Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 7 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 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with a total of 120 credits.

Assessment is Assignment Based for the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is conducted on a Pass/Fail basis. Learner work is internally assessed and verified by the approved centre, with external quality assurance provided by OTHM-appointed External Quality Assurers.

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

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Health and Social Care Leadership

• Understand theories of leadership utilised in health and social care settings.
• Understand influences on motivation and performance in the health and social care sector.
• Understand the features of effective team performance within the health and social care sector.

Unit 2: Managing People in Health and Social Care

• Understand recruitment and selection processes in health and social care.
• Understand training and career development opportunities available for individuals.
• Understand performance management in health and social care.
• Understand strategies for managing a diverse workforce.

Unit 3: Managing Finance in the Health and Social Care Sector

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

Unit 4: Health and Social Care Strategies and Policies

• Understand the development of international healthcare policy.
• Understand external and internal environments for health and social care organisations.
• Understand strategic and business plans for health care organisations based on environmental analysis.
• Understand the contribution of public and health promotion in the provision of health and social care services.

Unit 5: Leading Change in Health and Social Care

• Understand perspectives of quality in health and social care services.
• Understand strategies for achieving quality in health and social care services.
• Understand the principles of change management in health and social care settings.
• Be able to create a plan and implement effective change within a health and social care organisation.
• Be able to analyse stakeholder responses to organisational change.

Unit 6: Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals

• 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 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is suitable for:

• Health and social care managers seeking advanced leadership and management knowledge.
• Senior health and social care professionals preparing for greater managerial responsibility.
• Healthcare administrators aiming to progress into strategic management roles.
• Social care managers responsible for teams, services, performance and organisational planning.
• Healthcare professionals seeking to strengthen leadership, policy and decision-making skills.
• Professionals involved in managing hospitals, care organisations, community services or social care settings.
• Graduates with a relevant honours degree or Level 6 qualification seeking advanced study in health and social care management.
• Mature learners with relevant management experience seeking a formal Level 7 qualification.
• Professionals seeking career progression within health and social care administration or management.
• Learners intending to progress towards relevant Master’s-level study, subject to university requirements.

The qualification is particularly relevant for individuals seeking to develop expertise in health and social care leadership, people management, financial management, strategic policy, organisational change and healthcare research.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management prepares learners for senior management roles across health and social care settings. It develops advanced expertise in leadership, people management, strategic planning, finance, organisational change, policy, and research, supporting effective service improvement and organisational performance. It is relevant to hospitals, care providers, community services, public health, government, charities, and health and social care consultancy.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management provides learners with a strong foundation for career advancement into senior management and strategic leadership roles across health and social care services. The qualification supports progression across settings such as hospitals, residential care, community services, healthcare administration, public health, charities, and social care organisations, where advanced management and leadership expertise is highly valued.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant postgraduate qualifications, including a Master’s degree, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution, or pursue specialist professional development in health and social care management, leadership, policy, quality improvement, research, and organisational development. The Level 7 qualification also supports lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD).

Professionally, this diploma enhances opportunities to progress into roles such as Health and Social Care Manager, Healthcare Operations Manager, Senior Care Manager, Social Care Manager, Health Services Manager, Quality Improvement Manager, Healthcare Administrator, and Health and Social Care Consultant. The advanced knowledge and strategic management skills gained through this qualification support effective service leadership, organisational performance, workforce development, and continuous improvement across UK and international health and social care environments.