Health and Social Care Level 3
Course Overview
The Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care introduces the principles that support safe, respectful and person-centred services. Learners study the organisation of the sector, communication, population health and person-centred care before selecting two specialist units.
The programme is knowledge-based and supports progression to further study or associated employment. Learning should connect legislation, values, evidence and practical scenarios while maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding responsibilities.
Key facts
| Key fact | Current information |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care |
| Qualification number | 603/0819/9 |
| RQF level | Level 3 |
| Credit value | 60 credits |
| Qualification size | 600 hours total qualification time |
| Normal duration | 6–12 months part-time; LSBI to confirm |
| Assessment and grading | Assignments and approved evidence; Pass or Fail |
| Awarding organisation | Qualifi |
Who is this course for?
The qualification is suitable for adults who want to begin or develop study in health and social care. It may suit people already working in a support setting and those preparing for a future role, provided they meet the current entry requirements.
What you will learn
- Explain the structure, purpose and responsibilities found across health and social care.
- Use communication principles appropriate to people, families and professional teams.
- Discuss public-health priorities and approaches to improving population health.
- Apply person-centred values to care planning, choice, dignity and participation.
- Develop knowledge in two selected areas: diabetes, stroke or dementia care.
- Use evidence, reflection and professional language in assessed work.
Course modules
Learners complete four mandatory units and two of the three optional units.
| Module | Credit/status | Module focus |
|---|---|---|
| An Introduction to Health and Social Care | 10 credits; mandatory | Sector structure, roles, services, values, responsibilities and current context. |
| Communication for Health and Social Care | 10 credits; mandatory | Communication methods, barriers, information, confidentiality and professional interaction. |
| Promoting Health in the Population | 10 credits; mandatory | Public health, determinants, inequalities, prevention and health-promotion approaches. |
| Person-Centred Care | 10 credits; mandatory | Choice, dignity, participation, strengths, planning and responsive support. |
| Understanding Diabetes Care | 10 credits; optional | Diabetes awareness, management, support and person-centred considerations. |
| Understanding Stroke Care | 10 credits; optional | Stroke awareness, impact, rehabilitation and support considerations. |
| Understanding Dementia Care | 10 credits; optional | Dementia awareness, communication, support and person-centred practice. |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching should combine structured lessons, discussion, scenarios, guided research and tutorials. Learning activities must model confidentiality, dignity, safeguarding and accurate use of evidence.
Assessment is primarily through written assignments that are internally marked and subject to Qualifi’s external quality-assurance arrangements. The current specification also permits appropriate evidence such as practical observation where relevant. LSBI must publish its approved assessment plan and should not refer to another college’s marking process.
Entry requirements
The current Qualifi specification states that applicants should be aged 18 or over. Where English is not the applicant’s first language, an IELTS score of 6 or an accepted equivalent is required.
LSBI should also check whether applicants can study and be assessed safely and effectively, and publish any requirements for prior education, digital access, placement evidence or occupational context.
Progression and career relevance
Successful learners may progress to the Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care or another suitable programme, subject to the receiving provider’s entry requirements. The qualification may also support applications for associated employment.
It is not an occupational-competence licence and does not by itself qualify a learner to practise in a regulated profession. Employers may require enhanced DBS checks, right-to-work evidence, induction, mandatory training, supervised practice or other role-specific requirements.
Award
Learners who complete the four mandatory units and two optional units receive the Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by Qualifi.
Important information
Do not advertise “up to 48 UCAS points” for this Qualifi qualification. That message relates to a different ATHE Level 3 health and social care qualification. LSBI must use one awarding organisation’s current specification consistently across the title, units, assessment, grading, award and progression.
