OTHM offers Ofqual-regulated health and social care diplomas from Level 3 through to Level 7, each designed to unlock the next tier of management roles in CQC-regulated settings. The practical implication: pick the level that matches your next job advert, knowing fees stay the same at healthsocial.care.
Confirm awarding body details on OTHM. Study pathways at healthsocial.care include Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7.
Full Progression Table (Fees Identical at Every Level)
| Level | Credits | 6-month fee | 9-month fee | Typical entry | Career unlocked | Typical employer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | 60 | £1,250 | £950 | Care experience | Senior carer / team support lead | Care homes, domiciliary agencies |
| Level 4 | 120 | £1,250 | £950 | Level 3 or senior experience | Deputy / assistant manager | Independent care providers |
| Level 5 | 120 | £1,250 | £950 | Level 4 or supervisory experience | Registered Manager | CQC-regulated services |
| Level 6 | 120 | £1,250 | £950 | Level 5 or management experience | Head of Care / area manager | Multi-site care groups |
| Level 7 | 120 | £1,250 | £950 | Level 6 or senior management | Director of Care / Head of Service | Large providers, NHS ops leadership |
How to Choose Your Starting Level
Start at the lowest level that still matches your next advert’s essential criteria. Skipping Level 5 when you need Registered Manager evidence creates nomination gaps even if Level 7 sounds more senior.
Assessment and Study Format Across Levels
All listed pathways are assignment-based online study with tutor support. Fees stay £950 (9 months) or £1,250 (6 months) whether you choose OTHM availability at Level 3 or Level 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fee really the same at every level?
Yes at healthsocial.care: £1,250 for 6 months or £950 for 9 months.
Is Level 3 60 credits?
Yes on the typical Level 3 diploma pathway described here; higher levels are typically 120 credits.
Do I need every level in sequence?
Not always. Centres assess prior learning and experience — confirm at enrolment.
Where do I verify OTHM regulation?
On the Ofqual register and via OTHM’s awarding body information.
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Next step: Find your row in the progression table, confirm entry requirements, then enrol on that OTHM pathway at healthsocial.care.
Keep a simple study log of hours written each week and the workplace examples you used in assignments. That log helps at appraisal and shows how regulated study linked to service improvements.
Before enrolment, confirm with your manager whether study leave or supervision time can support assignment deadlines during inspection weeks and annual leave peaks.
Use your target person specification as a checklist when choosing assignment topics, so every submission strengthens evidence for the role you want next.
Store digital copies of assignment feedback, certificates and transcripts in one folder for recruiters and licensing checks.
If you work nights, schedule writing on the first day off rather than immediately after a long shift, when proofreading accuracy drops.
Tell your tutor early if rota changes or sickness will delay a submission so a short extension can be agreed with dates attached.
When citing legislation or statutory guidance, use the current version and note the date accessed to avoid preventable resubmissions.
Keep a simple study log of hours written each week and the workplace examples you used in assignments. That log helps at appraisal and shows how regulated study linked to service improvements.
Before enrolment, confirm with your manager whether study leave or supervision time can support assignment deadlines during inspection weeks and annual leave peaks.
Use your target person specification as a checklist when choosing assignment topics, so every submission strengthens evidence for the role you want next.
Store digital copies of assignment feedback, certificates and transcripts in one folder for recruiters and licensing checks.
If you work nights, schedule writing on the first day off rather than immediately after a long shift, when proofreading accuracy drops.
Tell your tutor early if rota changes or sickness will delay a submission so a short extension can be agreed with dates attached.
When citing legislation or statutory guidance, use the current version and note the date accessed to avoid preventable resubmissions.
Keep a simple study log of hours written each week and the workplace examples you used in assignments. That log helps at appraisal and shows how regulated study linked to service improvements.
Before enrolment, confirm with your manager whether study leave or supervision time can support assignment deadlines during inspection weeks and annual leave peaks.
Use your target person specification as a checklist when choosing assignment topics, so every submission strengthens evidence for the role you want next.
Store digital copies of assignment feedback, certificates and transcripts in one folder for recruiters and licensing checks.
If you work nights, schedule writing on the first day off rather than immediately after a long shift, when proofreading accuracy drops.
Tell your tutor early if rota changes or sickness will delay a submission so a short extension can be agreed with dates attached.
When citing legislation or statutory guidance, use the current version and note the date accessed to avoid preventable resubmissions.
Keep a simple study log of hours written each week and the workplace examples you used in assignments. That log helps at appraisal and shows how regulated study linked to service improvements.
Before enrolment, confirm with your manager whether study leave or supervision time can support assignment deadlines during inspection weeks and annual leave peaks.
Author: healthsocial.care Academic Team | Last reviewed: September 2026