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Health & Social Care

ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care

Build practical care knowledge, earn a nationally recognised qualification and prepare for your next role—100% online, with a tutor beside you.

2 big free gifts Included when you enrol
Free gift 01 5,000+ accredited courses Full skills-library access
Free gift 02 Exclusive AI study assistant On-demand study support
4.78 43,000+ learner reviews
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Level
RQF Level 3
Duration
8–12 months
Study mode
100% online
Assessment
Written assignments
Ofqual regulated Recognised qualification
Study your way Online and self-paced
Human tutor support Feedback when it matters
14-day guarantee Enrol with confidence
Course overview

A practical route into confident, person-centred care

Created for people starting or progressing in adult health and social care, this qualification turns essential theory into decisions you can use in real care settings.

You’ll explore communication, safeguarding, professional practice, equality and wellbeing while building evidence of the skills employers expect at Level 3.

Nationally recognised An Ofqual-regulated ATHE qualification.
No exams Progress through clearly structured written assignments.
No placement required Complete every part of the qualification online.
Flexible access Study at a pace that fits around work and family.
Your qualification

ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care

Qualification level
RQF Level 3
Total qualification time
600 hours
Credits
60
Units
6 core units
Media & demos

See the learning experience before you enrol

Explore the platform, sample a lesson and preview the study tools included with your course.

Online learner using the Training Express study platform
Featured demo · 1:20

Course overview

See who the qualification is for, what you’ll study and how Training Express supports you from enrolment to certification.

What you’ll learn

Skills that translate to real care settings

Six purposeful units take you from the foundations of safe practice to confident professional decision-making.

6 units Clear, focused modules
600 hours Total qualification time
Lifetime Course access + free updates
01 Promote communication in care settings

Build confident, person-centred communication skills for colleagues, individuals and families.

02 Safeguarding and protection

Recognise signs of harm, understand reporting duties and support safer care environments.

03 Health, safety and wellbeing

Apply risk-aware practice, infection control and wellbeing principles in day-to-day care.

04 Professional practice in adult care

Strengthen reflective practice, duty of care, equality, inclusion and continuous development.

+ 2 further units
Before you begin

Clear entry requirements and assessment

Know what you need before enrolling and exactly how your achievement will be assessed.

Requirements

Open entry with sensible readiness checks

No previous health and social care experience is required to enrol with Training Express.

  • Typically suitable for learners aged 16+
  • No care placement required
  • Able to read and write English at Level 3 study standard
  • Access to a computer, internet and email
  • Ready to complete independent research and written work
ATHE advises that recent learners commonly enter with GCSE Grade 4/C+, a related Level 2 subject or an equivalent international qualification. Applications can be considered on individual readiness.
Assessment

Written assignments—not timed examinations

Complete an assignment for each unit, submit it through the learning portal and use detailed tutor feedback to strengthen your work.

  1. 01 Study the unit
  2. 02 Prepare your assignment
  3. 03 Submit online
  4. 04 Receive tutor feedback
No timed exams 6 assessed units Pass · Merit · Distinction
One free resubmission is included for every assessment if further work is required.
Your regulated qualification

What ATHE awarded and Ofqual regulated means

You study with Training Express, while the qualification itself is awarded by ATHE and sits within England’s regulated qualification system.

RQF Level 3 Equivalent qualification level to A Level or Access to HE 60 credits Across six mandatory units 603/6568/7 Official qualification number
athe

ATHE is the awarding organisation

ATHE sets the qualification specification, units, learning outcomes and assessment standards. Successful learners receive the official ATHE certificate.

View the ATHE qualification
ofqual

Ofqual provides regulatory oversight

Ofqual regulates qualifications and awarding organisations in England, helping maintain standards and confidence and providing a public qualification record.

Check the Ofqual register
Your achievement

A recognised certificate you’ll be proud to share

When you complete the qualification, you’ll receive your official ATHE certificate—evidence of your knowledge, commitment and Level 3 achievement.

  • Official ATHE qualification certificate
  • Ofqual-regulated Level 3 achievement
  • Suitable for CVs and professional profiles
Verify qualification
Training Express Sample

This is to certify that

Learner Name

has successfully completed

ATHE Level 3 Diploma in
Health & Social Care

RQF Level 3 60 credits ATHE awarded
Certificate demo
An adult learner studying online with support from an experienced care professional
AR

“You’ll always know what to work on next—and why it matters.”

Amelia Reed · Lead assessor
Support that keeps you moving

Independent study should never feel like studying alone

From your first login to your final assignment, a named tutor helps you understand the standard, improve your work and stay on track.

  • Personal feedback on every assignment
  • Questions answered by a real subject specialist
  • One free resubmission for every assessment
  • Simple progress tracking in your learning portal
Your 2 free enrolment gifts

One enrolment. A wider learning ecosystem.

Your qualification also unlocks intelligent study help and thousands of extra accredited courses to support your next step.

Free gift 02 · Exclusive to Training Express

Your personal AI study assistant

Get on-demand explanations, revision prompts and study-planning support whenever you need another way into a topic.

Training Express AI Available 24/7
What would you like help understanding today?
Can you simplify the principles of safeguarding?
Absolutely. Let’s break them into six clear principles with care-setting examples.
Included with your course
Free gift 01 · Accredited course library
5,000+

skill development courses

Keep learning beyond your qualification with a broad library of bite-sized courses for work, confidence and career development.

Care skills Leadership Digital skills Wellbeing Communication Employability
Learning support included Guidance across your course and skills library
How your study will work

A simple path from enrolment to certification

Structured learning, clear assignments and tutor feedback—followed by lifetime access for future refreshers.

360 Guided learning Structured learning and tutor-led activities
240 Independent study Preparation, research and assignment work
600 Total hours The complete Level 3 learning commitment
  1. 01
    Enrol and get instant access

    Choose your payment plan and enter the learning platform straight away.

  2. 02
    Study online at your pace

    Work through clear lessons and practical activities around your schedule.

  3. 03
    Prepare and submit assignments

    Use your independent study time to build evidence and submit written work online.

  4. 04
    Receive tutor feedback

    A subject specialist marks your work and guides you through each unit.

  5. 05
    Earn your ATHE certificate

    Complete the qualification and receive your recognised Level 3 achievement.

  6. 06
    Keep learning for life

    Return to your course materials and access future updates whenever you want a refresher.

Who this course is for

Build skills for care roles—and the next step after them

This course suits people entering adult care, existing care workers formalising their knowledge, and learners preparing to progress into greater responsibility.

Potential pathway

Care worker

Support adults with daily living, independence and wellbeing in residential, community or home-care settings.

Indicative UK salary £20,000–£25,000
View career profile
Potential pathway

Senior care worker

Coordinate care, guide colleagues and take greater responsibility for safe, person-centred practice.

Indicative UK salary £24,000–£29,000
View career profile
Potential pathway

Healthcare assistant

Work alongside nurses and other professionals to support patients in health and care environments.

Indicative UK salary £25,000–£27,000
View career profile
Progression pathway

Care home manager

A longer-term progression route leading services, teams, quality and day-to-day care operations.

Indicative UK salary £25,000–£55,000
View career profile

Salary guides are from the UK National Careers Service. Actual pay varies by experience, employer and location. This qualification does not guarantee employment or entry to every role.

Learner stories

Progress looks different for everyone

4.78 ★★★★★ Rated Excellent · 43,000+ learner reviews
“The structure made it easy to pick up after a long shift. My tutor’s feedback was specific and encouraging.”
M

Maya T. Senior care assistant

“I knew exactly what each assignment was asking for. I never felt like I was working through it on my own.”
J

Jordan L. Support worker

“Paying monthly made the course manageable, and being able to study online meant I could keep working.”
S

Sophie R. Adult care learner

Good to know

Questions before you enrol?

We’ve answered the things learners ask most. If you’d rather speak to someone, our course advisers are here to help.

Speak to a course adviser
Is this a recognised qualification?

Yes. This is an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification awarded by ATHE. The registration and certification fees are included in the course price.

Do I need to complete a placement?

No placement is required for this course. You can complete the learning and written assessments online from home.

How long will I have access?

You receive lifetime access to the course materials, with future course updates included free so you can revisit and refresh your knowledge whenever you need to.

What support will I receive?

A named tutor will guide you through the course, answer questions and provide written feedback on every assignment.

Can I pay monthly?

Yes. Choose six or twelve equal monthly payments. There is no credit check, no interest and no early-settlement fee.

Your next step

Build the qualification behind your care career

Choose a payment plan, get instant access and start learning at your own pace.