Adult Care Level 3 Diploma

Course Summary
Course Code: MX3A01OL26
Start Date: Wednesday 04 November 2026
Start Time and Lesson Duration: 10:00 for 3.50 hours
Duration: 78 lessons over 78 week(s)
Location: Workbased Learning
Fee: Funding May Be Available Help
Description
Aimed at lead care workers that have key responsibilities for the delivery of care and support. They will have a level of delegated responsibility, such as key workers, senior care assistants or advanced support workers. It comprises of core mandatory units that take an analytical approach to support learners to monitor and evaluate their own care teams practice. This will begin to build on their confidence to lead a team of adult care workers.
Click on enrol now to register your interest - you will be contacted within 3 working days to complete the enrolment and assessment process.
What Qualification/Level is this course?
The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for learners working in adult care settings with have a level of delegated responsibility. The qualification combines underpinning theoretical knowledge with workplace competence, enabling learners to monitor practice, support others and contribute to high-quality care delivery. It includes a range of mandatory and optional units, allowing learners to tailor learning to their job role and sector specialism.
- Credit value: 58 credits
- Duration: typically, 15 - 18 months
Who is the Course for?
This course is aimed at Senior Care Worker, Key Worker, Care Coordinator, Advanced Support Worker, Lead Adult Care Worker. Learners must be working in a role where they:
- Deliver care and support to individuals
- Have delegated responsibility within a team
Entry Requirements
Learners will undertake an initial assessment, including English and a skills scan. There is no formal academic entry requirements set nationally for this qualification, but there are clear practical and sector expectations:
- Ability to demonstrate competence working in a relevant role to gather workplace evidence.
- GCSE math and English would be beneficial.
What will I Learn?
The qualification comprises of the following core mandatory units:
- Communication in care settings
- Handling information
- Personal development
- Person-centred practice
- Promote personal wellbeing
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Health, and safety
- Support the health and wellbeing of individuals
- Safeguarding and duty of care
- Mental capacity and restrictive practices
- Infection prevention and control
- Roles and responsibilities in adult care
Optional units allow learners to specialise, for example:
- Medication administration
- Team leadership
- Care planning and review
- Professional behaviours
How will I learn?
Our blended approach means that our programmes are flexible and enable learners to experience a range of learning and support opportunities, including:
- Workplace assessment and observations
- Online learning via e-portfolio systems
- One-to-one coach support
- Taught sessions with a trainer
- Our ACL VLE
Learners are supported to apply their knowledge in real workplace settings, ensuring competence in practice.
How will I be Assessed?
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, including:
- Written assignments
- Workplace observations
- Witness testimonies
- Professional discussions
Assessment is internally assessed by our health and social care team.
Progress reviews take place every 12 weeks with: Learner, Coach, Employer/line manager.
Will I have to do any work at home?
We recommend approximately: 8 - 10 hours per week for study, research, and evidence building.
What will I need to Provide?
You will need:
- Access to a computer or device
- Internet access for online learning platform
- Ability to attend sessions (online or face-to-face)
- Basic stationery for notetaking
Are there any Costs?
Course costs are discussed prior to enrolment.
There are no other costs in addition to the course fee.
What can I do once I’ve finished this course?
This qualification supports progression into:
- Lead Adult Care Worker
- Senior Support Worker
- Care Supervisor
On completion, learners can progress to:
- Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
You can also make an appointment with an ACL Career and Skills progression advisors to discuss your next steps.
Further Information
The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. The service offers confidential and impartial advice and is supported by qualified careers advisers. To make an appointment please call 0800 100 900 (calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers) or visit their website https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
Location
Workbased Learning
ZZ99 9ZZ