Level 5 health and social care courses
The registered manager level: Level 5 Diplomas and Extended Diplomas in Health and Social Care Management and Leadership.
What Level 5 means in health and social care
Level 5 is the most sought-after level in UK social care because it is the qualification expected of registered managers. If you run, or want to run, a care home, domiciliary agency, supported living service or children's residential service, a Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management or in Leadership for Health and Social Care is what employers and inspectors look for.
We offer the Level 5 Diploma, the larger Level 5 Extended Diploma (240 credits, equivalent to two years of degree study) and integrated versions that pair the management diploma with a professional certificate in a specialism — from palliative care and dementia leadership to healthcare finance, human resources and compliance. That lets you evidence both management competence and subject expertise in one award.
All programmes are delivered online by LSIB, awarded by an Ofqual-regulated body, assessed by assignment and supported by a tutor. Most learners complete the Diploma in six to nine months while working full time.
Who studies at Level 5
- Deputy managers preparing for a registered manager post
- Registered managers who need a Level 5 qualification for CQC or Ofsted registration
- Service managers in the NHS, charities and local authorities
- Level 4 graduates continuing towards a degree-level award
What you will learn
- Leading and managing a regulated care service: governance, quality assurance and inspection readiness
- Managing finance, resources and workforce planning in health and social care
- Safeguarding leadership and managing risk across a service
- Developing and implementing person-centred policy and practice
- Specialist professional certificates: palliative care and hospice management, mental health leadership, healthcare compliance, HR, supply chain and more
Level 5 programmes
97 programmes · most popular first
Showing the 48 most popular of 97 programmes. Browse the full course list for the rest.
Where Level 5 leads
The Level 5 Diploma leads to the Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management (bachelor's standard) and then Level 7 and MSc top-ups. Our Level 5 + Level 6 and Level 5 to Level 7 bundles cover the complete route with a single enrolment and fee plan.
Level 5 questions answered
Is the Level 5 Diploma accepted for CQC registered manager applications?
Yes. CQC expects registered managers to hold, or be working towards, a Level 5 qualification in health and social care leadership or management. Check with your provider which exact title your service requires.
What is the difference between the Level 5 Diploma and the Level 5 Extended Diploma?
The Diploma is 120 credits (one year of degree-level study); the Extended Diploma is 240 credits, covering a wider range of management units and equivalent to the first two years of a degree.
Can I top up a Level 5 Diploma to a degree?
Yes. Our Level 6 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management follows on from Level 5, and partner universities offer final-year top-ups to a full BA/BSc for Level 5 Extended Diploma holders.
Not sure Level 5 is the right fit?
Tell admissions about your role and experience and we will recommend the level and pathway that matches — no obligation.