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Health & Social Care
Regulated qualifications for careers in care, mental health, counselling, and healthcare support. Designed in line with Skills for Care and NHS workforce standards.
At a glance
- LevelsLevel 2 to Level 5
- Awarding BodiesTQUK, NCFE, Focus
- Duration6–18 months
- Study mode100% online
- FundingPay monthly available
What can I study in Health & Social Care?
Regulated qualifications for every stage of a care career
learndirect offers Ofqual-regulated health and social care qualifications from Level 2 entry-level certificates through to Level 5 management diplomas. Courses cover adult care, mental health, counselling, dementia support, and end-of-life care. All are accepted by UK employers, the NHS, and care providers as evidence of competence for funded roles and progression.
Build your care career
Three progression stages, from your first role to a senior management position.
Enter the sector
Start with a Level 2 Diploma in Adult Care or a Level 2 Awareness of Mental Health Problems. These qualifications meet the Care Certificate standards and prepare you for support-worker roles in care homes, domiciliary care, and the NHS.
Specialise at Level 3
Move into a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, Mental Health, or Counselling Skills. Level 3 is the standard for senior care workers, team leaders, and the entry point for many counselling and mental health practitioner routes.
Lead at Level 4 or 5
Step up to a Level 4 or Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care. These are the recognised qualifications for registered managers, deputy managers, and senior practitioners across the UK care sector.
All Courses
Explore Health & Social Care courses
Filter by level or awarding body. Sort by price. All courses are 100% online and start any day of the year.
Showing 18 of 18 courses
Level 3Adult Care Level 3
A comprehensive Level 3 qualification covering care planning, safeguarding, and person-centred practice.
Level 2Adult Social Care Certificate Level 2
Earn a Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate fully online, building the skills to work in regulated care settings.
Level 5Adult Care Level 5
A senior leadership qualification for managers and aspiring managers in adult social care settings.
Level 4Foot Health Practitioner L4
Train as a Foot Health Care Practitioner with this Ofqual-regulated Level 4 Diploma covering anatomy, common conditions, and clinical practice.
Level 3Mental Health & Counselling L3
TQUK Level 3 Diploma in mental health and counselling. Study 100% online, assignment-based. Recognised by employers.
Level 3Zoology Level 3 Diploma
SEG Awards Level 3 Zoology Diploma. Study animal biology, ecology and conservation online. Open to all.
Level 3Healthcare Support Services Level 3
TQUK Level 3 Diploma for healthcare support workers. Clinical skills, safeguarding, medicines and person-centred care.
Level 3Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
Build the knowledge and values needed to begin a career in adult social care with this flexible Level 3 qualification.
Level 3Canine Massage Level 3 Diploma
Qualify as a canine massage therapist online. Master anatomy, techniques, and assessment for a career in canine therapy.
Level 3Counselling Skills Level 3
Gain a TQUK Level 3 Award in Counselling Skills online. Theory, ethics, reflective practice – no placement required.
Level 4Foot Health Top-Up Level 4
Top up to Level 4 foot health online with SEG Awards. Deepen clinical knowledge and manage complex, high-risk patients.
Level 3Animal Welfare Officer Level 3 Diploma
SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma for Animal Welfare Officers. Study legislation, inspection, behaviour, and enforcement.
Level 3Animal Licensing Inspector Award L3
Level 3 Award for animal licensing inspectors – welfare law, inspection, and practical skills online with SEG Awards.
Level 2Counselling Skills Level 2
Build core counselling skills with a TQUK Level 2 award. Study online, develop helping relationships, and learn ethics.
Level 3End of Life Care Level 3 Certificate
Gain a TQUK Level 3 Certificate in end of life care online. Five units covering communication, pain, and bereavement.
Level 3Farm Animal Studies Level 3 Award
Build specialist knowledge in farm animal health, welfare, nutrition, and legislation with this Ofqual-regulated award.
Level 3Dementia Care Level 3 Certificate
Gain in-depth dementia care knowledge with the TQUK Level 3 Certificate – fully online, no exams.
Level 3Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
Build specialist knowledge of mental health conditions, legislation, and support. Level 3 by TQUK, online.
Free Download
The 2026 Health & Social Care Career Guide
A 32-page guide to building a career in UK care, with qualification routes, salary data, and employer expectations at every level.
- Career map from support worker to registered manager
- Salary ranges for 12 common care roles (2026 data)
- Which qualification opens which job, level by level
- How to get your employer to fund your training
Send me the guide
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Real Learners. Real Outcomes.
Learner Stories
Hear from learners who have studied with learndirect in this faculty.
Leanne's Story
“The tutor support has been exceptional — Vikki's fast turnaround marking my work made such a difference when I was studying around night shifts.”
Read full story →Monica's Story
“I chose learndirect for its convenience and the straightforward application process — studying online is making this investment in my future actually possible.”
Read full story →Karthika's Story
“I enquired about the NVQ diploma and everything was explained so clearly — the process was straightforward and I felt informed at every step.”
Read full story →From the Guides
Helpful guides for Health & Social Care
Detailed explainers covering qualifications, careers, and progression routes.
Care Career Pathways
From support worker to registered manager. See the qualifications, salary bands, and timelines for each role in the UK care sector.
Read the guide →Mental Health Qualifications
Compare Level 2, 3, and 5 mental health and counselling courses. Find out which leads to which role.
Read the guide →Working in Adult Care
Entry routes, employer requirements, and the Care Certificate explained. Everything you need before you start.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about studying Health & Social Care with learndirect.
Are these health and social care qualifications recognised by the NHS?
Do I need experience to start a care qualification?
How long does a Level 3 Diploma take?
Can I work while studying?
Will my employer fund this qualification?
What is the Care Certificate and do you offer it?
Can I become a counsellor with a Level 3 course?
Take the next step in your care career
Speak to an adviser about which qualification fits your current role and where you want to be in three years.
Speak to a Course Advisor
Not sure which course is right for you? Our advisors can walk you through your options, check your funding eligibility, and help you get started.
- Personalised course and pathway guidance
- 100% funded through Student Finance
- Help with your application and enrolment
- No obligation, no pressure
“It's been a great journey so far. I have learnt at my own pace and learndirect have been very supportive all the time.”
Emaan B. · Verified review on Trustpilot
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