The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care builds underpinning knowledge, understanding, and skills for support worker, senior support worker, or care assistant roles and further...
This Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification consists of six mandatory units and is assessed by coursework on a pass/fail basis. It is equivalent in academic terms to GCE AS/A Levels.
Awarded by OTHM and regulated by Ofqual
6 mandatory units
60 credits in total
600 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT)
120 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Assessment by coursework
The objective of this qualification is to equip learners with the underpinning knowledge, understanding, and skills required for a career in the health and social care sector at support worker, senior support worker, or care assistant level. It also enables learners to demonstrate skills by producing evidence from work activities to meet national occupational standards.
Develops core knowledge for health and social care practice
Supports preparation for support worker and care assistant roles
Builds understanding of person-centred values and safe practice
Strengthens communication and professional development skills
Covers confidentiality and effective information handling
Supports progression to employment or further study
Learners will develop knowledge and understanding across the six mandatory units that form the qualification structure.
Understand responsibilities of a health and social care worker
Develop personal and professional practice through reflection and planning
Apply effective communication in health and social care practice
Promote health, safety, wellbeing, infection control, and safeguarding
Understand and apply person-centred approaches, consent, and active participation
Handle information securely, accurately, and confidentially in care settings
This qualification is suitable for learners seeking foundational preparation for work in health and social care and for those who want to progress to further study in the sector.
Individuals preparing for a career in health and social care
Aspiring support workers
Aspiring senior support workers
Aspiring care assistants
Learners seeking a foundation before higher-level study
Adult learners wanting to build sector-relevant knowledge and skills
OTHM does not specify formal entry requirements for this qualification, but centres must ensure learners have sufficient capability to meet the learning and assessment requirements. The qualification is offered in English.
Learners can be offered this qualification from age 18
Learners from non-majority English-speaking countries must provide evidence of English language competency
OTHM states that the qualification is assessed by coursework and graded pass/fail. Within the specification, units are assessed through portfolio of evidence, and learners must meet all learning outcomes and assessment criteria to achieve a pass.
Assessment method: coursework
Unit assessment commonly uses portfolio of evidence
Learners must meet all learning outcomes and assessment criteria
Overall grading type: pass/fail
Successful completion enables learners to progress into or within employment and/or continue their further study. The qualification supports progression in health and social care and may support access to relevant higher-level study pathways.
Progress into employment in health and social care
Progress within an existing care role
Continue to further study
Explore progression opportunities through OTHM university arrangements
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