A Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification that sits at the same academic level as the second year of an undergraduate degree — and is the minimum credential most CQC-regulated employers require for a Registered Manager role. In practice, that means you can evidence management competence without enrolling on a full campus degree.
At healthsocial.care the pathway is the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management (and Qualifi Level 5 where available) at £950 (9 months) or £1,250 (6 months).
Structure and Credit Value
The diploma is typically 120 credits at RQF Level 5. Modules cover leadership, safeguarding governance, quality, resource decisions and research-informed practice applied to your workplace.
Assessment Method: Assignments, Not Exams
Assessment is assignment-based. You submit written work against module briefs using anonymised workplace examples. There are no unseen exams on this pathway.
Duration and Fees at healthsocial.care
Study pathways run for 6 months (fast-track) or 9 months (standard). Fees are the same for OTHM and Qualifi routes at healthsocial.care: £1,250 for the 6-month pathway or £950 for the 9-month pathway. Many learners plan study inside a wider 9–12 month career window that also includes deputy stretch and nomination checks.
Confirm how Level 5 sits nationally via GOV.UK / Ofqual qualification levels, and check Registered Manager expectations with the Care Quality Commission.
What Level 5 Does — and Does Not — Replace
Level 5 supports competence evidence for manager shortlists. It does not replace DBS checks, Fit and Proper assessments, or day-to-day leadership in the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Level 5 the same as a foundation degree?
Same broad RQF band as foundation degree / HND level study; it is not an identical university award.
Are there exams?
No — assessment is assignment-based on this pathway.
What does it cost?
£1,250 for 6 months or £950 for 9 months.
Do OTHM and Qualifi cost different amounts here?
No — the same two prices apply at healthsocial.care.
You may also find useful
- Is OTHM Level 5 recognised by CQC employers?
- Fees and payment options 2026
- How online learning works
Next step: If Registered Manager criteria list Level 5 management study, enrol on the 6- or 9-month pathway that fits your rota.
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