OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care
(Ofqual-Regulated Qualification)
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OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care Overview
The OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care is a UK Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to provide learners with the essential knowledge and practical understanding needed to work in adult care and support services. It is ideal for individuals who want to begin a professional career in health and social care or develop their existing skills in the care sector.
This programme introduces key areas of adult care, including person-centred support, safeguarding, communication, equality and diversity, health and safety, and professional responsibilities. Learners gain a clear understanding of how to support adults with dignity, respect, and compassion while meeting professional care standards.
The course is suitable for school leavers, new care workers, support staff, and individuals planning to enter healthcare, residential care, community care, or social support services. It develops both practical care knowledge and professional workplace skills required in real care environments.
This qualification also supports progression to higher-level health and social care studies while improving employability in adult care settings, healthcare organizations, community support services, and residential care environments.
Prerequisites
Course Entry Requirements
To enroll in the OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care, learners are generally expected to meet the following entry requirements:
Course Content
Understand essential principles of adult care practice
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care consists of three mandatory units and seven optional units, 60 credits, 600 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 300 hours.
Mandatory Units
- Responsibilities of a Health and Social Care Worker
- Person-centered Approaches in Health and Social Care Settings
- Effective Communication and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care 
Optional units Choose Any Two
- Health Promotion
- Diabetes Awareness
- Stroke Awareness and Management
- Dementia Awareness
- Mental Health Awareness
- Physical Disability Awareness Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings
- Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings
Course Features
Duration: 3 to 6 months
Credits: 60
Online Learning
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Learning Outcomes
Handle care responsibilities with confidence
Learning outcomes for Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care
Mandatory Units
1. Responsibilities of a Health and Social Care Worker
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the roles, responsibilities, and professional boundaries of a health and social care worker.
- Demonstrate knowledge of legal, ethical, and organisational frameworks that guide practice.
- Apply principles of safeguarding and protection in everyday care work.
- Maintain health, safety, and well-being of service users through responsible practice.
- Reflect on personal accountability, continuous professional development (CPD), and adherence to codes of conduct.
2. Person-Centred Approaches in Health and Social Care Settings
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the principles and values of person-centred care in adult health and social care.
- Promote independence, dignity, and choice for individuals receiving care.
- Recognise the importance of tailoring care to meet the physical, emotional, cultural, and social needs of service users.
- Apply strategies to support inclusion and equality in care delivery.
- Build trust and supportive relationships that respect individuality and diversity.
3. Effective Communication and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to use effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in care settings.
- Understand barriers to communication and apply strategies to overcome them.
- Uphold ethical standards when handling sensitive information and interacting with service users.
- Apply active listening, empathy, and appropriate language to improve care outcomes.
- Evaluate the role of confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical frameworks in communication practices.
Optional Units (Select 3)
4. Health Promotion
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the principles and strategies of health promotion in community and care settings.
- Support individuals in making informed lifestyle choices to improve well-being.
- Contribute to campaigns and initiatives that raise awareness of public health issues.
- Apply preventative care approaches to reduce health risks.
5. Diabetes Awareness
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the causes, symptoms, and complications of diabetes.
- Support individuals in managing diabetes through lifestyle, diet, and medication adherence.
- Recognise the importance of early detection and intervention.
- Apply safe practices in monitoring and responding to diabetes-related health needs.
6. Stroke Awareness and Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the risk factors, causes, and effects of strokes.
- Identify signs and symptoms of strokes and respond appropriately.
- Support individuals recovering from strokes with tailored care plans.
- Promote rehabilitation and independence while addressing physical and emotional needs.
7. Dementia Awareness
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the types, causes, and progression of dementia.
- Provide person-centred support that addresses memory, behaviour, and communication challenges.
- Recognise the emotional, physical, and social impact of dementia on individuals and families.
- Apply strategies to create safe, supportive, and engaging environments for those with dementia.
8. Mental Health Awareness
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand common mental health conditions, their symptoms, and their impact on daily life.
- Recognise stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health and promote positive attitudes.
- Provide basic support, reassurance, and guidance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
- Identify when to refer individuals for specialist mental health services.
9. Physical Disability Awareness
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the different types and causes of physical disabilities.
- Promote independence, mobility, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Adapt communication and support strategies to meet individual needs.
- Recognise the role of assistive technology and inclusive practices in supporting physical disabilities.
10. Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand legal and ethical responsibilities in managing information.
- Apply best practices in recording, storing, and sharing sensitive data.
- Ensure confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
- Use secure information systems to support high-quality, safe care delivery.
Course Benefits
Improve employability in healthcare environments
Benefits of Adult Health and Social Care
The OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care helps learners build the practical knowledge and professional confidence needed to support adults in care environments. It prepares individuals for meaningful careers where compassion, responsibility, and professional care skills are highly valued.
Career Opportunities
Explore healthcare and community support roles
The OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care opens the door to rewarding career opportunities in healthcare, support services, and community care environments. It prepares learners for professional roles where compassion, responsibility, and quality care make a real difference in people’s lives.
Learners can build careers in care homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community care organizations, social services, and other adult care settings, with opportunities for further professional growth and higher-level qualifications.
Core Skills You Will Develop
Improve teamwork in care environments
The OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care develops essential professional skills needed to provide safe, compassionate, and person-centred care in adult support environments. Learners gain practical abilities that can be applied across healthcare, residential care, and community support settings.






