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NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (Northern Ireland)

This qualification equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to manage practice and lead others within an adult care setting. It confers occupational competence to work in a management role within a regulated adult care environment.


Course Code: P10642
Campus: Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newtownards
Study Type: Part-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Health & Care

Available Sessions

We have 3 sessions available for application on this course in Downpatrick, Newtownards, Lisburn.

Why Study This Course

This course is designed for individuals currently working as deputy managers or managers who do not yet hold a leadership qualification. It equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to manage practice effectively and lead others within an adult care setting. The qualification confers occupational competence to work in a management role within a regulated adult care environment.

Course Overview

This programme focuses on managing services, teams, individuals, and resources within adult care settings. You will explore topics such as motivation, communication, establishing management information systems, and ensuring that care homes and day care centres provide safe environments for both residents and staff. All students enrolled on this course may be eligible for Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) funding.

This professional qualification is designed to develop the advanced knowledge and skills required by Managers and Deputy Managers working in the Residential, Nursing, Day Care, Supported Living, or Domiciliary Care sectors. It is the recognised qualification for registration and regulation in line with RQIA guidance.

The qualification is also suitable for Managers who wish to gain a formal leadership qualification. To achieve this award, candidates must complete both mandatory (M) and optional (O) modules to a total credit value of 120, and demonstrate competence through practical assessment — completing 25 units in total.

Students would be working in a deputy management position within an adult care setting with already having obtained Level3 NVQ L3 or equivalent.

General Entry Requirements: 

  • Level 3 Health and Social Care OR equivalent Health qualifications
  • Working at a Deputy or Managerial level in a Regulated Health Care setting or have access to managerial duties at least 1 day per week in a regulated health setting
  • Students must produce evidence that they will be working for a minimum of 8 hours per week in a managerial capacity. 
  • Students must also successfully pass the interview process.   
  • English GCSE/Essential Skills is preferred as desired criteria however, each candidate will be assessed on their own merit

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

  • IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
  • Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Admissions:

  • Successful completion of the admissions process  

Year 1 Modules

  • Promote Professional Development

  • Champion Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

  • Manage Induction in Health and Social Care

  • Lead and Manage a Team within a Health and Social Care or Children and Young People’s Setting

  • Assess the Individual in Group Living

  • Understand Professional Leadership and Management

  • Manage Health and Social Care to Ensure Positive Outcomes for Individuals

  • Work in Partnership in Health and Social Care or Children and Young People’s Settings

  • Promote Awareness of Sensory Loss

  • Support Individuals with Multiple Conditions and/or Disabilities

  • Safeguarding and Protection

  • Develop Health and Safety and Risk Management Policies, Procedures and Practices in Health and Social Care or Children and Young People’s Settings

  • Manage Communication Systems and Processes


Year 2 Modules

  • Manage Quality in Health and Social Care or Children and Young People’s Settings

  • Lead Positive Behavioural Support

  • Lead and Manage Infection Control

  • Appraise Staff Performance

  • Lead the Management of Transitions

  • Lead and Manage Practice in Dementia Care

  • Develop Professional Supervision Practice in Health and Social Care or Children and Young People’s Work Settings

  • Assess the Individual in a Health and Social Care Setting

  • Manage Domiciliary Services

  • Develop Procedures and Practice to Respond to Concerns and Complaints

  • Manage Disciplinary Processes in Health and Social Care

  • Develop and Evaluate Operational Plans for Own Area of Responsibility

Candidates are assessed using a range of methods. Primarily, assessment focuses on occupational competence in the workplace, evaluated through direct observations. Candidates will also compile and submit an e-portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

Additional assessment methods may include coursework, project-based learning, presentations, practical activities, posters, leaflets, role-plays, and case studies, depending on the requirements of each unit of study.

Oral, written, and online feedback will be provided throughout the course to support learning, monitor progress, and help candidates continuously improve their performance.

Candidates who successfully complete the programme will gain a managerial qualification recognised by the Sector Skills Council for the regulated Adult Care sector.

Learners who achieve may also be eligible to progress to a Level 7 qualification in Strategic Planning and Direction.

Candidates who successfully complete the programme can become  a Registered Manager of a Health and Social Care setting. 

Programme Titles:

  1. NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (Northern Ireland) – Adult Management

  2. NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (Northern Ireland) – Adult Residential Management

Available Sessions

We have 3 sessions available for application on this course in Downpatrick, Newtownards, Lisburn.

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Available Sessions

Title Campus Start Spaces Fee Apply or get more information
NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (N Ireland)
Y10642DD1A-26/27-PT
Downpatrick
07/09/2026
Day: Thursday

Time: 10:00-17:00

18 £1427.00
NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (N Ireland)
Y10642LD1A-26/27-PT
Lisburn
07/09/2026
Day: Thursday

Time: 10:00-17:00

18 £1427.00
NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (N Ireland)
Y10642ND1A-26/27-PT
Newtownards
07/09/2026
Day: Thursday

Time: 10:00-17:00

18 £1427.00

Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions.

Customer Enquiries

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

In addition to the above Terms & Conditions students must also adhere to the following:

Please apply your interest online via the SERC website.  You will then be invited in for interview to see if you are eligible for this course. 

Any further queries please email Acting Deputy Head of School:  Nikki Rainey nrainey@serc.ac.uk /Susan Annett sannett@serc.ac.uk 

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