OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care

OTHM

Summary
Study level
Level 3
Award
OTHM
Full time
3 Months (Fast Track)
Part time
6 Months
Location
London, Online
What makes Uniupp special?
Education for everyone, everywhere

UniUpp helps you access higher study, with flexible options wherever you live, work and study today, with ease.

You decide how and where to study

Choose a study route that fits your schedule, location and goals, with flexible options built around your life.

Full support both online and on-site

Get support online and onsite from choosing your course to preparing applications and taking a clear next step.

Strong focus on employability

Build skills through study tied to real roles, better applications and career growth from day one with support.

Course overview

Build the practical skills and self-belief the care sector looks for with the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care, a 3–6 month course designed for adults, parents, carers, and career-changers who want a caring route into care-work and an achievable step toward a stronger, more secure future.

This OTHM Level 3 Adult Health and Social Care course explains care ideas in clear, simple words, so you can study with confidence even after time away from learning. It builds skills valued in care settings, and applying through UniUpp can feel simpler, calmer, and more supportive from your earliest step.

What you’ll learn

Across this course you will build a great grasp of how adult care is planned, provided, and reviewed, from person-centred support and ethics to safety, rights, and daily care. You will also grow practical skills in teamwork, speaking, clear writing and reflection, plus the academic belief to learn, study, and share your ideas clearly.

Just as vital, you build self-belief, sound habits, and study routines that support your progress through the course and into the health sector, helping you feel able and ready for what comes next.

Learn by doing

You learn by doing here, using real adult care case studies, useful tasks, team talks, and work-related examples that link theory to everyday life. These applied tasks help you practise care skills, test your thinking, and build true belief to apply what you know in real health-and-care settings each day.

img image
icon

How to enroll

Video.1 min

Quick tools

image
Explore your brochure

Explore our brochure to compare courses, entry routes and study options, before choosing a path that suits you.

image
Speak to an advisor

Speak to a UniUpp advisor for clear guidance on courses, applications, funding, and your right next step today.

image
Added industry skills

Gain added skills with your studies, helping you feel ready for work, progression and long term career success.

Course details and modules

This Level 3 Adult Health and Social Care course builds your knowledge step by step. You study 3 core units on the care worker role, person centred care, communication, and ethics. You also choose three units from health promotion, diabetes, stroke, dementia, mental health, physical disability, or handling information.

The units work in a clear order, so your skills, confidence, and knowledge can build at a pace that suits adults coming back to study.

Responsibilities of a Health and Social Care worker

This first unit builds your grasp of a care worker's role, looking at duties, professional standards, safe practice, and how to support each adult fully.

Person-centred Approaches in Health and Social Care Settings

This unit covers person centred care, helping you value choice, dignity, rights and control, while using sound care that fits each adult and their needs.

Effective Communication and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care

This unit covers how clear communication and ethical care are used from day to day, including the way that trust, choice, privacy, and respect shape support. You will learn simple, useful ideas that you can apply in daily care settings, helping you see how great communication supports safe, sound practice.

Quote

I left school years ago and never believed I could study again, but this Level 3 Care course gently welcomed me precisely where I stood. The lessons felt accessible, the guidance always felt reassuring, and gradually, my confidence started to steadily flourish. I now understand how adult care operates, and I genuinely feel prepared to take a confident journey forwards.

Quote
Quote

Balancing work and family meant I really needed something genuinely flexible, and this care course gave me exactly that. I could happily study around my hectic shifts and my younger children without once falling behind. The tutors were always so understanding and thoughtful, and the gentler, steady pace truly kept me progressing. It quietly changed how I see my future.

Quote

Modules

The three core units link together so the course feels simple and manageable. From care responsibilities to person centred support and communication, each one builds the knowledge and self belief you need to learn and keep going.

Do I need previous care experience?

image
No previous care experience is needed to begin this qualification. It is genuinely designed for beginners, including people returning to learning after several years away. The earliest units start with the basics, and build gently, so you are not left behind. If you can give it time, you can make progress.

What support will I receive?

image
You are taught through clear explanations, practical tasks, and supportive, patient tutor guidance. Help is there whenever you feel confused, and you can ask questions without any fear. The aim is to make care concepts simple and usable, so you steadily grow in confidence at a pace that suits your routine.

Can this help me start a care career?

image
This diploma can support your move into adult care, support, and healthcare assistant roles, depending on your aims. It builds practical skills and confidence employers often look for. While no course can promise a job, the knowledge and habits you build can help you compete strongly for the work you want.

Can I study around work and family?

image
Yes, this programme is designed with busy adults firmly in mind, so you can study calmly around work, family, and other commitments. Flexible learning lets you fit your study into the week at times that suit you. Many learners balance demanding jobs and caring roles while steadily making real progress now.

Taking that first step can feel overwhelming, but you are never truly alone. Check your eligibility today, and let UniUpp help guide your important move.

Pathways that align with your career ambitions

This Level 3 Adult Health and Social Care course can support several care routes, depending on your goals, skills, and interests. Whether you want hands-on support work or community care, it helps build a strong, flexible footing.

Adult Care & Residential Support

This pathway fits those drawn to hands-on adult care roles, such as an Adult Care Worker or Senior Care Assistant helping people in residential settings.

Community & Personal Support

This pathway fits those who enjoy one to one support, moving toward work as a Support Worker, Domiciliary Care Worker, Key Worker, or Personal Assistant.

 

Additional Learning Support

You can build your skills with digital study notes, tutor help, and course materials, helping you feel more ready, supported, and confident as you study.

How do we assess you?
You submit written assignments, with no exams or practical observations. This lets you show what you know using simple care tasks, case work, and review.
  • Written tasks asking you to use care concepts in realistic work based situations and daily challenges adults may face.
  • Clear written tasks and reflective work that help you show your grasp, your steady progress, and your real confidence.

Study options

UniUpp is here to make studying feel achievable, whatever your starting point or previous experience. This Level 3 Care course is designed to fit around everyday life, so you can study at a balanced, gentler, comfortable pace.

You are supported from your earliest enquiry right through to enrolment and beyond, with friendly reassurance at every stage. Our caring staff can help you understand your options and choose the direction that truly suits you best.

Quote

I was apprehensive about going back into study after many years, but UniUpp made the entire experience feel calm and reassuring. Somebody explained my options clearly, answered my questions, and never once made me feel pressured. The flexible study pathway fitted comfortably around my job, and I genuinely felt supported. I am so grateful I finally took that first step.

Jude Olatunde,
OTHM Level 3 Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care student
Quote

Flexible Study Around Your Life

How does it work?

This study option is built around the realities of adult life, so you can continue learning even when your days already feel full. You do not have to put your career, your family, or your other responsibilities on hold to study for this Level 3 Care course. Instead, the learning is designed to slot into the time you genuinely have, at a consistent pace which feels achievable rather than rushed. You work through detailed, carefully-organised materials which explain every concept within simple, accessible language, with plenty of relatable examples to help everything make complete sense. Nothing is left unexplained, and you can revisit anything difficult. Learn at times that fit comfortably around your employment, family, and everyday routine. Move at a reasonable, manageable pace, without any pressure to rush onward. Reach out for friendly, patient encouragement whenever you feel uncertain or hesitant. Many of our learners are returning to study following years away, so this option is designed with precisely those people in mind. It quietly provides you the space you need to develop your confidence, build helpful study routines, and make genuine, enduring progress, one modest, manageable and reassuring step at a time, up to 18 months of access to learn.

Learn more about blended learning Blue Arrow

From First Contact to Beyond

How does it work?

From your first conversation with UniUpp, you are welcomed as a genuine person, not just another application form. Our supportive team takes the time to understand where you are right now, what you quietly hope to achieve, and any worries you might have about returning to study. There is never any pressure, and no question is ever treated as too small or simple to ask. As you move towards commencing this fresh Level 3 Care course, someone is always there to support you through every stage clearly and considerately. You are shown precisely what to expect, supported through the practical processes, and reassured whenever things feel unfamiliar or new. You have a friendly point of contact who genuinely understands your personal circumstances, stronger guidance through every single stage of this entire process, and patient, reassuring answers to your questions whenever you need them. Once you commence studying, that support does not simply disappear overnight. You can keep reaching out for support, advice, and reassurance throughout your course, so you never feel as though you are facing things completely alone. The aim is to help you stay motivated, keep believing in yourself, and continue making consistent progress towards a brighter, more secure future.

Learn more about online learning Blue Arrow

Entry requirements

We know that worrying about entry requirements stops many talented people from applying. At UniUpp, we look at your potential, not entirely your background. This Level 3 Care course is designed to welcome adult learners from many different backgrounds, including those returning to study after some time off, so please do not rule yourself out too quickly.

What you need to study with us

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, making it open to adults from many different backgrounds. Our helpful team can still talk through your own personal situation, explain what the course involves, and help you understand your available study options in clear, simple language. There is no harm whatsoever in enquiring, and absolutely no pressure to commit. Many learners begin after time away from education or without recent qualifications, so you should not assume study is closed to you. We are here to help you.

Eligibility

Uncertain whether you could qualify? Our friendly team can support you.

Confirming your eligibility is simple, straightforward, and completely cost-free, with no obligation at all to take matters much further. In just a few minutes, you can take a confident opening step towards finding out whether this Level 3 Care course could be a suitable choice for you. Our friendly team will support you through everything clearly, patiently answer any questions you may have, and treat you with genuine kindness and respect at every stage.

English proficiency

Worried about your English? You may receive more support than expected.

Good, clear communication truly matters in the professional adult care sector, so a reasonable everyday level of English will help you get the absolute most out of this programme. If English is not your first language, please try not to worry, because friendly encouragement may be available to help you steadily strengthen your abilities and confidence along the way. The finest thing you can possibly do is talk everything through with our supportive staff.

Course fees and funding

Paying for study can be a concern, so UniUpp provides this course for £850 rather than the regular £1100 fee. A flexible payment option is available, helping you spread fees and structure your learning around everyday commitments.

How does it work?
I am a student from
Locations arrow

With the UniUpp Flexi Plan, you make a £150 deposit, then five monthly instalments of £160. This spreads the £850 course fee across payments, helping you organise learning around your finances.

Course fee breakdown

Study in a UK Campus OR Online Fee
Standard Plan £850 course fee
Flexi Plan £150 initial deposit, then five monthly instalments of £160

This course is not eligible for funding through the Student Loans Company (SLC) and must be self-funded. Submit an enquiry to learn more about payment options.

Please note: The fees shown are based on the intake you join (your course start date), not the date you submit your application.

Career prospects

This Level 3 Adult Health and Social Care course is designed to open doors, helping you build practical skills and belief valued across adult-care roles.

  • Adult Care Worker gives adults safe daily care
  • Key Worker helping adults reach goals each day
  • Support Worker helps adults with care
Related Articles

What will I gain from this course?

This Level 3 Diploma programme provides you more than a qualification, developing work-ready, professional skills plus steady confidence that genuinely matter in care.

  • Practical health care understanding and good skills that you can apply with confidence across a range of daily duties.
  • Greater self belief, strong communication skills, and the habits that help you to succeed in each health care setting.

By the time you complete this Level 3 Care course, you will have gained far more than a qualification. You will have developed professional care knowledge, stronger communication skills, and the kind of stronger confidence that helps you truly step into care work and contribute meaningfully. Just as importantly, you will have proved to yourself that you can set a strong goal, work towards it consistently, and achieve something you feel genuinely proud of.

What can I do after UniUpp?

Completing this course can open up several different paths, depending on your goals and situation. Some learners choose to step straight into adult care, support work, or healthcare assistant roles, using all of their new skills. Others decide to keep on studying, building towards further qualifications in time. And whatever you then choose, UniUpp can help you see your options and feel well supported as you take your next steps towards a brighter future.

Move into a care support or assistant position

  • Adult Care & Residential Support
  • Community & Personal Support

Go on to study towards a further qualification

  • Progress into health care related degree programmes

Start your journey with UniUpp

image
Apply today
image
Speak to an advisor
image
Events & Open Days
image
Download brochure