Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours and 500 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with a total of 120 credits.

Assessment for the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management 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 eight mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Personal and Professional Development

Learning Outcomes:

• Be able to plan for their personal progress as a health and social care manager.
• Understand the application of principles of professional engagement with users of health and social care services.
• Be able to develop own skills and understanding in relation to working with others in health and social care practice.

Unit 2: Managing Quality in Health and Social Care

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand perspectives of quality in health and social care services.
• Understand strategies for achieving quality in health and social care services.
• Understand effectiveness of systems, policies and procedures in health and social care services.
• Understand methods to evaluate quality of service provision in health and social care.

Unit 3: Principles of Health and Social Care Management

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the principles of care and their implementation in health and social care practice.
• Understand the influencing factors on organisational policy and practice.
• Understand theories underpinning health and social care practice.
• Understand the development and implementation of health and social care organisational policy.

Unit 4: Health and Safety in Health and Social Care Workplaces

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how health and safety legislation is implemented in health and social care settings.
• Understand the impact of health and social care on stakeholder in health and social care settings.
• Understand the monitoring and review of health and safety in health and social care settings.

Unit 5: Financial Decision Making for Healthcare Managers

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the role of financial information in managing health and social care organisations.
• Understand the different sources of finance available for the health and social care organisations.
• Understand how business decisions in health and social care can be influenced by financial information.

Unit 6: Human Resource Management in Health and Social Care

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the recruitment and selection processes in health and social care.
• Understand the factors involved in managing successful teams in health and social care.
• Understand performance management in health and social care.
• Understand people management approaches in health and social care.

Unit 7: Leadership and Management for Health and Social Care

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the theories of leadership and management relevant to the health and social care sector.
• Understand influences on employee and organisational motivation and performance in the health and social care sector.
• Understand the development and effectiveness of teams in the health and social care sector.

Unit 8: Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the relevance of research within health and social care contexts.
• Understand research approaches in health care contexts.
• Be able to plan a research proposal relevant to management of health and social care contexts.
• Be able to analyse and interpret a range of data.
• Understand the relationship between research and evidence based practice.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is designed for professionals and aspiring managers seeking advanced knowledge and leadership skills across health and social care services. It is particularly suitable for learners aiming to progress into management, supervisory and strategic roles.

• Health and social care professionals seeking progression into management and leadership positions.
• Care managers and team leaders responsible for managing people, services and operational performance.
• Aspiring health and social care managers looking to develop professional management and leadership capabilities.
• Supervisors and senior care staff seeking formal recognition of their management knowledge and skills.
• Healthcare and social care practitioners who want to strengthen their understanding of quality, safeguarding, finance and workforce management.
• Professionals involved in service improvement who need knowledge of quality management, evidence-based practice and organisational development.
• Learners progressing to higher-level study in health and social care management or related disciplines.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management prepares learners for management and leadership roles across the health and social care sector. The qualification develops practical expertise in health and social care management, quality improvement, leadership, financial decision-making, human resource management, health and safety, and evidence-based practice, enabling professionals to improve service quality, manage teams effectively, and support high standards of person-centred care. It is highly relevant to sectors such as healthcare, residential care, community care, social services, domiciliary care, supported living, and other health and social care organisations.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management provides learners with a strong foundation for career development into management and leadership roles across health and social care services. The qualification supports professional progression in areas such as healthcare, residential care, domiciliary care, community services, social care, supported living, and public and private care organisations, where effective management, leadership, quality improvement, and person-centred practice are highly valued.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant Level 7 or postgraduate qualifications in health and social care management, healthcare management, leadership, or related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification also supports continuing professional development (CPD) and lifelong learning.

Professionally, this diploma can support progression towards roles such as Health and Social Care Manager, Care Services Manager, Care Home Manager, Health and Social Care Team Leader, Quality Manager, Healthcare Operations Manager, and Social Care Service Coordinator. The knowledge and management skills developed through the qualification enable learners to contribute to effective service delivery, workforce management, quality assurance, financial decision-making, health and safety, and evidence-based practice across UK and international health and social care environments.