OTHM level 5 Extended Diploma Health and social care
The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a specialist, work-related qualification designed to build your management and leadership capability in health and social care settings. According to the specification, the qualification is structured to provide underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills required at a managerial level in health and social care.
This qualification consists of 240 credits, with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 2,400 hours and recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) of at least 1,200 hours.
On successful completion, learners are equipped for both employment and further academic progression (for example direct entry into year 3 of a UK bachelor’s degree).
Why Choose This Qualification at Brit Academy London?
Choosing the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma at Brit Academy gives you a rigorous yet flexible pathway that:
- Develops advanced competency in key areas of health and social care management for example, partnership working, safeguarding of vulnerable individuals, health education, team leadership, professional supervision and research methods.
- Provides an internationally recognised UK qualification that supports progression into higher education (including top-up to a full honours degree) or into supervisory/management roles in health and social care.
- Is delivered through an approved centre (Brit Academy London), offering student-centred teaching, flexible study modes (full-time, part-time, online/blended) and strong support for learners from Bangladesh and other international regions.
- Puts emphasis on real-world application of theory in health & social care contexts meaning you’re not only learning concepts, but also how to apply them in a professional setting.
At Brit Academy London, we complement the qualification with practical workshops, tutor guidance, assignment support, and a dedicated progression service to help you map your next steps.
Entry Requirements
This qualification is designed for learners aged 18 or above.
Typical entry requirements include:
- A relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification or equivalent (for the extended version) or a Level 4 qualification (depending on route) in health and/or social care (or a related field).
- For learners whose first language is not English, evidence of English language competence will be required.
- At Brit Academy London we also undertake a diagnostic assessment (English and Mathematics) and interview to ensure you’re ready for this level of study.
Qualification Structure
Units & Credits
The extended diploma comprises 12 mandatory units totalling 240 credits: 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5.
Level 4 (6 units – 20 credits each):
- Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Social Care (20)
- Professional Development and Academic Writing Skills (20)
- Communication in the Caring Professions (20)
- Principles of Health and Safety for Health Professions (20)
- Assessment Processes in Health and Social Care Settings (20)
- Resource Management in Health and Social Care (20)
Level 5 (6 units – 20 credits each):
- Working in Partnership in Health and Social Care (20)
- Managing the Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Individuals (20)
- Health Education and Promoting Wellbeing (20)
- Team Management in Health and Social Care (20)
- Professional Supervision Practice in Health and Social Care (20)
- Research Methods in Health and Social Care (20)
Duration & Delivery
- The standard full-time route is over two academic years (to cover the 240 credits) for the Extended Diploma.
- Flexible delivery is available: part-time, online, distance or blended modes through the approved centre.
Assessment & Verification
- Each unit has defined learning outcomes and assessment criteria; learners must submit evidence (assignments, projects, reports) to demonstrate achievement.
- The assessment model is criterion-referenced: to pass a unit you must meet all the relevant criteria.
- Assessment is carried out by the centre internally and externally verified by OTHM to ensure consistency and quality.
- At Brit Academy London, learners receive structured support: regular feedback, assignment workshops, peer study groups and access to e-library resources.
Progression & Career Opportunities
Academic Progression
On completing the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, learners open up several pathways:
- Progress further to a Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management or similar.
- Achieve direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s honours degree in health & social care (or related discipline) through partner universities.
Employment & Employability
Graduates will develop a broad range of transferable and sector-specific skills: leadership, supervision, safeguarding, health promotion, research, partnership working all highly valued in healthcare, community services, social care management, care homes, public health, NGO sectors and more.
At Brit Academy London our career-services team will support you in mapping job roles, placements and further qualification choices.
Why Now Choose Health & Social Care Management?
The global and UK health & social care sectors are undergoing major transformations from increasing demands on care, new models of community health, integrated services, digital health, safeguarding concerns, and research-driven policy. Studying a management-level qualification like this positions you to lead within this evolving context.
At Brit Academy London, you will benefit from an environment built for international learners (including Bangladesh) flexible delivery, strong student support, and applied learning that bridges theory and practice.
How to Apply & What’s Next
- Visit Brit Academy London’s website and complete the application form for the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care.
- Submit your academic transcripts (e.g., level 3 qualification or equivalent), proof of English proficiency (if needed), and a brief personal statement outlining your interest in health & social care management.
- Attend an interview/induction session (online or face-to-face) to assess readiness and explain programme details.
- On successful acceptance, you’ll register with OTHM via Brit Academy, receive a learner handbook, access to online learning portal and schedule of units.
- Commence your studies and engage in lectures, seminars, assignment work, and career-support sessions.
Summary
In conclusion, the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a powerful qualification for learners who wish to develop management capability in the health and social care sector, gain a recognized UK credential, and progress into higher education or careers in care management. At Brit Academy London you will receive high-quality teaching, flexible delivery and tailored support positioning you for your next step whether that’s entering management roles or progressing academically.
