Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
Course Level
Level 5
Awarding body
Qualifi Ltd.
Course Duration
9 Months
Course Type
Regulated Qualification
Study Method
Online (Self-Paced)
Assessment Method
Assignments / Report Writing
Level 5 Extended Diploma
Health and Social Care
Usually £2,500
£1,499 total
All materials included · VAT exempt
Your progression journey
Level 3 qualification
Level 5 Extended Diploma ← you are here
Level 6 Top-Up year
Bachelor's degree
Complete this diploma → Progress to a UK degree
Our University Pathway Programme offers a flexible route to a UK Bachelor’s degree. Through our partnership with CEG, you can progress to a University Top-Up programme with participating universities, including ARDEN University, subject to entry requirements.
Course Details
The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF) a course designed for experienced care professionals ready to grow, lead, and make a wider impact. This comprehensive programme goes beyond everyday practice, helping you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for senior roles. You’ll learn how to manage quality in care settings, lead and inspire teams, collaborate across organisations, and support individuals with complex needs.
A key highlight of the course is a research project, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning to real-world challenges and strengthen your critical thinking. The course encourages you to think analytically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to the evolving demands of health and social care. You’ll also develop a strong understanding of ethical practice, professional standards, and cultural diversity within care environments.
The qualification includes 11 mandatory units across Level 4 and Level 5, with 120 credits at each level, giving you a total of 240 credits. This is equivalent to the first two years of a UK honours degree. Delivered entirely online, it offers the flexibility to study from anywhere while balancing your current responsibilities. On finishing the diploma, you’ll have the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for senior roles in health and social care. You may also continue your studies in the final year of a UK bachelor’s degree.
The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF) includes 11 mandatory units and is worth 240 credits. The total qualification time is 2,400 hours, with at least 1,100 guided learning hours recommended. To complete this qualification, learners must gain 240 credits in total. This includes 120 credits at Level 4 from 6 units and 120 credits at Level 5 from 5 units.
Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 601/3288/8
| Unit Reference | Mandatory Units | Level | TQT | Credits | GLH |
| T/505/9498 | Academic Study Skills | 4 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
| T/505/9495 | Communicating in Health and Social Care | 4 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
| F/505/9505 | An Introduction to Healthcare Policy | 4 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
| F/505/9519 | Reflective Practice | 4 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
| L/505/9507 | Managing People in Health and Social Care | 4 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
| M/505/9502 | Sociology Concepts in Health and Ill Health | 4 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
| K/505/9496 | Principles Underpinning Health and Social Care | 5 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
| A/505/9521 | The Management of Quality in Health and Social Care | 5 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
| H/505/9500 | Research Project | 5 | 400 | 40 | 100 |
| A/505/9499 | Partnership working in Health and Social Care | 5 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
| T/505/9520 | Working with Service users with Complex Needs | 5 | 200 | 20 | 100 |
To enrol in the Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, you should:
- Have a Level 3 Diploma or an equivalent qualification.
- The learner must be aged 18 or above.
- GCE Advanced Level in 2 subjects, or something similar.
- Relevant management experience.
- If English isn’t your first language, show evidence of competency.*
- Be able to meet the learning and assessment criteria.
For further information, please click here and find out the clear guidelines.
*A learner not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information, visit Language Expectations.
The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is ideal for experienced care professionals who want to move into senior leadership and management roles. It is designed for individuals seeking to strengthen strategic, managerial, and decision-making skills while gaining a highly recognised qualification that supports long-term career progression.
This course is ideal for learners aspiring to work as:
- Care home manager or registered manager
- Senior manager or operations manager in health and social care
- Service manager or care services coordinator
- Health and social care consultant or quality lead
- Professionals planning to progress to higher-level study, such as Level 6 or a related degree in health and social care
The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Each unit has its own RQF code, and the full course carries its own unique Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN: 610/3288/8) shown on the final certificate. QUALIFI is an awarding body approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), reference RN5160. Ofqual makes sure qualifications meet high standards, while QUALIFI ensures the course is reliable, quality-checked, and meaningful for your career.
Inspire London College offers these RQF qualifications through QUALIFI, giving you respected, recognised credentials that help you grow and succeed in health and social care. QUALIFI maintains strong progression arrangements with several UK universities, allowing learners to gain entry into relevant degree top-up and Master’s top-up programmes, supporting both academic and professional progression.
The qualification follows an assignment-based assessment approach, giving you the opportunity to explain your ideas and demonstrate your understanding with confidence. Instead of exam pressure, the focus is on flexible and practical learning through assignments and report writing. Inspire London College internally assesses all units and externally verifies them by Qualifi Ltd, ensuring quality and credibility.
Each unit is marked against clear criteria, so you always know what is expected, and to pass, you simply need to demonstrate that you have met all the learning outcomes. Throughout the process, your assessor will review your work and provide constructive feedback to support your progress and help you succeed.
- ARDEN University
Benefits
Why Choose Our Online Diploma Route?
Achieve your educational goals faster, more affordably, and with greater flexibility compared to traditional university study.
Features
Typical University Route
Our Online Diploma Route
Tuition Fees
1. Tuition Fees
❌ Bachelor's Degree Approx. £36,000 per year
✔ Complete Bachelor's Degree Under £10,000 total
Study Duration
2. Study Duration
❌ Typically 36 Months
✔ Complete in as little as 18 Months
English Requirements
3. English Requirements
❌ IELTS or equivalent English proficiency evidence commonly required
✔ No IELTS or formal English language qualification required
Study Location
4. Learning Method
❌ On-campus attendance required
✔ Study from Anywhere Worldwide
Book your free consultation
Fill in your details and our admissions team will contact you within 1 working day to discuss your route, funding options, and start date.
Free initial consultation
We assess your qualifications and recommend the right route at no cost
Flexible start dates
Multiple intake periods throughout the year — Jan, April, July and Oct.
Student finance available
SFE loans may be available — our team will advise on eligibility
Supported all the way
From enrolment to university graduation — dedicated support throughout
FAQs
Yes. This qualification is awarded by Qualifi, a UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. It is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and is recognised for academic progression and professional development within the health and social care sector.
Yes. Upon successful completion of the Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, learners may be eligible to progress directly to the final year (Level 6 Top-Up) of a relevant Bachelor’s degree, subject to the entry requirements of the chosen university.
For the university progression, the duration of extended diploma is 9 months depending on learner's study schedule and choosen payment paln.
Learners commonly progress to Level 6 Top-Up degrees such as BA (Hons) Health and Social Care, Health and Social Care Management, Public Health, Community Health Studies, or related healthcare disciplines, depending on university progression routes and admission criteria.
Learners should have a relevant Level 3 or Level 4 qualification, or experience working in a health and social care role. This diploma is ideal for senior support workers, team leaders, and professionals looking to progress into management or leadership positions within the sector.
The qualification is assessed through assignments, coursework, reports, and case-study-based assessments rather than traditional examinations. This approach enables learners to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world health and social care settings.
Yes. The programme is delivered 100% online, providing the flexibility to study from anywhere in the world while balancing work, family, and personal commitments.
