Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management

The word 'management' in the title matters. Resource Management in Health and Social Care and Assessment Processes in Health and Social Care Settings, both 20 credits, are written for someone responsible for a service rather than a shift. Around them sit Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Social Care, Communication in the Caring Professions and Principles of Health and Safety for Health Professions, and the whole is held together by Professional Development and Academic Writing Skills, which OTHM has placed in this programme in place of the generic writing unit.

It is taken mostly by care coordinators, senior support workers, deputy managers and team leaders in domiciliary, residential and supported living services, and the assignment briefs suit their settings. You will audit a policy in your own workplace, review a communication breakdown and propose a resource plan for a real service. This diploma does not replace a Level 3 or Level 5 in adult care for registration purposes, and it is not a nursing or social work qualification; it is the academic first year of a health and social care management route, 120 credits at Level 4.

OTHM sets the entry requirements for this qualification and LSPM, as the approved centre, applies them when it assesses your application. As published by the awarding body:

• Relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification
• GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
• Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)

Source: the OTHM specification. If you are not sure whether your qualification counts as equivalent, send us the details and we will put the question to LSPM's admissions team, who make the decision.

Entry is by Level 3 diploma, by two A levels, or by the mature route that OTHM opens to over-21s with experience. For this programme, a Level 3 in adult care plus shift-leading or coordinating responsibility is the profile we see most often and that LSPM has been glad to accept.

One written assignment per unit, usually a report on your own service with recommendations. There are no exams or observed practice. Formative feedback before submission is LSPM's arrangement to confirm.

Assignments are set and marked by LSPM's tutors, moderated within LSPM and sampled by OTHM before LSPM claims certificates. Draft feedback and resubmission arrangements are LSPM's own practice; confirm them at enrolment. How assessment works in full.

Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management from OTHM, the second-year equivalent on the same route.

Second-year entry to a health and social care or health studies degree, if the university accepts the diploma for advanced standing.

Deputy manager or registered manager preparation, where the Level 5 in leadership for adult care usually follows.