Qualification Structure

The QUALIFI Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It carries 120 credits, with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1,200 hours and 500 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the QUALIFI Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is assignment-based. Learners complete written assessment tasks for each unit, addressing the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Assignments are internally assessed and marked by the QUALIFI-approved centre, with external quality assurance by QUALIFI. Where required, assessment may also include practical assignments involving assessor observation.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all five mandatory Level 5 units.

Core Study Units

1. Principles Underpinning Health and Social Care

Learning outcomes:

• Understand how principles of support are implemented in health and social care practice.
• Evaluate the impact of recent government policy, legislation, regulation, codes of practice and standards on practice in the UK.
• Evaluate the theories that underpin the delivery of health and social care practice.

2. The Management of Quality in Health and Social Care

Learning outcomes:

• Critically discuss differing perspectives of quality in relation to health and social care services.
• Critically analyse strategies for achieving quality in health and social care services.
• Evaluate systems, policies and procedures in health and social care services to improve quality.

3. Research Project

Learning outcomes:

• Be able to formulate a research question.
• Undertake a pilot research project which does not require ethical approval.
• Critically evaluate research outcomes.

4. Partnership Working in Health and Social Care

Learning outcomes:

• Understand philosophies and relationships in health and social care partnership working.
• Understand how to promote positive partnership working between users of services, professionals and organisations in health and social care.
• Evaluate the outcomes of partnership working in health and social care.

5. Working with Service Users with Complex Needs

Learning outcomes:

• Analyse different perceptions of health, disability and illness.
• Understand how to promote the participation and independence of users of health and social care services.
• Evaluate how the design and review of services promote and maximise the rights of users of health and social care services.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is designed for learners who want to develop advanced knowledge, critical thinking and professional skills for progression within the health and social care sector. The qualification is particularly relevant to learners aiming to move towards senior, supervisory or management-level responsibilities in health and social care settings.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Health and social care professionals seeking to develop their knowledge and progress towards more senior responsibilities.
• Learners currently working in health and social care who want a formal Level 5 qualification to support their professional development.
• Supervisors, team leaders and aspiring managers who need stronger knowledge of quality management, partnership working and complex service-user needs.
• Learners interested in developing expertise in health and social care policy, professional practice, research and service quality.
• Individuals progressing from a relevant Level 4 qualification who want to continue their academic and professional development at Level 5.
• International learners seeking a UK-regulated qualification focused on contemporary health and social care practice and interdisciplinary working.
• Learners planning further academic study, as the qualification can provide a progression route to related higher-level study, subject to the requirements of the receiving institution.

The qualification is particularly appropriate for learners who want to strengthen their ability to analyse information critically, apply knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar health and social care problems, understand ethical and professional issues, and adapt to changing health and social care environments.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the specification states an IELTS 6 or equivalent requirement. The qualification is designed for applicants aged 18 or over, with Level 4 study normally envisaged before entry to Level 5.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care develops advanced knowledge for learners seeking supervisory, management and professional development opportunities in health and social care. It covers quality management, research, partnership working and complex service-user needs, with relevance across healthcare, social care, community and residential care settings.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care provides learners with a structured pathway for professional development and progression into supervisory, management and related roles within the health and social care sector. The qualification is relevant across care environments including residential care, community services, supported living, healthcare and social care organisations.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant higher-level qualifications, including Level 6 or Level 7 programmes and degree-level study, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification also supports continuing professional development and further specialist study in areas such as health and social care management, leadership, quality improvement and research.

Professionally, the diploma can support progression towards roles such as Health and Social Care Manager, Care Service Manager, Care Coordinator, Senior Care Worker, Social Care Team Leader and Quality Coordinator. The knowledge developed in quality management, research, partnership working and complex service-user needs can support effective practice and service improvement.