Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 600 hours and 120 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with a combined total of 60 credits.

Assessment for the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care is assignment-based. Learner work is internally assessed and verified by the approved centre, with external quality assurance provided by OTHM-appointed External Quality Assurers to ensure compliance with OTHM quality standards.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all six mandatory units.

Core Study Units

1. Responsibilities of a Health and Social Care Worker

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand working relationships in health and social care settings.
• Understand the importance of adhering to the agreed scope of the job role.
• Understand the importance of partnership working in health and social care.

2. Personal and Professional Development in Health and Social Care

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand what is required for competence in own work role.
• Be able to reflect on practice.
• Understand how to evaluate own performance in the workplace.
• Understand personal development plans.

3. Effective Communication in Health and Social Care Practice

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand why effective communication is important in health and social care work settings.
• Be able to meet the communication wishes and preferences of individuals.
• Understand possible barriers to communication.
• Understand equality, diversity and inclusion within health and social care.

4. Health, Safety and Wellbeing in Health and Social Care Settings

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand responsibilities relating to health and safety in health and social care.
• Understand how to minimise the spread of infection.
• Know how to recognise signs of abuse.

5. Person-centred Approaches in Health and Social Care Settings

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand person-centred approaches utilised in health and social care.
• Understand ways of working in a person-centred way.
• Understand the importance of establishing consent when providing support.
• Understand the importance of promoting active participation.

6. Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand handling of information practice requirements in health and social care settings.
• Understand good practice in handling of information.
• Understand practices relating to confidentiality.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care is designed for learners who want to build a strong foundation for a career or further study in the health and social care sector. According to the official OTHM specification, the qualification is particularly relevant to those preparing for roles such as support worker, senior support worker or care assistant.

It is suitable for:

• Individuals seeking to start a career in health and social care.
• Existing care workers who want to strengthen their underpinning knowledge and professional skills.
• Learners interested in person-centred care, safeguarding, communication, health and wellbeing, and professional practice.
• Those seeking a recognised Level 3 health and social care qualification to support employment or career development.
• Learners planning to progress to further study or higher-level qualifications in health and social care.
• Individuals looking to develop professional awareness of responsibilities, partnership working, reflective practice and effective information handling.

The qualification provides a practical academic foundation for learners who want to develop relevant knowledge and competencies for employment or continued education within the sector. OTHM states that Level 3 qualifications represent practical knowledge and skills assessed as equivalent to GCE AS/A Levels.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care prepares learners for entry-level and support roles across the health and social care sector. The qualification develops essential knowledge of professional responsibilities, effective communication, person-centred care, health and safety, safeguarding, personal and professional development, and information handling, enabling learners to support individuals effectively and contribute to safe, respectful, and inclusive care environments. It is particularly relevant to roles such as care assistant, support worker, and senior support worker, as well as learners seeking to progress to further study and professional development in health and social care.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care provides learners with a strong foundation for career development and further study within the health and social care sector. The qualification supports progression into support and care roles across settings such as residential care, domiciliary care, community services, healthcare environments, and social care organisations, where knowledge of person-centred practice, communication, safeguarding, health and safety, and professional responsibilities is highly relevant.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant higher-level qualifications in health and social care, including Level 4 and Level 5 programmes, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification also provides a foundation for continued professional development (CPD) and lifelong learning in areas such as care practice, health and wellbeing, safeguarding, social care, and related disciplines.

Professionally, this diploma can support opportunities in roles such as Care Assistant, Support Worker, Senior Support Worker, Healthcare Support Worker, Residential Care Worker, Domiciliary Care Worker, and Community Support Worker. The knowledge and practical understanding developed through the qualification enable learners to contribute effectively to person-centred care, promote individual wellbeing and dignity, communicate professionally, and support safe and inclusive care environments across the UK and internationally.