The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is a UK-recognised advanced qualification designed for learners who want to develop strong managerial and leadership skills within the health and social care sector. This course is ideal for individuals aiming to progress into supervisory, administrative, or management roles in healthcare settings. It provides a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical management practices used in modern health and social care environments.
The programme covers key areas such as health and social care management principles, leadership and organisational behaviour, safeguarding practices, healthcare policy, communication in care settings, and quality improvement in care services. Learners will develop the ability to manage teams, improve service delivery, and ensure high standards of care within different healthcare organisations. The course also enhances critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for effective management.
This qualification is suitable for care managers, senior support workers, healthcare supervisors, and professionals working in hospitals, care homes, and community care services. The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management supports progression to higher educational levels and senior roles such as Care Manager, Health Services Manager, or Social Care Leader. It also provides strong international recognition, making it valuable for both UK and global career opportunities in health and social care management.
All About OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
Key Takeaways
Course Overview
The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is a structured vocational qualification designed to develop advanced knowledge and practical management skills within the health and social care sector. The programme is organised into 6 mandatory units, each focusing on key areas such as leadership in care services, health and social care policy, safeguarding practices, service quality improvement, and effective communication in professional care environments.
This qualification carries 120 credit hours, reflecting its strong academic value within the UK qualification framework. It provides learners with an in-depth understanding of how health and social care services are managed, monitored, and improved to meet professional and regulatory standards. The course also strengthens critical thinking, leadership, and organisational skills required for supervisory and managerial responsibilities.
The programme includes 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 480 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), delivered over a structured 1 year course duration. Learners benefit from guided instruction, independent study, and applied learning activities that enhance real world competence in healthcare management. This qualification is ideal for professionals seeking progression into senior roles and supports advancement to higher educational levels in health and social care leadership and management careers.
Admission Criteria
The entry requirements for the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care are as follows:
- Minimum Age:
Learners must be at least 19 years old at the time of enrolment. - Educational Background:
A Level 5 qualification or equivalent in health and social care, nursing, healthcare management, or a related discipline is recommended. - Language Proficiency:
Learners should demonstrate English language ability equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or above, or an equivalent qualification. - Work Experience:
Relevant work experience in health and social care, nursing support, community care, or healthcare administration is recommended.
Mandatory Units
Learning Outcomes
Working in Partnership in Health and Social Care
- Understand the features of partnership working.
- Understand how to establish and maintain working relationships with others.
- Understand how to evaluate partnership working.
- Know how to work with others to support organisational innovation and growth.
Managing the Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Individuals
- Understand the legal framework, regulations, policies and procedures that support the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable individuals.
- Know about the management of a service which safeguards and protects vulnerable individuals.
- Understand the importance of partnership working to protect vulnerable individuals.
- Understand how to review procedures and practices that promote safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.
Health Education and Promoting Wellbeing
- Understand approaches to health education.
- Understand models ofbehaviour change.
- Be able to carry out a health education campaign.
Team Management in Health and Social Care
- Understand the characteristics of effective team work.
- Know how to support a positive culture within a team in a health and social care setting.
- Understand how to agree performance objectives with the team.
- Be able to manage team performance.
- Know about recruitment and selection processes in health and social care.
Professional Supervision Practice in Health and Social Care
- Understand professional supervision in health and social care settings.
- Know how to agree on the framework for a professional supervision process.
- Know how to provide professional supervision.
- Know how to reflect on own practice in professional supervision.
Research Methods in Health and Social Care
- Understand approaches to research in health and social care.
- Be able to plan a research project relevant to a health and social care setting.
- Be able to carry out a research project relevant to a health and social care setting.
- Be able to make informed recommendations.
Ideal Candidate
The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management is designed for individuals who are already working in the health and social care sector and want to progress into higher managerial or supervisory roles. It is ideal for learners who wish to strengthen their leadership abilities and develop a deeper understanding of healthcare management systems.
This course is particularly suitable for health and social care professionals such as support workers, care coordinators, senior carers, healthcare assistants, and administrative staff working in hospitals, care homes, and community care settings. It helps them gain the knowledge required to manage teams, improve service quality, and ensure compliance with healthcare standards.
Additionally, it is well-suited for individuals aiming to progress into senior positions such as care manager, service manager, or healthcare supervisor. Whether working in the UK or internationally, this qualification provides a strong pathway to higher educational levels and long term career advancement in health and social care leadership and management.
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