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ATHE QualificationOfqual regulated

ATHE Level 3 Diploma
in Health and Social Care

Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to build a rewarding career in health and social care. This nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification is ideal for those looking to work in adult care, residential care, home care or progress to further study.

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RQF Level 3Qualification level
100% online600 total hours (TQT)
Written assignmentsNo exams
1 year accessTo learning materials
Care professional smiling with an older woman in a welcoming care setting
Make a
difference every day
2 free giftsAI study assistant + 3,000+ courses →

Course Overview

The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification designed for learners who want to develop the knowledge and practical understanding needed to work in adult care settings.

This qualification will help you build the essential skills to support individuals with care and support needs, promote health and wellbeing, and work in line with current legislation and professional standards.

Download Course Guide
Care professional offering reassurance and holding an older woman's hand
Develop the skills to support people and build a meaningful career in care.

Course Demos & Learning Experience

Get a feel for the course content, learning platform and the types of materials you will study.

What You’ll Study (Curriculum)

This qualification includes six mandatory units covering the key areas of health and social care.

1. Structure and Overview of the Health and Social Care Sector12 credits

Explore health and social care provision, different areas of specialism and the needs of people at different stages of life.

2. Principles, Values and Regulation in Health and Social Care10 credits

Understand the policies, legislation, principles and professional values that underpin care provision.

3. Human Growth and Development5 credits

Study growth and development across the lifespan, the effects of life events and the physical and psychological changes of ageing.

4. Working in Health and Social Care15 credits

Explore person-centred working, effective communication, infection prevention and working relationships in care.

5. Research in Health and Social Care10 credits

Understand approaches to research, identify a relevant topic and develop a research project connected to health and social care practice.

6. Personal and Professional Development8 credits

Explore career progression, reflective practice and ways to plan and support your professional development.

Entry Requirements

  • Contact our team to discuss your readiness for Level 3 study.
  • This qualification is designed for learners aged 16 and above.
  • Hold a Level 2 qualification or equivalent, in line with the Academy’s current entry guidance.
  • Have sufficient English to understand the materials and complete written assignments; ask an adviser if unsure.

How Assessment Works

  1. 1Study the learning materialsAccess all units online at your own pace.
  2. 2Complete written assignmentsSubmit your work through the online platform.
  3. 3Receive tutor feedbackYour tutor will mark your work and provide feedback.
  4. 4Achieve your qualificationComplete all units and the required verification process.

Certification and Regulation

This qualification is awarded by ATHE (Awards for Training and Higher Education) and regulated by Ofqual. It sits within the Regulated Qualifications Framework and supports progression in employment and further study.

Check this qualification on the Ofqual register

Awarded by ATHE

A recognised awarding organisation. Qualification number: 603/6568/7.

Regulated by Ofqual

This qualification is on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centre

Offered as a reseller in partnership with One Education, the main approved centre.

Recognised achievement

A qualification you can be proud to share

Turn your learning into a recognised achievement. After successful assessment and verification, your qualification is awarded by ATHE, with certification arranged through One Education.

  • RQF Level 3 · 60 credits
  • Pass, Merit or Distinction achievement grades
  • Support your CV and further-study applications

Your final certificate is issued by the awarding organisation. The illustration shows the qualification details, not the official certificate layout.

ATHE Illustrative sample · not a real certificate

Qualification Certificate

Presented to

Learner Name

For achievement of the

ATHE Level 3 Diploma
in Health and Social Care

60 credits · RQF Level 3 · 603/6568/7

Certificate illustration for this page. Actual layout may differ.
Illustration of a care professional offering reassurance to an older woman
Support along the way

Independent study.
Not studying on your own.

Make progress at your own pace, with guidance when you need it and feedback to help you strengthen your written work.

  • Feedback on your assignmentsUnderstand what you have done well and where to improve.
  • Course and study guidanceAsk questions about your learning and the assessment process.
  • A team to help you get startedSpeak to an adviser about enrolment and your next steps.
Your 2 free enrolment gifts

One enrolment. More ways to grow.

Build your qualification with extra study support and a wider course library to help you keep developing your skills.

Free gift 01 · AI study assistant

Your personal
learning companion

Explore tricky concepts, create revision prompts and plan your next study session with an AI companion alongside your human tutor support.

Academy AI study assistantExample conversation
Can you help me understand person-centred care?
Start with the person’s needs, preferences and choices. How could you involve them in a decision about their daily routine?
Illustrative interaction. AI can make mistakes; check answers against your course materials.
Included free with your enrolment
Free gift 02 · Course-library access 3,000+

Skill development courses

Keep building your knowledge beyond the diploma with a broad learning library, including health and social care topics and wider workplace skills.

Health & social careSafeguardingDementia awarenessMental wellbeingCommunicationLeadership

Discover learning that complements your care career, while exploring new interests at your own pace.

Included free with your enrolment

The bonus library provides additional skills learning; it is separate from the six assessed ATHE diploma units. AI assistance does not replace tutor assessment or professional care advice.

From enrolment to achievement

A clear path to your qualification

Know what happens next, from choosing your payment option to receiving your ATHE award.

6 mandatory units60 credits600 total qualification hours1 year course access
  1. Choose your payment plan

    Pay in full or spread the course fee over 6 or 12 monthly payments.

  2. Start your online learning

    Access your course materials and organise a study routine around your commitments.

  3. Work through all six units

    Build your understanding through reading, activities and independent research.

  4. Submit your assignments

    Complete the written work, receive feedback and make any required improvements.

  5. Complete quality assurance

    Your work goes through the required assessment and verification checks before the award.

  6. Receive your ATHE certificate

    Successful achievement leads to certification, arranged through the approved centre.

Who assesses and verifies? Academy for Health & Fitness offers this qualification in partnership with One Education, the main approved centre. One Education manages assessment and internal quality assurance, with external verification through ATHE before certification. Total qualification time covers learning, research, preparation and assessment; it is not a fixed completion deadline.

Your next step in care

Build your skills. Broaden your next step.

Develop knowledge for care-related work and create a foundation for further learning.

Care assistant

Build understanding of everyday support, dignity and person-centred care.

Healthcare assistant

Develop knowledge of safe practice, communication and care settings.

Support worker

Explore how to support wellbeing, independence and individual choices.

Social care worker

Strengthen your understanding of care provision and professional responsibilities.

Thinking about university or further study?

This qualification is eligible for UCAS points and can support applications for related higher education. You may also explore further health and social care qualifications, subject to the provider’s entry requirements.

University admission depends on your full application and the course’s entry criteria. UCAS eligibility does not guarantee a university place.

View ATHE qualification and progression guidance →

These are possible career directions, not guaranteed job outcomes. Employers may also require experience, workplace training, checks or other qualifications.

Know what you are getting

What’s included in your course fee?

Your qualification, learning support and two free gifts, brought together in one enrolment.

Six-unit learning materials

One year of online access to study the mandatory diploma units.

Tutor assessment & feedback

Written-assignment assessment and guidance on your work.

ATHE registration

Qualification registration through One Education, the approved centre.

ATHE certification

Your qualification certificate after successful assessment and verification.

One assignment resubmission

An opportunity to improve and resubmit work if required.

Free AI study assistant

Extra help exploring concepts, planning study and revising.

Free 3,000+ course library

Additional health, care and workplace skills learning.

14-day money-back guarantee

Enrol with confidence, subject to the refund policy.

What Our Learners Say

Read more reviews →

Feedback from learners who have studied with Academy for Health & Fitness.

★★★★★
“The course was easy to follow and the support from my tutor was excellent.”
Sarah K.
★★★★★
“I now feel much more confident in my role. The materials were clear and easy to follow.”
James T.
★★★★★
“A very useful qualification with helpful feedback on my assignments.”
Leanne P.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the course take?

You have one year of access to the learning materials. Study online at your own pace, allowing time for independent learning, assignments and tutor feedback.

Is this qualification regulated?

Yes. The ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, qualification number 603/6568/7, is awarded by ATHE and regulated by Ofqual.

Do I need to complete a placement?

Please check the current delivery and assessment requirements with our course adviser before enrolling. They can confirm whether any placement or workplace evidence is required.

What support will I receive?

You can access course materials online and receive tutor feedback on your written assignments. Your enrolment also includes one resubmission if needed, the AI study assistant and access to the additional course library.

How do I pay for the course?

Choose £699 + VAT in full, six equal payments of £130 + VAT (£780 + VAT total), or twelve equal payments of £69 + VAT (£828 + VAT total). Review your selected breakdown and current terms before enrolment.

Can I get a refund?

The course is offered with a 14-day money-back guarantee, subject to the current refund policy and applicable terms. Contact our team before enrolling if you have questions.

Will this help me progress my career?

The qualification supports knowledge development and further study in health and social care. Progression depends on employers’ and education providers’ requirements; employment or admission is not guaranteed.

How do I enrol?

Select your preferred payment option and use the Enrol now button. A course adviser can also help you confirm the course is right for you before you complete enrolment.

Ready to start your journey in health and social care?

Take your next step with Academy for Health & Fitness.

Course Introduction

Speak to a course adviser

We’ll help you choose the right next step. Call 0121 430 3008 or send your enquiry below.