Description
The Diploma in Health and Social Care (MQF Level 4) is a comprehensive, professionally oriented programme designed to prepare learners for a rewarding career in the health and social care sector.
This qualification strikes a strong balance among academic knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience, enabling learners to develop the competencies needed to support individuals across a variety of care settings.
Throughout the programme, learners explore key subject areas including anatomy and physiology, human lifespan development, physiological disorders, principles of effective care, infection prevention and control, public health, and nutritional health. These areas are integrated to ensure a holistic understanding of care practices and the diverse needs of service users.
A distinctive feature of this programme is its strong emphasis on work-based learning. Learners engage in supervised placements where they apply theoretical knowledge in real-life environments, developing professional behaviours, communication skills, and confidence in practice.
The programme is delivered through a blended approach, combining interactive lectures, case studies, collaborative learning, and applied tasks. Learners are encouraged to think critically, reflect on their experiences, and actively engage with real-world scenarios.
Assessment is varied and inclusive, incorporating written tests, research assignments, presentations, reflective journals, portfolios, and practical evaluations, ensuring a well-rounded demonstration of knowledge and skills.
This qualification strikes a strong balance among academic knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience, enabling learners to develop the competencies needed to support individuals across a variety of care settings.
Throughout the programme, learners explore key subject areas including anatomy and physiology, human lifespan development, physiological disorders, principles of effective care, infection prevention and control, public health, and nutritional health. These areas are integrated to ensure a holistic understanding of care practices and the diverse needs of service users.
A distinctive feature of this programme is its strong emphasis on work-based learning. Learners engage in supervised placements where they apply theoretical knowledge in real-life environments, developing professional behaviours, communication skills, and confidence in practice.
The programme is delivered through a blended approach, combining interactive lectures, case studies, collaborative learning, and applied tasks. Learners are encouraged to think critically, reflect on their experiences, and actively engage with real-world scenarios.
Assessment is varied and inclusive, incorporating written tests, research assignments, presentations, reflective journals, portfolios, and practical evaluations, ensuring a well-rounded demonstration of knowledge and skills.
By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical care situations
- Support individuals with diverse health and social care needs
- Promote health, well-being, and safe practices
- Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
- Demonstrate professionalism, ethical awareness, and reflective practice
This diploma provides a solid pathway into employment and further academic progression within the sector.
Entry Requirements
- High school Diploma
- IELTS 4.5 or equivalent
- Basic digital skills (ECDL or equivalent)
Relevant work or voluntary experience may be considered through RPL.
Programme Duration
Full-Time: 16 months.
Part-Time: 32 months.
The programme is structured over two academic years and combines theoretical learning with supervised work-based placements, ensuring a balanced and progressive learning experience.
Part-Time: 32 months.
The programme is structured over two academic years and combines theoretical learning with supervised work-based placements, ensuring a balanced and progressive learning experience.
Programme Structure & Modules
The Diploma in Health and Social Care (MQF Level 4 – 120 ECTS) is structured across two progressive stages, combining theoretical learning with practical application and work-based experience.
Modules
Anatomy and Physiology for Health & Social Care - 5 ECTS
Physiological Disorders and their Care - 5 ECTS
Core Concerns in Health and Social Care Practice - 15 ECTS
Nutritional Health - 5 ECTS
Practice Placement 1 - 15 ECTS
Principles of Effective Care - 15 ECTS
Promoting Public Health - 10 ECTS
Infection Prevention and Control - 10 ECTS
Human Lifespan Development - 10 ECTS
Practice Placement 2 - 15 ECTS
Maltese for Care Workers - 5 ECTS
Personal Cleansing and Dressing of a Client - 5 ECTS
Work Ethics for Care Workers - 5 ECTS
Physiological Disorders and their Care - 5 ECTS
Core Concerns in Health and Social Care Practice - 15 ECTS
Nutritional Health - 5 ECTS
Practice Placement 1 - 15 ECTS
Principles of Effective Care - 15 ECTS
Promoting Public Health - 10 ECTS
Infection Prevention and Control - 10 ECTS
Human Lifespan Development - 10 ECTS
Practice Placement 2 - 15 ECTS
Maltese for Care Workers - 5 ECTS
Personal Cleansing and Dressing of a Client - 5 ECTS
Work Ethics for Care Workers - 5 ECTS
Programme Structure Overview
- Part 1 (60 ECTS):
Focuses on foundational knowledge and core principles in health and social care, alongside initial exposure to practice-based learning - Part 2 (60 ECTS):
Builds on prior learning through more advanced topics, applied practice, and extended work-based placement
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be equipped to pursue a variety of roles within the health and social care sector.
Potential job roles include:
- Care Worker / Health Care Assistant
- Social Support Worker
- Residential Care Worker
- Community Care Assistant
- Support Worker for Vulnerable Individuals
- Home Care Assistant
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
- Hospital Support Staff (non-clinical roles)
- Day Centre Support Worker
Graduates may find employment across a range of settings, including hospitals, residential care facilities, community services, rehabilitation centres, and private care environments. The programme also provides a strong foundation for further studies and career progression, including opportunities to specialise or advance into supervisory roles with experience.
Why Choose This Programme
- Industry-relevant curriculum aligned with health and social care practice
- Strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning
- Work-based placements to build real-world experience
- Assessment methods supporting different learning styles
- Clear progression pathways into employment or further study
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