Lift College0000 000 0000Start 7-day free trialFree trial0
NVQ / DiplomaRegulated qualificationFrom£100.00/mo

Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care

The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is an Ofqual-regulated, NCFE-awarded qualification and the recognised route to becoming a senior care worker in England. Study fully online alongside a work placement, no exams, and meet the qualification requirements set out in the adult social care Skills for Care standards.

See pricing
  • 9 to 15 monthsDuration
  • 100% Online with work-based competence evidenceStudy Method
  • Not applicable UCAS ptsPoints Available
  • Start anytimeStart Date
Accredited qualificationUK awarding body
Start anytimeNo fixed term dates
Tutor supportExpert tutors, 7 days
14-day money backRefund if not loved
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care at a glance
Qualification levelRQF Level 3
Qualification number603/2493/8
Awarding bodyan Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation
Total credits58 credits
UCAS pointsNot applicable UCAS points
Typical study time9 to 15 months
Study method100% Online with work-based competence evidence
Start dateStart anytime
Pay monthly£100.00 per month
Pay annually£1,199.00

This course is for you if…

  • ✓Are currently working, or can arrange a placement, in an adult social care setting
  • ✓Want to progress from a care worker into a senior care worker role
  • ✓Want a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification aligned to Skills for Care standards
  • ✓Are aged 16 or over and ready to commit to a mix of study and workplace evidence
  • ✓Enjoy hands-on, practical care work combined with academic study
  • ✓Are considering progression towards the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care

Your career after this course

  • ✓Cannot access a work placement or current role in an adult social care setting
  • ✓Are looking for a purely academic, classroom-only qualification with no practical component
  • ✓Want to work in children and young people services rather than adult care
  • ✓Need to qualify in under 6 months
  • ✓Are not yet 16 years old, the minimum entry age for this qualification
  • ✓Want a qualification with a university degree pathway rather than direct employment progression
About this qualification

What you'll learn

Adult social care in England relies on skilled, qualified staff who can support people with dignity, safety and genuine person-centred care. The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is the qualification that formally recognises that skill and is widely used as the benchmark for senior care worker roles.

This Level 3 qualification is awarded by NCFE and quality-assured by Ofqual, aligned to the adult social care standards set out by Skills for Care. It is built around mandatory units covering duty of care, safeguarding, person-centred practice, communication, health and safety, and specialist optional units you choose based on your role, such as dementia care or end of life care.

Regulated qualificationRQF Level 3UCAS Not applicable100% Online with work-based competence evidence9 to 15 months100% online
What you'll need

Entry requirements

You need to be at least 16 years old to enrol on this qualification.

You will need access to a work placement or current role in an adult social care setting, since practical evidence and workplace observation are required.

There is no minimum study commitment, though most learners spend around 6 to 10 hours a week on coursework alongside their work.

Not sure if you qualify?

Our admissions team can talk you through your options.

Call 0000 000 0000
Assessment

How you're assessed

The qualification is assessed through written assignments, workplace observations and a portfolio of evidence built up across all mandatory and optional units. There are no written exams.

Your tutor and a workplace assessor jointly sign off practical competence demonstrated in your day-to-day care role.

01

Portfolio-based

Coursework and a written portfolio. No traditional written exams.

02

Submit online

All assignments submitted through your learner dashboard.

03

Tutor feedback

Detailed feedback in 3 to 5 working days. Refine and resubmit until you reach the grade you want.

04

Graded across units

Pass, Merit or Distinction on each unit. Top grades stack to the highest UCAS point total.

Careers

Where this can take you

Typical roles and salary ranges this qualification opens up.

Senior Care Worker

Typical salary range

£24,000 to £28,000

Take on greater responsibility for coordinating care, supervising newer staff and liaising with families in a care home or home care setting.

Care Team Leader

Typical salary range

£24,000 to £32,000

Lead a small team of care workers, organise rotas and support quality standards within a care setting.

Healthcare Assistant (NHS, Band 3)

Typical salary range

£24,071 to £27,476

Provide more advanced clinical support tasks under supervision in an NHS hospital or community setting.

Deputy Manager (Care Home, progression route)

Typical salary range

£25,000 to £35,000

Support the registered manager with day-to-day operations, staffing and compliance, a common next step after Level 3.

Pricing

Choose your payment plan

Same course, your choice of how to pay.

Pay Monthly

Recurring monthly subscription. Cancel anytime.

£100.00/month

Billed monthly

  • Full access to all course materials
  • Dedicated subject tutor
  • Live and recorded webinars
  • Certificate on completion
  • Pay by card, PayPal, Klarna
  • Spread cost with 0% interest
Best value

Pay Annually

Recurring annual subscription. Save versus monthly.

£1,199.00/year

Billed annually

  • Everything in Pay Monthly
  • Save 20% on the course price
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
  • Lock in lifetime materials access
  • Free downloadable course guide
  • No further payments
Everything else

What else you should know

Study support and platform

  • You get a personal tutor from day one
  • Log in any time from a phone, tablet or laptop
  • Marking is done in 3 to 5 working days
  • Talk to our support team by phone, email or live chat
  • See your progress and next steps on your dashboard
  • Join the learner community forum when you want to chat to others

Funding and finance

  • Pay monthly to spread the cost with no interest
  • Pay in full and save versus monthly
  • No credit checks and no contract. Pause or cancel anytime
  • We can send funding paperwork to your employer if they sponsor you
  • Our enrolment team will talk you through every option
  • 14 day money back guarantee on every enrolment

Accreditation and recognition

  • Awarded by a recognised UK awarding body
  • Regulated by Ofqual, the same standard as college courses
  • Accepted by UK universities, employers and professional bodies
  • You get a certificate when you finish
  • Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications
  • Independently quality checked through IQA and EQA

How it works

  • Start any time. There are no set term dates or cohorts
  • Study at your own pace around work and family
  • No exams. You complete coursework, a portfolio and assignments
  • Resubmit your work at no extra cost to reach the grade you want
  • Use the optional study planner if you like a bit of structure
  • How long you study is entirely up to you. Most learners spend a few hours each week, but you can do more or less based on your own pace
What learners say

Trusted by thousands of learners

Real feedback from learners studying with Lift College.

The flexibility was a game changer for me. I studied around my shifts and my tutor was incredibly supportive throughout.
Sarah M. · Manchester
Access to HE Diploma
I was nervous about going back to study after 15 years, but the platform is so easy to use and the feedback I got on assignments was genuinely useful.
James P. · Birmingham
A Level Biology
Got into my first-choice university with a place on a Nursing BSc. The Access to HE Diploma gave me exactly what I needed.
Aisha K. · London
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)
Good value and well structured. I appreciated that I could resubmit work without extra cost, really helped me improve.
David R. · Leeds
CMI Level 5
Customer service was excellent. Any time I had a question it was answered within hours. Highly recommend.
Emma L. · Glasgow
GCSE English
I needed a qualification that actually meant something to employers. Ofqual regulation was the deciding factor, and it delivered.
Tom W. · Bristol
CMI Level 7
You might also like

Related qualifications

Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science)

Level 3 · 9 to 18 months

View qualification →

Access to HE Diploma (Social Work)

Level 3 · 9 to 18 months

View qualification →

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care

Level 5 · 12 to 18 months

View qualification →
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
Start free trial