Level 4 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF)

• Access Duration: 12 Months
• Awarded by: ATHE
• Credit Value: 120
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 480
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 1200
• Qualification Level: 4
• Qualification Number: 610/3300/5

• Understand the key concepts, principles, and theories of health and social care practices.
• Showcase the ability to lead and motivate teams in health and social care environments.
• Develop strategies for the effective management of financial, human, and material resources in health and social care settings.
• Understand the principles of quality assurance and regulatory compliance in health and social care.
• Develop effective communication strategies for diverse health and social care environments.
• Gain insight into the operational aspects of health and social care organisations, including service delivery models and administrative functions.

• Healthcare professionals
• Healthcare supervisors
• Healthcare administrators
• Health and social care team leaders
• Care coordinators
• Social care workers
• Healthcare assistants
• Adult care workers
• Domiciliary care workers
• Community workers

This Level 4 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care provides a strong foundation to progress to a level 5 qualification. You can also pursue a university degree at a recognised university in the United Kingdom or internationally. Equipped with the skills and knowledge gained from this extended diploma, you’ll be ready to explore management-level roles within the health and social care sector. Whether you’re aiming to lead a team, oversee operations, or implement strategic initiatives, this diploma provides the essential tools needed to manage effectively in diverse health and social care environments. Here are some career prospects you can explore, along with the average UK salary per annum (approximately) according to Glassdoor.

• Healthcare Manager – £50,000
• Compliance Manager (care home) – £50,000
• Care Manager – £39,000
• Health Service Manager – £43,000
• Community Manager – £42,000
• Health & Social Care Team Leader – £35,000
• Health and Social Care Coordinator – £35,000

• Learners must be over the age of 18.
• GCE Advanced level profile with achievement in 2 or more subjects supported by 5 or more GCSEs at grades 4/C and above.
• Other related Level 3 subjects such as ATHE level 3 Diploma.
• Other equivalent international qualifications.
• A good knowledge of written and spoken English according to the recommended standard.
• Relevant work experience is an advantage, but not a mandatory requirement.

• This course can be completed in a matter of months or over the course of a year. Most learners will complete this course in 9-12 months. Some learners may complete the course quicker, depending on their personal circumstances and available study time. We will accommodate your pace, providing unlimited support for 12 months.
• The ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care requires approximately 480 guided study hours. This figure is an estimate and depends on how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how quickly you grasp the teaching, learning concepts, and course materials.

• Written Assignments: This course includes four units. You will complete written assignments which will be carefully reviewed and evaluated by an assessor. These assignments will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course theory. You can achieve a Pass, Merit, or Distinction for each unit based on the quality of the work submitted. (Pass 360 – 431, Merit 432 – 5, Distinction 540)
• Internal Marking and Feedback: All completed assignments are marked internally within South London College. You will receive constructive feedback and guidance from your personal tutor, which will support your learning and improvement.
• Assessor Support: You will have comprehensive access to support from assessors via various channels including telephone, WhatsApp, online discussions, email, and web chats.

For further details or any specific questions about the assessment process, please click the ‘Enquiry’ button below to get in touch with us.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 01: Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care
• Step 02: Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Social Care

Alternative progression pathway;

• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and Higher-Level Apprenticeships at Level 5 in health and social care.

Ofqual-regulated qualifications are overseen by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body regulating school, college, and vocational qualifications in the UK. Ofqual ensures these qualifications meet high standards of quality and rigour, providing assurance they are recognised and respected by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies. This oversight guarantees the qualifications maintain consistency, transparency, and credibility, meaning potential employers and organisations will have confidence in the individual’s skills and abilities, making them competitive candidates. They support professional development and compliance with industry standards, particularly in regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and public services. Ofqual-regulated qualifications are accepted abroad or can be easily converted to the country’s equivalent.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.