Health & Social Care
This diploma develops your critical understanding of health and social care policy, theory and practice, which is essential in today's fast-changing care sector.
| Award Name | Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 4 years
Full time – 2 years
Time limit – 8 years
Study method: Distance learning.
How much time do I need?
Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you'll need to succeed. If you're not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
This diploma is applicable to a wide range of health and social care careers in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors.
Other careers
The wide range of transferable skills you’ll develop during your studies will be applicable to many roles outside health and social care.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• February 2025: Registration closes 09/01/2025
Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
Diploma of Higher Education in Health and Social Care
This diploma develops your critical understanding of health and social care policy, theory and practice, which is essential in today's fast-changing care sector. Health and social care professionals at all levels need to be proactive and flexible to succeed. Through your studies you’ll develop the skills you need for effective practice in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment. You’ll also gain an understanding of how ethical, legal, social, economic and political factors influence the provision and development of services.
Key features of the course
• Applies new ideas to real-life issues and situations that affect us all.
• Helps you to develop as an independent and reflective learner.
• Explores the context and processes of change.
• Discover new ways of working across agency and professional boundaries.
A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, the diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two thirds of the BA (Honours) Health and Social Care (R26).
This diploma of higher education has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• At each stage you will study one 60-credit compulsory module focusing on current issues across the health and social care sector.
• For the remaining 60 credits of each stage, you will choose between option modules exploring particular issues or client groups in more depth, for example, mental health, older adults, children and young people or health and wellbeing.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.