ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (2024)
Introduction
The Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (120-credit) builds on the learning in the Diploma and offers learners either a chance to pursue a more practical, occupationally-related approach to the subject (following Skills for Care’s Level 5 Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service specification) or to construct their own qualification outcome from a mixture of practical and more academically inclined units.
This is a core qualification available to existing and interested centres of ATHE.
Grading
Graded with Pass or Fail.
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:
- prior study in health and social care or related subjects at level 4 or above
- a Level 4 qualification, for example, an ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, Pearson HNC
- an apprenticeship achievement at Level 4 in a Health and Social Care or related technical area
- 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 four mandatory units totalling 60 credits and at least four optional (opt) units, totalling a minimum of 120 credits. The number of units to be completed will depend upon the size of the units selected.
Unit Name | Unit Aims | Credits | Mandatory |
---|---|---|---|
Leading and managing health and social care | This unit will develop knowledge of key concepts, theories and models of leadership and management and how they are applied in health and social care. It will look at how leaders in care can create a positive organisational culture. Learners will explore the regulatory and legislative requirements in health and social care relevant to a specific area of care and national context. | 15 | Yes |
Responsibilities, values and behaviours in health and social care | This unit will develop the knowledge of responsibilities in health and social care and the values and behaviours that underpin practice. Learners will consider the manager’s viewpoint of communication, safeguarding, health and safety, partnership working and person-centred practice from the viewpoint of leading and managing these within organisations in health and social care. Learners will need to choose a national context in which to explore relevant legislation and may wish to consider a specific care context such as adult care. | 15 | Yes |
Improvement and innovation in health and social care | This unit will develop an understanding of the importance of improvement and innovation in health and social care and the processes to achieve these. The unit will cover the management of quality, continuous improvement and change. Learners will find out about innovation and entrepreneurial skills in health and social care. They will learn about developing and implementing a vision within an organisation and creating a culture that supports initiative and innovation. | 15 | Yes |
Professional development and performance management in health and social care | This unit will develop understanding of professional development for leaders in health and social care and of the management of learning and development for self and others. The unit will look at the leadership and management of professional development in health and social care organisations, the purpose and practice of professional supervision and the management of performance. | 15 | Yes |
Digital skills for leaders in health and social care | This unit aims to support the development of digital skills to support work and research in health and social care. Learners will explore systems and technologies and their management and use in enhancing care. They will consider the security and ethical issues related to digital technologies and how these can be effectively managed. | 15 | Opt |
Leading and managing different adult social care service models | This unit aims to develop the in-depth knowledge and understanding required to manage a chosen adult social care model. Learners will choose one service on which to focus. They will consider the requirements of the chosen service in terms of management, resources, safeguarding and care provision. | 15 | Opt |
Care planning and assessment in social care settings | This unit aims to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of care planning and assessment processes in a specific social care service of the learner’s choice. Learners will look at processes in place, how assessments translate to care plans and how plans are implemented. They will consider how care needs are met by multi-disciplinary care teams. | 15 | Opt |
Management of clinical skills in adult social care | This unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of clinical activities carried out in adult care settings. Learners will look at the responsibilities of professionals in undertaking clinical activities and the potential activities that may be required in a specific adult care service. They will consider the skills and competence required to undertake clinical activities and how these are effectively managed to support the health and wellbeing of individuals. | 15 | Opt |
Managing transitions relating to care settings and significant life events | This unit aims to develop the skills to lead, manage and support transitions between care settings and/or transitions relating to significant events in the lives of individuals in social care settings. Learners will consider theoretical approaches and factors supporting positive transitions as well as considering the frameworks, practices and organisational cultures supporting positive experiences for individuals. | 15 | Opt |
Leading financial management in health and social care | This unit aims to develop the skills in financial management required by leaders in health and social care. Learners will consider financial systems used in health and social care and the information used in decision-making. They will consider how commissioning is carried out within their chosen national context and consider how financial viability can be assessed and enhanced by undertaking ratio analysis and investment appraisal. | 15 | Opt |
Operational planning in health and social care | This unit aims to develop knowledge and awareness of operational planning within a health and social care organisation. Learners will explore the systems, processes and policies in place in organisations and the technology used. They will consider how organisational structure and culture impacts on day-to-day operations and consider the importance and purpose of contingency planning. | 15 | Opt |
Recruitment and retention of staff in health and social care | This unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of recruiting and retaining staff in health and social care organisations. Learners will consider the legal, regulatory and economic context of recruitment as well as industry and organisational factors affecting how organisations can attract and retain staff. They will learn about the processes involved in recruiting, selecting and engaging staff and how staff can be encouraged to remain with the organisation | 15 | Opt |
Risk management in health and social care | This unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of how to manage risk in health and social care. Learners will find out about how to develop a positive risk culture within the organisation and develop the systems and processes to manage risk. | 15 | Opt |
Project management in health and social care | This unit aims to develop an understanding of project management techniques that can be used to manage projects in health and social care. Learners will demonstrate their ability to manage a project through planning, implementation and review stages. | 15 | Opt |
Policy, ethics and legislation in health and social care | This unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the development and impact of policy, ethics and legislation in health and social care. The unit will look at why they are important, how they meet public need and the politics of health and social care. | 15 | Opt |
The organisation of health and social care | This unit aims to give learners an understanding of the development and organisation of health and social care in a specific national context. They will learn about the history of health and social care and the factors that have shaped the sector. They will look at political factors that have shaped the sector, funding and the balance between private, voluntary and public sector services. | 15 | Opt |
Global health issues | This unit aims to develop an understanding of global health issues and the ethics of global health. Learners will consider the global burden of disease and determinants of health, global outbreaks, emergency responses, and issues relating to health equity. They will consider human rights to health and basic requirements such as food and look at the concept of healthy cities. | 15 | Opt |