ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (2024)

IntroductionEntry CriteriaQualification Content

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 NameUnit AimsCreditsMandatory
Leading and managing health and social careThis 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.
15Yes
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.
15Yes
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.
15Yes
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.
15Yes
Digital skills for leaders in health and social careThis 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.
15Opt
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.
15Opt
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.
15Opt
Management of clinical skills in adult social careThis 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.
15Opt
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.
15Opt
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.
15Opt
Operational planning in health and social careThis 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.
15Opt
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
15Opt
Risk management in health and social careThis 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.
15Opt
Project management in health and social careThis 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.
15Opt
Policy, ethics and legislation in health and social careThis 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.
15Opt
The organisation of health and social careThis 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.
15Opt
Global health issuesThis 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.
15Opt