ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
An Ofqual-regulated, 60-credit ATHE qualification offering flexible online study, recognised academic progression and essential knowledge for health and social care careers.
Overview of the ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
What separates an interest in health and social care from a deeper understanding of professional care?
The right knowledge, academic skills and recognised qualifications can make a difference. The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is an Ofqual-regulated, 60-credit qualification awarded by ATHE. Set at the same RQF level as A levels, it provides a structured introduction to the care sector and its professional responsibilities.
The programme goes beyond basic care knowledge by examining how health and social care services operate and what responsible care involves. Across six mandatory units, learners study legislation, safeguarding, human development, communication, care planning and person-centred practice.
The course also covers the 6Cs of care and develops research, critical thinking and reflective practice skills that support academic achievement and professional understanding.
A recognised qualification with flexible study and clear progression opportunities.
Through NextGen Learning's arrangement with One Education, learners can access online course materials and complete assignment-based assessments without traditional timed examinations.
Successful completion provides an ATHE-awarded diploma worth 60 credits and up to 48 UCAS points, depending on the final grade. The qualification may support university applications, higher-level study and relevant career opportunities, subject to entry requirements.
Exclusive Course Glimpse
Skills and Knowledge Gained from the ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
This Level 3 Health and Social Care Diploma develops an understanding of care systems, professional responsibilities and the needs of people throughout their lives. By the end of the qualification, learners will be able to:
Care Services
Explain how public, private and voluntary care providers operate and receive funding.
Care Legislation
Identify key laws, policies and regulations that protect individuals receiving care.
Professional Values
Describe dignity, equality, duty of care, safeguarding and person-centred approaches.
Human Development
Examine physical, intellectual, emotional and social changes from childhood to old age.
Communication Skills
Recognise communication barriers, confidentiality requirements and suitable ways to share information.
Health and Safety
Explain infection prevention, risk assessment and safe medication management principles.
Care Planning
Describe how individual needs, preferences and choices influence care decisions.
Professional Teamwork
Explain how care workers, families, advocates and specialists coordinate support.
Research and Evidence
Review reliable sources, consider research ethics and present findings clearly.
Professional Development
Use reflection, skills assessments and SMART goals to plan future progress.
Course Progression, UCAS Points & University Entry
The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care provides a recognised pathway towards higher education and career development in the care sector.
Higher Education
Progress to an ATHE Level 4 qualification or another suitable advanced programme.
University Entry
Apply for relevant degree or foundation courses that accept this qualification.
Career Opportunities
Explore roles in healthcare assistance, residential care and support services.
Apprenticeship Pathways
Consider higher-level apprenticeships based on entry requirements and previous qualifications.
ATHE Level 3 Diploma UCAS Tariff Points
The ATHE Level 3 Health and Social Care Diploma carries UCAS Tariff points based on the final qualification grade.
| Qualification Grade | UCAS Tariff Points |
|---|---|
| Pass | 16 |
| Merit | 32 |
| Distinction | 48 |
University Progression Opportunities
ATHE holds official progression agreements with universities in the UK and internationally. Once you complete this diploma, you are eligible to apply to partner universities that accept ATHE Level 3 qualifications for entry.
A Recognised Qualification
Your completed 60-credit ATHE diploma is named in the published entry criteria of partner universities.
Undergraduate Degree Entry
Apply for first-year entry onto relevant degree programmes, including health and care related subjects.
UK and Overseas Options
ATHE's progression partners include universities based in the UK and in other countries worldwide.
How Progression Works
You apply to the university directly, and each one sets its own entry requirements and admission decisions. View the full list of partners and their requirements on the ATHE University Progression Routes page.
Study Hours and Learning Commitment
The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is a 60-credit qualification with 600 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT). This includes guided learning and independent study, giving you time to build your knowledge and complete assignments.
Guided Learning Hours
Study with tutor guidance through planned learning activities and support.
Independent Study Hours
Complete reading, research, assignments and other learning tasks on your own.
Total Qualification Time
The estimated time needed to complete all qualification requirements.
Understanding Your 600 Study Hours
Your total qualification time is divided between guided learning and independent study.
Flexible Learning with One-Year Access
With one-year access to online learning materials, you can plan your studies around your work and personal commitments. Your completion time will depend on your learning pace and assignment progress.
Accreditation & Certification
The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by ATHE (Awards for Training and Higher Education).
Qualification Information
Key details of your recognised ATHE qualification
Earn Your Official ATHE Diploma
After completing all six mandatory units and meeting the assessment requirements, you'll receive an official ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care certificate.
Important Information
NextGen Learning is an authorised reseller of this qualification. The course is delivered by One Education, the ATHE-approved centre.
Order Your Certificate
To order your CPD Quality Standard Certificate, please visit the following link:
Method of Assessment
The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is assessed through coursework rather than traditional timed examinations. You'll complete assignments to demonstrate your understanding of care principles, professional responsibilities and health and social care practices.
Coursework-Based Assessment
Assessment activities are designed to help you apply your learning, communicate your understanding and provide evidence of your knowledge throughout the qualification.
Written Reports
Present information and explain key health and social care concepts in a structured written format.
Case Studies
Explore care-related scenarios to demonstrate your understanding of relevant principles and responsibilities.
Research Projects
Gather and review relevant information to develop and present your understanding of selected topics.
Presentations
Organise and communicate relevant information clearly through presentation-based activities.
Training Materials
Develop suitable learning or training resources to demonstrate your knowledge of care-related subjects.
Portfolios of Evidence
Compile relevant evidence to demonstrate your knowledge and achievement against assessment requirements.
Your assignments will be used to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding across the qualification. Assessment activities are completed in line with the requirements of the relevant units.
Who Is the ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care Suitable For?
This online health and social care qualification is suitable for learners interested in academic progression, care-related careers or further professional training. Whether you're starting your education journey or building on existing experience, this qualification can help you develop your understanding of the sector.
School Leavers
Preparing for higher-level education after completing GCSEs or Level 2 study.
Aspiring Care Assistants
Seeking introductory knowledge of care services, responsibilities and care principles.
Healthcare Assistants
Looking to improve their understanding of professional standards and care principles.
Support Workers
Developing awareness of safeguarding, communication and person-centred support.
Adult Learners
Returning to education or working towards a recognised qualification in the sector.
Career Changers
Considering new opportunities and exploring career pathways within healthcare and social care.
University Applicants
Working towards entry requirements for suitable higher education or degree programmes.
Existing Care Workers
Strengthening academic knowledge and building a foundation for further career development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by ATHE. It carries 60 credits and is listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The diploma can support further education and career development, depending on institutional or employer requirements.
The qualification is at RQF Level 3, the same level as A levels and Access to Higher Education Diplomas. It provides academic knowledge of care services, human development and professional responsibilities. However, these qualifications have different structures and are not automatically interchangeable.
Yes. This Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification can support applications to universities that accept ATHE awards. Relevant progression routes may include health studies, social care and related degree programmes. Admission depends on university requirements, and additional qualifications or credits may be necessary.
The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care carries 16 UCAS points for Pass, 32 for Merit and 48 for Distinction. The final grade determines the number of points awarded. Universities decide whether these points meet the entry requirements for particular courses.
Yes. The Level 3 Health and Social Care course online provides access to digital learning materials and assignment-based assessment. The course provider advertises one-year access, allowing flexible study around other commitments. Completion requires successful achievement of all six mandatory units.
No. The ATHE Health and Social Care Diploma focuses on academic knowledge, research and professional care principles. Competence-based qualifications generally assess practical skills and performance in workplace settings. Although both may be at Level 3, their assessment methods and purposes differ.
Applicants typically need five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, a relevant Level 2 qualification or an accepted equivalent. Relevant work experience may also be considered through an individual assessment. Suitable English language skills, such as IELTS 5.5 or CEFR B2, are recommended.
No traditional timed written examinations are specified for this qualification. The assignment-based Health and Social Care Diploma uses written reports, case studies, research projects and portfolios. Assessments are marked internally and checked through external moderation or verification.
The qualification may support applications for positions such as Care Assistant, Healthcare Assistant, Support Worker or Residential Care Worker. It provides knowledge of safeguarding, communication, care planning and professional responsibilities. Employment depends on employer requirements, practical experience and any additional training or checks.
The qualification requires an estimated 600 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT). This includes 303 guided learning hours and 297 hours of independent study and assignment preparation. The online course provider advertises one-year access, although actual completion time depends on individual progress.
Course Curriculum
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