Level 2 health and social care courses
The starting point for a career in care: the Level 2 Diploma in Care and its specialist pathways, studied entirely online.
What Level 2 means in health and social care
Level 2 is where most care careers begin. The Level 2 Diploma in Care is the qualification employers expect from care assistants, healthcare support workers and personal assistants in residential homes, domiciliary care and supported living. It maps to the Care Certificate standards, so completing it also evidences the induction competencies CQC-registered providers must check.
You do not need previous qualifications or experience to enrol. The programme is written for people who are new to the sector, returning to work, or already working in care without a formal certificate. Everything is assessed by written assignments and workplace-style reflections — there are no exams.
Every programme on this page is delivered online by London School of International Business (LSIB) and awarded by an Ofqual-regulated awarding body, so the certificate you receive is recognised across the UK care sector.
Who studies at Level 2
- New or aspiring care assistants and support workers
- Healthcare assistants in hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries
- People changing career into health and social care
- Existing care staff who need a recognised certificate for their role
What you will learn
- Duty of care, safeguarding adults and children, and whistleblowing
- Person-centred care, dignity, choice and communication
- Health, safety and infection prevention in care settings
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in practice
- Specialist pathways: dementia, mental health, learning disabilities, end-of-life care
Level 2 programmes
32 programmes · most popular first
Where Level 2 leads
Most learners move on to the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care within a year, which opens senior care worker and team leader roles. Our Level 2 + Level 3 bundles let you enrol on both at once and save on fees.
Level 2 questions answered
Do I need experience to start a Level 2 Diploma in Care?
No. Level 2 is designed for beginners. If you are not yet working in care, the assignments use case studies and reflective tasks instead of workplace evidence.
How long does the Level 2 Diploma take online?
Most learners finish in six months studying around six to eight hours a week. You can go faster or slower — there are no fixed term dates.
Is the Level 2 Diploma the same as the Care Certificate?
The Care Certificate is an induction standard; the Level 2 Diploma is a regulated qualification that covers the same ground in more depth and is recognised by employers nationally.
Not sure Level 2 is the right fit?
Tell admissions about your role and experience and we will recommend the level and pathway that matches — no obligation.