory section lists 12 units (37 credits)—all are required. The optional section lists 21 units (78 credits available); you and your centre choose enough optional units to meet the minimum optional credit rule above—not the full optional bank.
Lead Communication in Adult Care Settings (mandatory)
4 creditsDevelop, Maintain and Use Records and Reports (mandatory)
3 creditsPersonal Development in Adult Social Care Settings (mandatory)
4 creditsLead Inclusive Practice in Adult Care Settings (mandatory)
3 creditsLead Health and Safety in Adult Care Settings (mandatory)
3 creditsFacilitate Person-Centred Assessments to Support Well-Being (mandatory)
2 creditsFacilitate Support Planning to Ensure Positive Outcomes for Individuals and to Support Well-Being (mandatory)
3 creditsProfessional Practice in Adult Care Settings (mandatory)
3 creditsWorking in Partnership with Others (mandatory)
4 creditsUnderstand Personalisation in Care and Support Services (mandatory)
4 creditsUnderstand Safeguarding and Protection in Adult Care Settings (mandatory)
2 creditsSafeguarding Children and Young People who are Present in the Adult Care Sector (mandatory)
2 creditsAwareness of Acquired Brain Injury (optional)
4 creditsDementia Awareness (optional)
4 creditsDiabetes Awareness (optional)
4 creditsLead End of Life Services (optional)
4 creditsMental Health Awareness (optional)
4 creditsPositive Behaviour Support (optional)
4 creditsAwareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (optional)
2 creditsProvide Information, Advice and Guidance (optional)
2 creditsIndependent Advocacy (optional)
4 creditsSupport Individuals to Manage Their Finances (optional)
2 creditsSupport with Accessing Housing and Accommodation Services (optional)
2 creditsCoaching and Mentoring in Social Care (optional)
3 creditsStroke Awareness (optional)
4 creditsSupport Individuals with Communication and Interaction Difficulties (optional)
3 creditsLeadership in Care Settings (optional)
5 creditsAdult Care Regulation and Inspection (optional)
5 creditsSupervision Skills (optional)
5 creditsQuality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the Care Setting (optional)
5 creditsManage Inductions in Adult Care (optional)
5 creditsManaging Change and Innovation (optional)
5 creditsDigital Skills within Care Settings (optional)
2 creditsEvery unit is assessed by written assignments submitted online, with tutor feedback and sample assignments to guide you.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
A Level 3 qualification (e.g., A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, Level 3 Diploma), or an international equivalent. Higher qualifications are also accepted.
Work experience
Candidates with 1–2 years of relevant professional experience 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
Senior care workers and team leaders in adult social care settings.
Progression: Level 5 leading and managing an adult care service and other management routes.
Course fees
All plans are interest-free and include every unit, study material and tutor support. A £10 enrolment fee applies.
* 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 NQual, a UK awarding organisation. Qualifications are designed to meet the needs of learners and employers across professional and vocational sectors.
Regulation
Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 4, 70 credits.
View on the Ofqual Register (No. 610/2969/5) →
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235.
NQual →
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 NQual at RQF Level 4 and is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Qualification number: 610/2969/5.
How many units do I need to complete?
The qualification totals 70 credits: 12 mandatory units (37 credits) + minimum 33 optional credits (70 credits total). Per the NQual specification (610/2969/5): achieve all mandatory unit credits (37) and at least 33 credits from optional units with your centre — 70 credits in total. At least 55 credits on the qualification must be at RQF Level 4 or above, as set out in the NQual rules of combination.
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 3 qualification (e.g., A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, Level 3 Diploma) or an equivalent credential. Candidates with 1–2 years of relevant professional experience are also encouraged to apply. Minimum age 18.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
You can choose 15 months (standard, £950); 10 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 5 leading and managing an adult care service and other management routes.
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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