Home/Courses/Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care
OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care
An Ofqual-regulated Level 3 foundation diploma awarded by OTHM, written for people who work in or want to move into care. It carries UCAS Tariff points.
Awarded by OTHM
OTHM is a UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual.
Qualification number: 603/6776/3
The essentials
At a glance
- Level
- Level 3 (Regulated Qualifications Framework)
- Credits
- 60
- Guided learning hours
- 300
- Total qualification time
- 600 hours
- Assessment
- Portfolio of evidence per unit
- Grading
- Pass / Fail
- Delivery
- Online
- Structure
- Six mandatory units
- Awarding organisation
- OTHM
- Ofqual qualification number
- 603/6776/3
- UCAS Tariff points
- 16 (indicative)
How this course is delivered. You study online, working through the course materials on our learning platform at times that suit you, and submit your assignments there by the deadlines you are given.
UCAS points are indicative. Universities set their own entry requirements and are not obliged to accept a qualification or its tariff value.
Duration and fees
Choose your pace
Both routes cover the same 600 hours of total qualification time. Fast-track completes them in fewer weeks, so it asks for more of your week. Standard is the more balanced option.
Standard
6 months to complete 600 hours of total qualification time
Steady routeThe 600 hours of study spread across 6 months. The more balanced option alongside work or family.
List price £725, so you save £36.
Instalments£250 deposit + 3 × £183£799 in total, 10% more than paying in full
Fast-track
3 months to complete 600 hours of total qualification time
Intensive routeThe same 600 hours of study packed into 3 months. A demanding pace that will take up a large part of your week.
List price £798, so you save £40.
Instalments£250 deposit + 2 × £314£878 in total, 10% more than paying in full
Fees are subject to change. Payment plans, refunds and withdrawals are covered by our Fees, Refunds and Withdrawals Policy. We advertise study duration only. Certificates are issued by OTHM once its final external quality checks are complete. The timing of those checks is set by OTHM, not by the College.
Course content
What you will study
Equality and diversity, safeguarding, professional development, communication and resource management in care.
Six mandatory units.
Unit 1Responsibilities of a Health and Social Care Worker10 credits · 50 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- Working relationships in care, staying within the agreed scope of your job role, and working in partnership with others.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 50 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- H/618/5284
Unit 2Personal and Professional Development in Health and Social Care10 credits · 50 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- What competence means in your role, reflecting on your practice, evaluating your performance, and building a personal development plan.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 50 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- T/618/5287
Unit 3Effective Communication in Health and Social Care Practice10 credits · 50 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- Why communication matters in care, meeting each person's communication wishes, overcoming barriers, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 50 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- F/618/5289
Unit 4Health, Safety and Wellbeing in Health and Social Care Settings10 credits · 50 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- Health and safety responsibilities in a care setting, minimising the spread of infection, and recognising the signs of abuse.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 50 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- F/618/5292
Unit 5Person-centred Approaches in Health and Social Care Settings10 credits · 50 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- Person-centred ways of working, establishing consent when providing support, and promoting active participation.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 50 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- J/618/5293
Unit 6Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings10 credits · 50 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- Handling information in a care setting: the practice requirements, good practice, and confidentiality.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 50 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- L/618/5294
Progression
Where it leads
This qualification is listed on the UCAS Tariff, so it can be used in a UCAS application alongside or instead of other Level 3 qualifications.
Progression arrangements belong to the awarding organisation, not to Ravenscroft College. Universities set their own entry requirements, assess each applicant individually, including English language, and are not obliged to accept a qualification or its tariff value.
Before you apply
Entry requirements
- Typically open to learners aged 18 or over with a standard of education equivalent to GCSE or above.
- Appropriate English language proficiency where English is not your first language.
- If you do not meet a stated requirement but believe your experience makes you suitable, speak to admissions. In some cases we can consider applications based on relevant professional background.
Specific requirements for your programme, including any minimum grades, language test scores, or prior qualifications, will be set out in your offer letter.
Studying from outside the UK
Ravenscroft College does not currently sponsor student visas.