ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (2023)

IntroductionEntry CriteriaQualification Content

Please note: ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Management for Health and Social Care (600/4435/4)is being withdrawn for registrations from 31st August 2024 and there will be no certifications for this qualification after 31st December 2026.

Introduction
The ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is a 120 credit Ofqual Regulated Qualification equivalent to an A Level or Access to HE qualification.

The aims of these qualifications are to develop knowledge, skills and understanding across a range of interrelated health & social care subjects and practices. Building on the core learning developed at Level 3, the Diploma qualification provides learners with a broad, practical foundation of both health and adult social care subjects. For learners seeking to further develop their occupational skills in adult social care, there is a specific Extended Diploma pathway to grow these skills; for learners looking for more of a bespoke/academic approach to the subject, the Extended Diploma offers a wide range of optional choices, and some more academically oriented units, to enable as broad an approach as possible to study.

The Diploma qualification is mapped to the knowledge and skill requirements for the Level 4 IfATE standard for Lead Practitioner in Adult Care (Home / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) and the Extended Diploma Adult Care pathway is mapped to the knowledge and skill requirements for Skills for Care’s Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care specification (Home – Skills for Care). In this way, learners can be assured that their learning and achievement is fully compatible with current health and social care sector expectations for learning and skills.*

Unit content and skill areas are explored systematically. Learners are expected to demonstrate both what they know and understand of the unit content, and how they apply it to a practical problem or situation. The emphasis of the qualification is on developing the individual’s personal understanding of the knowledge and skill requirements necessary to undertake a health and social care role/activity, and not on broader corporate or business-related issues/requirements.

This is a core qualification available to existing and interested centres of ATHE.

Grading
Graded with Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Advanced learner loans available in the UK – to check if funding is available see the latest Qualification Catalogue here.
For the progression routes visit our progression routes page.

Delivery Mode
This qualification can be delivered either in the classroom, via distance learning or blended, part-time or full-time.

Qualification Specification
To view the specification, please click here.

Typical Age

This qualification is designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.

Qualifications

For learners who have recently been in education or training the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:

  • a 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 Diplomas
  • an Access to Higher Education Certificate delivered by an approved further education institute and validated by an Access Validating Agency
  • other equivalent international qualifications

Language

For those whom English is not their first language we recommend the following standards of proficiency in English language skills or an approved equivalent for this qualification:

  • IELTs 5.5
  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2
  • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) 162 or above
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 42-49

Learners must complete all 4 mandatory units and 4 optional (opt) units.

Unit NameUnit AimsCreditsMandatory
Health and Social Care in Context and PrinciplesThis unit aims to develop an understanding of the national, legal and ethical context of health and social care with a focus on adult social care. Learners will examine the values underpinning care and the behaviours and responsibilities for working in the adult care sector.15Yes

Supporting Individuals in Adult Social Care
This unit aims to support development of the skills and knowledge required to support individuals in adult social care. Learners will look at practical aspects of adult social care and how these contribute to health and wellbeing of service users.15Yes
Health and Ill-HealthThis unit aims to develop the learners’ understanding of the concepts of health and ill-health, health inequalities and current major health issues that impact on the health and social care sector.15Yes
Personal and Professional Development in Health and Social CareThis unit aims to develop the knowledge and understanding of personal and professional development. Learners will develop techniques for planning, implementing and evaluating their own personal and professional development and an understanding of how to support others in their personal and professional development.15Yes
Resource Management in Health and Social CareThis unit aims to introduce learners to the requirements and techniques used in the procurement, planning, use and effective management of resources in health and social care. They will learn about the importance of effective management to meet the objectives of providing high quality care that meets service-user, organisational and financial objectives.15Opt
Managing People in Health and Social CareThis unit aims to introduce learners to models of leadership and management and to theories and techniques for managing people. They will learn about motivating and managing teams and individuals and techniques for conflict resolution in the context of health and social care. They will find out about human resource planning, recruitment, selection and retention. They will explore the implications of legislation and regulation relating to employment.15Opt
Managing Finance in Health and Social CareThis unit aims to develop the knowledge and skills to manage financial resources and use financial information for decision-making within health and social care. Learners will explore the wider environment, regulatory requirements and financial techniques. They will consider financial decision-making in health and social care and factors that impact this.15Opt
Managing Improvement and Change in Health and Social CareThis unit aims to develop knowledge about managing quality, improvement and change in health and social care. Learners will explore quality assurance and quality control in health and social care and identify relevant standards. They will look at systems and processes to achieve continuous improvement and consider how change can be effectively managed in organisations.15 Opt
Public Health and Health PromotionThis unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of public health and promotion of health. Learners will explore key principles and concepts of public health and health promotion and how these areas have evolved over time. The unit will allow learners to focus on policy, practice and current challenges in public health and health promotion in a specific national context. Learners should develop a full picture of health in their chosen nation placed within the theoretical context of public health.15Opt
Sociological Context of HealthThis unit aims to develop understanding of the sociological context of health and ill-health. Learners will look at the sociological perspectives of health and illness. They will explore major sociological perspectives and how they relate to health and care. Learners will analyse the inequalities in society and how these impact on health and access to care and look at rights and responsibilities relating to health.15Opt
Contemporary Issues in Health and Social CareThis unit aims to develop an understanding of contemporary issues in health and social care and how these might impact on the provision of health and social care services. Learners will examine key current debates and topics and the socio-economic, political and cultural factors influencing wellbeing and health and social care in their chosen national context.15Opt
Research Project in Health and Social CareThis unit aims to develop skills in carrying out research in health and social care. Learners will undertake a health or social care project of their choice. They will carry out a literature review, use digital research and information and produce a research report on research they have carried out.15Opt
Support Needs in Health and Social CareThis unit aims to develop understanding of specific health conditions common in health and in health and social care. Learners will select one condition on which to base their studies. Learners will explore a specific health condition and look at causes, risk factors, symptoms, impact on everyday life, treatments, and support required. Areas that might be selected include: diabetes, dementia, epilepsy, physical disability, sensory conditions, autism, strokes, cardiovascular issues, substance misuse, cancer, mental health conditions (e.g. depression, PTSD, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia) and other conditions relevant for the learner.15Opt
Supporting End-of-Life CareThis unit aims to develop the skills and knowledge required to manage and support end-of-life care. Learners will consider the framework for end-of-life care in a chosen national context and look at the impact of individual beliefs on end-of-life care as well as the dilemmas and conflicts that may arise and how these might be resolved.15Opt
Use of Assistive TechnologyThis unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of how assistive technology can offer positive outcomes for users and support independence. Learners will explore the range of assistive technologies and learn about their use to support independence and provide positive outcomes for users and organisations. They will study a specific group or condition to identify how technology meets their needs and look at the health and safety issues and ethical and legal implications of technologies.15Opt
Supporting Positive Behaviour in Adult Health and Social CareThis unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of how assistive technology can offer positive outcomes for users and support independence. Learners will explore the range of assistive technologies and learn about their use to support independence and provide positive outcomes for users and organisations. They will study a specific group or condition to identify how technology meets their needs and look at the health and safety issues and ethical and legal implications of technologies15Opt
Providing Information, Advice and GuidanceThis unit aims to develop the knowledge and understanding required to provide information, advice and guidance within adult health and social care contexts. Learners will explore ways to provide information, advice and guidance in line with best practice. They will find out how to provide information, advice and guidance that is accurate and relevant and explore two specialist contexts in which information, advice and guidance may be provided.15Opt
Management and Administration of Medicines in Social Care SettingThis unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the management and administration of medicines in social care settings. Learners will explore the regulatory framework in a chosen national context and how this translates into policies and guidelines. They will consider the requirements for managing medicines within the setting and procedures for the safe administration and control of medicines.15Opt