Oakswood College

ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (120 Credits)

The ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a UK Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to develop advanced knowledge, leadership capability, and professional practice within the health and social care sector.

The programme is intended for learners who have successfully completed Level 4 study in health and social care or who have relevant professional experience and are seeking progression into supervisory, leadership, or management roles, or further higher education.

Overview & Key Info
What You Will Study
Teaching & Entry Requirements
Progression & Fees

Qualification Overview

Leamers develop an advanced understanding of leadership, service improvement, professional practice, innovation, and the effective management of health and social care services. The qualification combines core leadership and management units with specialist optional units, allowing leamers to tailor their studies to areas such as digital leadership, adult social care, care planning, clinical skills, financial management, and service development.

Throughout the programme, learners are encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world health and social care settings, developing critical thinking, professional judgement, reflective practice, and evidence-based decision-making skills that support career progression within the sector.

Key Information

Course Details
Qualification	ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (120 Credits)
Level	5
Credits	120
Duration	12 months (Total Qualification Time: 1200 hours, including 480 Guided Learning Hours)
Intakes	September, January & April
Study Mode	Full-time / Blended Learning / Distance Learning
Delivery Location	On-campus at Oakswood College, Tricorn House, 7th Floor, 51–53 Hagley Road, Birmingham B16 8TP
Awarding Body	ATHE (Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation)
Assessment	Coursework-based (internally assessed assignments)

What You Will Study

This qualification includes four mandatory units and four optional units selected in accordance with the qualification requirements. Each unit is assessed through structured assignments that encourage learners to apply leadership principles, analyse professional practice, and develop evidence-based solutions to challenges within health and social care services.

Units within this qualification

Unit Title	Type	Level
Mandatory Units (All 4 Must Be Completed)
Leading and Managing Health and Social Care	Mandatory	5
Responsibilities, Values and Behaviours in Health and Social Care	Mandatory	5
Improvement and Innovation in Health and Social Care	Mandatory	5
Professional Development and Performance Management in Health and Social Care	Mandatory	5
Optional Units (Select Four From Below)
Digital Skills for Leaders in Health and Social Care	Optional	5
Leading and Managing Different Adult Social Care Service Models	Optional	5
Care Planning and Assessment in Social Care Settings	Optional	5
Management of Clinical Skills in Adult Social Care	Optional	5
Managing Transitions Relating to Care Settings and Significant Life Events	Optional	5
Leading Financial Management in Health and Social Care	Optional	5

Teaching and Learning Approach

The programme is delivered through structured teaching blocks supported by tutor-led sessions, guided learning, case studies, seminars, independent research, and assignment preparation.

Learning focuses on applying leadership and management principles to realistic health and social care scenarios, encouraging learners to evaluate policy, improve service delivery, and reflect on professional practice. Collaborative learning, discussion, and critical analysis are integrated throughout the programme to support the development of leadership capability and informed decision-making. Learners are expected to engage in independent study and demonstrate increasing autonomy in research, evaluation, and professional practice.

Entry Requirements

This programme is designed for learners aged 18 and above. Typical entry profile includes:

ATHE Level 4 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, or
Another Level 4 qualification in a related discipline, or
Equivalent international qualifications, or
Relevant professional experience within the health and social care sector (subject to assessment).

English language requirement (for non-native speakers): IELTS 5.5 or equivalent (CEFR B2 level). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered where appropriate.

Assessment Methodology

Assessment is completed through internally assessed coursework assignments. Learners are assessed against ATHE learning outcomes and may achieve Pass, Merit, or Distinction grades.

Assessment methods may include:

Written reports & case studies
Reflective accounts & professional practice evaluations
Research projects & portfolio tasks
Presentations

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion, learners may progress to:

ATHE Level 6 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Healthcare Management or related qualifications
Final year of undergraduate degree programmes in Health and Social Care, Healthcare Management, or related disciplines (subject to university entry requirements)
Leadership and management roles within health and social care organisations
Senior practitioner, team leader, service coordinator, or operational management positions
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), professional development programmes, and apprenticeship pathways