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The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is an advanced online training programme designed for individuals who want to build strong professional knowledge, confidence, and career readiness within the UK health and social care sector.

This course is ideal for learners who are new to health and social care, as well as those already working in care roles who want to develop a deeper understanding of care standards, safeguarding, communication, equality, risk management, and professional responsibilities at a higher learning level.

Studying at Level 5 means you will gain more in-depth insight than entry-level care courses, helping you understand how health and social care services operate, how professionals work within legal and ethical frameworks, and how to support vulnerable individuals safely and effectively. The course is delivered fully online, allowing you to learn at your own pace with no prior degree or experience required.

This Level 5 Health and Social Care Diploma focuses on professional development, practical knowledge, and sector awareness, making it suitable for learners seeking career progression, further study preparation, or enhanced competence in care-related roles.

Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care – Course Overview

The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is a structured online learning programme designed to support professional development within the UK health and social care sector. It provides learners with advanced theoretical knowledge and sector-relevant insight needed to work confidently within care environments that support adults, vulnerable individuals, and diverse communities.

This course focuses on the principles, responsibilities, and standards that underpin health and social care practice. It explores how care services operate, the role of professionals within multidisciplinary settings, and the importance of compliance with safeguarding, equality, health and safety, and ethical frameworks. The content is suitable for both aspiring care professionals and those already working in care roles who want to strengthen their understanding at a higher learning level.

Delivered entirely online, the course allows learners to study flexibly and independently. The Level 5 learning standard reflects a more advanced depth of study than introductory care courses, supporting learners in developing analytical thinking, professional awareness, and informed decision-making relevant to real-world care settings.

This diploma is a non-regulated training qualification, designed for skill development, professional knowledge enhancement, and CPD progression. It does not replace regulated qualifications but can support learners seeking career development, further training, or increased competence within health and social care roles.

Sneak Peek

What You Will Learn on the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care

The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care provides learners with comprehensive knowledge of the principles, responsibilities, and professional standards required to work effectively within health and social care settings. The course focuses on building sector awareness, informed practice, and professional competence aligned with real-world care environments.

By completing this course, you will develop the ability to:

  • Understand the structure of health and social care services
    Learn how care services are organised, delivered, and regulated, and how professionals contribute to safe and effective care provision.

  • Apply effective communication in care settings
    Explore communication methods used with service users, families, and professionals to support person-centred care and collaborative working.

  • Recognise rights, responsibilities, and professional boundaries
    Understand your duties as a health and social care worker, including ethical conduct, confidentiality, and accountability.

  • Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
    Gain awareness of how inclusive practice supports dignity, respect, and fair treatment in health and social care environments.

  • Understand safeguarding principles
    Learn how to recognise, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable adults and individuals at risk.

  • Apply health and safety and risk management principles
    Develop knowledge of workplace safety responsibilities, hazard identification, and risk reduction strategies in care settings.

  • Interpret key policies and procedures
    Build confidence in following organisational policies and professional standards that guide safe and lawful care practice.

These learning outcomes support both new and experienced learners by providing a clear understanding of expectations within the health and social care sector and preparing individuals for professional development and future progression.

Health and Social Care Level 5 Curriculum Overview

The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care curriculum is structured to provide progressive learning, moving from foundational concepts to more advanced professional responsibilities. The course content reflects the practical realities of health and social care work while maintaining a strong focus on professional standards, safeguarding, and compliance.

The curriculum is divided into clearly defined modules, each designed to build specific knowledge and awareness relevant to care environments:

  • Introduction to Health and Social Care
    Explores the structure of the health and social care sector, key service types, and the roles of professionals within care settings.

  • Communication and Its Relevance
    Focuses on effective communication methods used in care environments, including professional interactions with service users, families, and colleagues.

  • Rights and Responsibilities as a Health and Social Care Worker
    Covers professional duties, ethical conduct, confidentiality, and accountability in line with care standards.

  • Role as a Caregiver and Healthcare Professional
    Examines professional boundaries, responsibilities, and expectations when supporting individuals in health and social care settings.

  • Promoting Equality, Diversity and Rights
    Develops understanding of inclusive practice, dignity, respect, and fair treatment within care services.

  • Important Principles and Policies in Health and Social Care Work
    Introduces key policies, procedures, and frameworks that guide safe, ethical, and lawful care practice.

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Individuals
    Provides knowledge of safeguarding principles, recognising abuse, and responding appropriately to concerns.

  • Health and Safety Responsibilities
    Covers workplace safety, legal responsibilities, and safe working practices within care environments.

  • Risk Management in Health and Social Care
    Explores how risks are identified, assessed, and managed to protect service users, staff, and organisations.

Additional learning resources and optional assignments are included to support knowledge reinforcement and independent study.

This structured curriculum ensures learners gain well-rounded knowledge that supports professional development, competence, and readiness for further learning or career progression within health and social care.

Why Choose Us?​

  • This course is accredited by the CPD Quality Standards.
  • Lifetime access to the whole collection of the learning materials.
  • Online test with immediate results.
  • Enroling in the course has no additional cost.
  • You can study and complete the course at your own pace.
  • Study for the course using any internet-connected device, such as a computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Certification, CPD Accreditation and QLS Endorsement

nextgen learning certificate

Upon successful completion of the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care, learners receive certification that recognises their achievement and supports continued professional development within the health and social care sector.

This course offers the following certification and recognition:

  • CPD Certification
    The course is CPD accredited, meaning it contributes to Continuing Professional Development. CPD certification demonstrates a commitment to maintaining and improving professional knowledge, which is valued across health and social care roles.
  • QLS Endorsement
    This course is endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme (QLS). QLS endorsement confirms that the course meets quality standards for non-regulated training and has been independently reviewed for learning structure and content quality.
  • Certificate of Completion
    After meeting the assessment requirements, learners are eligible to order a certificate of completion as evidence of their learning. Certificate formats and delivery options are available according to provider terms.
  • Clear recognition boundaries
    This Level 5 Diploma is a non-regulated qualification. It is not regulated by Ofqual and does not replace regulated qualifications required for certain roles. However, it is suitable for professional development, skills enhancement, and progression preparation within health and social care.
  • Use in professional settings
    The certification can be used to demonstrate knowledge development, CPD hours, and commitment to learning when applying for roles, seeking progression, or supporting further training.

This transparent approach ensures learners fully understand what the qualification represents, how it can be used professionally, and where it fits within the broader UK health and social care training landscape.

QLS Endorsed Certificate of Achievement

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to order a QLS Endorsed HardCopy Certificate titled ‘Diploma in Health and Social Care at QLS Level 5’, providing tangible proof of your newly acquired skills. These certificates are not just tokens; they can be a valuable addition to your CV, enhancing your employability and opening doors to a myriad of career opportunities in this field.

  • £109 for addresses within the UK. Please note that delivery within the UK is free of charge.
Please Note: NextGen Learning is a Compliance Central approved resale partner for Quality Licence Scheme Endorsed courses.

Endorsement

The Quality Licence Scheme (QLS) has endorsed this course for its high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. The QLS is a UK-based organisation that sets standards for non-regulated training and learning. This endorsement means that the course has been reviewed and approved by the QLS and meets the highest quality standards.

Why a Level 5 Diploma Matters in Health and Social Care

A Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care represents an advanced stage of learning that goes beyond introductory care courses. It supports learners in developing a deeper, more structured understanding of how health and social care services operate within professional, legal, and ethical frameworks.

Studying at Level 5 is valuable because it:

  • Builds advanced sector knowledge
    Level 5 learning explores health and social care in greater depth, covering safeguarding, risk management, equality, communication, and professional responsibility in a more analytical way than lower-level courses.
  • Strengthens professional confidence
    Learners gain clarity on their role within care settings, how to follow policies and procedures, and how to work responsibly with vulnerable individuals and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Supports career development
    The qualification helps learners prepare for progression into more responsible care roles, coordination positions, or future leadership pathways when combined with experience.
  • Provides preparation for further learning
    A Level 5 diploma can support learners who plan to move on to additional training or higher-level study in health and social care-related subjects.
  • Demonstrates commitment to professional development
    Completing a Level 5 course shows employers a strong commitment to learning, competence, and continued professional development within the care sector.

This course is designed for professional development and knowledge enhancement. While it is not a regulated qualification, it provides meaningful learning aligned with real health and social care practices and expectations.

Health and social care services work alongside national systems such as the NHS, requiring professionals to understand care standards, safeguarding, and ethical responsibilities.

Who This Level 5 Health and Social Care Course Is For

The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is designed for a broad range of learners who want to develop professional knowledge and sector awareness within health and social care, while studying at an advanced learning level.

This course is suitable for:

  • Individuals new to health and social care
    Learners who want a structured introduction to care standards, safeguarding practices, and professional responsibilities before entering or progressing within the sector.
  • Care assistants, support workers, and healthcare staff
    Those already working in care-related roles who wish to strengthen their understanding of policies, ethics, equality, and risk management.
  • Learners seeking career progression
    Individuals exploring future leadership or supervisory pathways who need a stronger foundation in how health and social care services operate.
  • Those preparing for further study
    Learners who want to build subject knowledge and confidence before progressing to higher-level or specialist health and social care training.
  • Adult learners with no prior qualifications
    This course does not require a degree or previous experience. You only need:
    • Basic English proficiency
    • Numeracy literacy
    • A device with a stable internet connection

The course is designed to be accessible, flexible, and professionally focused, making it suitable for learners at different stages of their health and social care journey.

Learners who are new to the sector may also consider starting with a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care before progressing to Level 5 study.

Entry Requirements for the Level 5 Health and Social Care Diploma

Entry requirements for the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care show no prior experience, English proficiency, numeracy literacy, internet access, and a minimum age of 16.

The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners and does not require formal qualifications or previous experience in the sector.

To enrol on this course, learners should meet the following requirements:

  • No prior degree or professional experience required
    This course is suitable for beginners as well as individuals already working in health and social care roles.
  • Basic English proficiency
    Learners should be able to read, write, and understand English to engage with course materials and complete assessments effectively.
  • Numeracy literacy
    A basic level of numeracy is recommended to understand course concepts related to care documentation and workplace responsibilities.
  • Access to technology
    You will need:
    • A desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone
    • A stable internet connection
  • Minimum age requirement
    Learners must be aged 16 or over at the time of enrolment.

These straightforward entry requirements ensure the course remains inclusive and flexible, while still supporting effective learning at Level 5 standard.

How This Online Health and Social Care Course Works

The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is delivered entirely online, allowing learners to study flexibly and independently while balancing work, personal commitments, or other training. The course is designed to be straightforward, accessible, and professionally structured.

Here’s how the course works:

  • 100% online learning
    All course materials are accessed through an online learning platform, allowing you to study from any location with an internet connection.
  • Self-paced study
    There are no fixed schedules or classroom sessions. You can progress through the modules at a pace that suits your availability and learning style.
  • Structured learning content
    Each module includes clear lessons designed to build knowledge gradually, helping learners move from foundational concepts to more advanced topics.
  • Assessment-based progression
    Your understanding is assessed through online assessments designed to test knowledge of key principles and professional standards.
  • Extended access period
    Learners receive continued access to the course materials, allowing time to review content, revisit modules, and complete assessments comfortably.
  • Suitable for multiple devices
    The course can be accessed via desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, making learning flexible and convenient.

This delivery format makes the course suitable for both new learners and working professionals who want to develop their knowledge without disrupting their existing commitments.

Career Outcomes After Completing a Level 5 Health and Social Care Course

Completing the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care can support career development across a range of roles within the UK health and social care sector. While this qualification does not guarantee employment or replace regulated requirements, it provides valuable knowledge and professional awareness that can strengthen employability and progression when combined with experience.

This course can support progression into roles such as:

  • Senior Care Assistant or Support Worker
    Develops a deeper understanding of care standards, safeguarding, and professional responsibilities, supporting progression within frontline care roles. Experienced care staff with advanced knowledge may earn between £24,000 and £32,000 per year, depending on responsibilities and setting.

  • Care Coordinator
    Helps build knowledge of care planning, communication, and service coordination within residential, domiciliary, or community care settings. Roles involving care planning and service coordination typically offer salaries in the range of £26,000 to £38,000 per year.

  • Health and Social Care Administrator
    Supports understanding of policies, procedures, documentation, and compliance relevant to administrative roles in care environments. Administrative roles within care organisations commonly range from £23,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on experience and organisation size.

  • Team Leader or Supervisor (with experience)
    Provides foundational knowledge in professional conduct, equality, risk management, and health and safety that supports supervisory responsibilities. Supervisory roles in care settings may earn between £30,000 and £45,000 per year, subject to employer requirements and regulatory compliance.

  • Progression to Further Study
    Suitable for learners planning to move on to higher-level or regulated health and social care qualifications, subject to provider and awarding body requirements. With further qualifications and experience, learners may progress toward care management or leadership roles, where salaries can exceed £45,000 per year.

Career outcomes depend on various factors, including previous experience, workplace setting, employer requirements, and additional training. This course is best viewed as a professional development qualification that strengthens knowledge, confidence, and readiness for increased responsibility in health and social care roles.

The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care supports professional development across a range of roles within the UK health and social care sector. Salary levels vary depending on factors such as experience, employer, location, and whether the role requires additional regulated qualifications. These figures are indicative and based on current UK market trends. Completion of this course does not guarantee a specific role or salary, but it can strengthen professional knowledge and support career progression when combined with appropriate experience and further training.

Health and social care roles in the UK operate within national workforce standards outlined by organisations such as Skills for Care.

Assessment Method and Course Completion

The Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care uses a clear and accessible assessment approach designed to support learning while ensuring understanding of key health and social care principles.

Assessment and completion are structured as follows:

  • Online knowledge-based assessment
    Learners complete an automated multiple-choice assessment that tests understanding of core topics covered throughout the course.
  • Pass criteria
    A minimum pass mark is required to successfully complete the assessment. Results are generated automatically, allowing learners to know their outcome immediately.
  • Unlimited retake opportunities
    If the required pass mark is not achieved on the first attempt, learners can retake the assessment without additional cost, supporting confidence and learning progression.
  • Optional assignments
    Optional written activities are included to help reinforce learning and encourage deeper reflection on course topics. These are not mandatory for certification but support skill development.
  • Course completion
    Once the assessment requirements are met, learners are eligible to apply for their course certificates in line with the certification options available.

This assessment model ensures learners can demonstrate their knowledge in a supportive, low-pressure environment, while maintaining professional standards aligned with health and social care learning outcomes.

Enrol in the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care

If you’re ready to develop advanced knowledge of health and social care practice, you can enrol on the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care with NextGen Learning and begin studying online at your own pace.

This course is designed to support professional development through flexible learning, CPD accreditation, and structured content aligned with real health and social care environments. Enrolment provides immediate access to course materials, allowing you to start learning when it suits you.

This diploma is suitable for learners seeking knowledge development, career progression support, or preparation for further training within the health and social care sector.

Order Your Certificate

To order CPD Quality Standard Certificate, we kindly invite you to visit the following link:

Frequently Asked Questions – Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care

A Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care is an advanced learning qualification designed to develop professional knowledge of care standards, safeguarding, communication, equality, and risk management. It supports career development and further study but is not a regulated NVQ or Ofqual qualification.

Completion time varies depending on study pace. Most learners finish within weeks to a few months when studying flexibly online. With self-paced access, courses like the NextGen Learning Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care allow learners to progress without fixed deadlines.

Yes. Many Level 5 Health and Social Care courses are open to learners with no prior experience or qualifications. As long as you have basic English proficiency and internet access, you can enrol and study independently at your own pace.

No. A Level 5 Diploma and an NVQ Level 5 are not the same. NVQs are regulated, work-based qualifications, while many Level 5 diplomas—such as CPD and QLS-endorsed courses—are non-regulated professional development qualifications focused on knowledge and skills.

In learning level terms, Level 5 sits above Level 3 and Level 4 study and below undergraduate degree level. However, non-regulated Level 5 diplomas are not equivalent to a degree or NVQ, and should be used for professional development rather than formal qualification equivalence.

No. To become a registered social worker in the UK, you must complete an approved social work degree and register with Social Work England. A Level 5 Diploma can support preparation, sector understanding, and progression, but it does not qualify you as a social worker.

A Level 5 Diploma can support progression into roles such as senior care assistant, care coordinator, support worker, health and social care administrator, or supervisory roles when combined with experience. It is also useful for learners preparing for further training or regulated qualifications.

NVQs focus on competence in the workplace and require employment evidence. Level 5 diplomas focus on knowledge, principles, and professional understanding. Courses like the NextGen Learning Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care are ideal for learners who want flexible, theory-based professional development.

Many employers value Level 5 diplomas as evidence of commitment to learning and sector knowledge, particularly CPD-accredited and QLS-endorsed courses. Recognition depends on the role, employer, and whether regulated qualifications are required.

You can enrol online with a training provider offering flexible delivery. Courses such as the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care from NextGen Learning allow learners to study remotely, complete assessments online, and gain certification without attending classes.

For learners seeking career development, increased confidence, and deeper sector understanding, a Level 5 Diploma can be a valuable investment. It is particularly useful for those working in care roles or planning future progression within health and social care.

No. There is no upper age limit for studying Health and Social Care. Many learners begin care training later in life, and online Level 5 diplomas are well suited to adult learners balancing work and personal commitments.

Course Curriculum

Health and Social Care (Updated)
Module 1: Introduction to Health and Social Care 00:09:00
Module 2: Communication and Its Relevance 00:13:00
Module 3: Rights and Responsibilities as a Health and Social Care Worker 00:12:00
Module 4: Role as A Caregiver and Healthcare Professional 00:08:00
Module 5: Working in Health and Social Care: Promoting Equality, Diversity and Rights 00:10:00
Module 6: Important Principles and Policies in Health and Social Care Work 00:11:00
Module 7: Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults 00:23:00
Module 8: Health and Safety Responsibilities 00:11:00
Module 9: Risk Management in Health and Social Care 00:13:00
Health and Social Care
Module 1: Introduction to Health and Social Care 00:19:00
Module 2: Communication and its Relevance 00:42:00
Module 3: Rights and Responsibilities as a Health and Social Care Worker 00:38:00
Module 4: Role as A Caregiver and Healthcare Professional 00:26:00
Module 5: Working in Health and Social Care; Promoting Equality, Diversity and Rights 00:49:00
Module 6: Important Principles and Policies in Health and Social Care Work 00:23:00
Module 7: Understanding Legal, Professional Standards of Practice and Ethical Aspects of Health Care Part – 1 00:50:00
Module 8: Understanding Legal, Professional Standards of Practice and Ethical Aspects of Health Care Part – 2 00:48:00
Module 9: Safeguarding Vulnerable Individuals 00:52:00
Module 10: Health and Safety Responsibilities 00:51:00
Module 11: Risk Management in Health and Social Care 00:03:00
Recommended Readings
Resources 00:00:00
Additional Resource – Health and Social Care
Additional Resource – Health and Social Care 00:00:00
Optional Assignment
Optional Assignment – Health and Social Care 00:00:00
Order Your Certificate
Order Your Certificate 00:00:00
Order Your QLS Certificate
Order Your QLS Certificate 00:00:00
Thank You for Choosing NextGen Learning
Thank You For Choosing NextGen Learning 00:00:00

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