This programme supports learners who want to move into senior roles, strengthen leadership capability, and develop quality improvement skills. It is aligned to Level 4 and Level 5 study, which is equivalent with Years 1 and 2 of undergraduate learning. Progression to degree via top-up routes is available via our partner universities.”
Our Level 5 course allows you to study online with flexible access and no exams. Learning is practical and assignment-based, using real workplace scenarios, case studies, and applied tasks, delivered by some of the best educators in healthcare, so you will build confidence and competence alongside this qualification.
The qualification is awarded by OAL (Occupational Awards Limited) within the RQF framework and is regulated by OFQUAL. The Level 5 Extended Diploma is equivalent to the first two years of a university degree, and completing this Level 5 programme will demonstrate advanced competence, reflective practice, and leadership readiness, supporting progression into supervision, management, or further study.
This course is designed for people working in health and social care who are stepping into an advanced role, including:
It’s also an ideal training course for learners moving into advanced roles, quality, compliance, or service improvement, and for those who want to strengthen academic practice and writing skills without committing to two years of campus-based study. The qualification supports progression to a BSc (Hons) top-up route and becoming a health and social care university graduate.
The duration of our course is similar to the length of the equivalent university education, but is designed in a way that is much more flexible. As it is conducted online, you can complete the training and assignments when it suits you, perfect for expanding your knowledge and skillset while also working full-time in health and social care, and home life – many learners commit around 6–10 hours per week, depending on their pace.
Completion time depends on the route you choose and how much time you can commit each week:
If you’re looking to expand your horizons without making personal sacrifices in pursuit of higher education, this course is ideal for you.
International learners are also welcome to join this course, and upon completion will receive a UK-regulated qualification that carries global value.
For many learners, this diploma strengthens career prospects by helping you demonstrate understanding of advanced health and social care practice expectations, including:
• Quality and governance
• Safeguarding and professional practice
• Communication and person-centred care
• Supporting complex needs and multi-agency working
It may also support applications for further study, including potential top-up routes where accepted.
If your goal is to work in the UK, this course will support your readiness for UK-based opportunities within health and social care.
Our programmes are taught and supported by experienced health and social care professionals with real experience in modern health and social care. You’ll learn through practical teaching, current best practice, and feedback designed to strengthen both confidence and competence.
Our expert tutors can help you apply your assignments to your own setting, such as domiciliary care, care homes, community services, or hospice support, so your work feels relevant and immediately useful.
The Extended Diploma pathway is structured in three parts.
You complete Level 4 units (linked and equivalent to Year 1 level study), then Level 5 units (linked and equivalent to Year 2 level study), followed by an additional Extended Diploma unit focused on leadership, ethics, and evidence-based practice to ensure that you are eligible for full credit of Years 1 and 2 of a degree course.
Here’s a breakdown of the units:
Leadership, Ethics, and Evidence-Based Practice in Health and Social Care (make accountable decisions in complex situations, lead ethically, and embed evidence-based improvements that last)
A higher-value unit designed to strengthen the capabilities employers and universities look for:
Ethical frameworks and accountability (make defensible decisions that meet professional and organisational standards)
Leadership decision-making in complex settings (prioritise, escalate risk appropriately, and lead under service pressures)
Evidence-based improvement and quality assurance (use data and research to strengthen quality, compliance, and outcomes)
Reflective leadership and sustaining improvements (embed learning, maintain momentum, and keep improvements in place over time)
Those wanting direct access to a BSc Hons Top-Up programme with one of our partner universities are required to complete the full extended diploma qualification to be eligible for credit towards Year 1 and Year 2 of a BSc Hons, meaning that, in most circumstances, you will only need to complete Year 3 with one of our partner Universities in the UK.
Assessment of this course is entirely assignment based with no final exams. The work will typically consist of reports, essays, reflections, case analysis, and applied tasks. In our training courses we focus on practical learning as much as possible, but these assignments will show your understanding of the topics and give you more confidence when it’s time to apply them.
You’ll also complete a research project based on a real workplace challenge, so you can investigate what’s happening in practice, use evidence to identify what needs to change, and present practical recommendations your organisation can use to improve quality, safety, and outcomes. It’s a strong piece of work to share in supervision, appraisals, service improvement discussions, and progression interviews.
At Guardian Angels Training, we’re committed to helping talented practitioners reach their full potential. Our popular Train the Trainer programmes build the knowledge, confidence, and teaching skills needed to deliver high-quality training, while our advanced healthcare courses support Hospice and Care Practitioners to develop specialist, practice-ready expertise.
Most of our programmes, including the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Advanced Health and Social Care, are designed to help you progress without the common barriers associated with higher education. You can study flexibly without the need to travel to university, work around fixed lecture times, or take on unnecessary extra costs and extended course durations, while still achieving a recognised qualification and meaningful professional development.
Our Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF) is built for working professionals. If university timetables aren’t realistic alongside shifts, family life, or existing responsibilities, this flexible route helps you progress without stepping away from work.
We focus on the outcomes that matter: confidence in practice, strong academic skill, and real progression. During the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF) you’ll be supported by experienced tutors with structured feedback, helping you to build a better understanding of the topic by learning from someone who is equipped to guide you, so that you improve with every submission, instead of just completing a course.
Some academic routes can feel theory-heavy, especially when you need practical confidence in the workplace. This programme gives you regulated higher-level study alongside applied learning, so you build both the qualification and advanced capability and recognition in health and social care.
Choose the programme route that matches your goals, then select the support package that suits your pace.
Tutor-Supported (Standard): £995
Or £195 deposit + 8 × £100/month (total £995)
Includes:
• Full access to learning materials and assessment submission
• Structured tutor feedback and progress support
• Support with academic writing, structure, and referencing
• Best for learners who want steady progress alongside work
Premium Fast-Track: £1,195
Or £195 deposit + 10 × £100/month (total £1,195)
Includes everything in Tutor-Supported, plus:
• A fast-track completion plan with clear milestones
• 1:1 academic support sessions
• Progression guidance pack (CV/personal statement/top-up readiness where applicable)
• Best for learners who want faster completion with extra 1:1 support
Tutor-Supported (Standard): £1,195
Or £195 deposit + 10 × £100/month (total £1,195)
Includes:
• Full access to learning materials and assessment submission
• Structured tutor feedback and progress support
• Support with academic writing, structure, and referencing
• Best for learners who want structured guidance and steady progress alongside work
Premium Fast-Track: £1,395
Or £195 deposit + 12 × £100/month (total £1,395)
Includes everything in Tutor-Supported, plus:
• A fast-track completion plan with clear milestones
• 1:1 academic support sessions
• Progression guidance pack (CV/personal statement/top-up readiness where applicable)
• Best for learners who want faster completion with extra 1:1 support
Tutor-Supported (Standard): £1,395
Or £195 deposit + 12 × £100/month (total £1,395)
Includes:
• Full access to learning materials and assessment submission
• Structured tutor feedback and progress support
• Support with academic writing, structure, and referencing
• Best for learners who want the full progression route with steady, supported pacing
Premium Fast-Track: £1,495
Or £195 deposit + 13 × £100/month (total £1,495)
Includes everything in Tutor-Supported, plus:
• A fast-track completion plan with clear milestones
• 1:1 academic support sessions
• Progression guidance pack (CV/personal statement/top-up readiness where applicable)
• Best for learners who want the full route with added 1:1 support and faster completion
Not sure which route fits you best? Get in touch for a short eligibility and options chat, and we’ll recommend the best pathway based on your role, goals, and available study time.
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