Online Diploma in Health and Social Care, Level 5.

A UK diploma in health and social care you study completely online, around your shifts. No exams, no deadlines. €220 a month, and Malta gives up to 70% back when you finish.

Check if I qualify

5.0 on GoogleMost finish in 10 to 15 monthsRecognised in Malta and the EU

Online Business SchoolDelivered byOnline Business School, UK
Your qualificationDiploma in Health and Social CareMQF Level 5 · UK awarded

Awarded by OTHM · Regulated by Ofqual · Recognised by MQRIC

Our students love studying this diploma online.

5.0out of 5 on Google
Saliha El Moutarif
1 review · 1 photo

“The online course is flexible, practical, and designed for busy mom’s or someone who work full-time … I have gained valuable skills and confidence while managing family life and working a full time job.”

Nicole Camilleri
2 reviews

“Their tutors were always there to support me whenever necessary, even on evenings and weekends.”

Matthew Nappa
1 review

“The course content was thorough and well-structured, making it easy to follow along and absorb the material. … The support I received throughout the course was phenomenal; the team was always available to answer questions and provide guidance.”

€220 a month. Then most of it back.

€220 a month, interest free, for eighteen months. Finish, and Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme refunds up to 70% of it.

You pay€220a month18 interest-free payments · €3,960 in total
  • Both diplomas, tutoring, materials and certification
  • No sign-up fee, no interest, nothing hidden
  • Stop future payments whenever you need to
You get backup to70%Up to 70% back from the Malta Enterprise Get Qualified Scheme following graduation
  • Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme, Malta Enterprise
  • Claimed once you hold your certificate
  • We support you with the application

A minute on how the refund works.

What the Get Qualified Scheme is, who qualifies, and what you send when you finish.

Check if I qualify Get Qualified Scheme subject to Malta Enterprise Terms and Conditions

Study anytime. Completely online.

Built so you can keep your job while you do it.

How studying works
Professional Development and Academic Writing SkillsModule 02 · Lesson 3 of 6Tue 22:40
  • Lecture, part 1Recorded · 21 minWatched
  • Lecture, part 2Recorded · 21 min23:10 left
  • Slides and notesPDF · 38 pagesDownload
  • Assignment brief2,500 words · no deadlineOpen

Everything is here from day one. Stop at 22:40 on a Tuesday, pick it up at 6am on Saturday.

Assignment 4Principles of Health and Safety for Health Professions · 2,500 wordsPass

Marked, with feedback

Strong analysis. Your recommendations follow from the evidence, which is the part most people miss. Two references need correcting, see comments.

Any questions on the feedback, book a session and we will go through it.

Your tutorOnline

I’m stuck on the safeguarding case study and it’s late. 21:47

No problem. Tomorrow evening? 21:52

Tue18:00Booked1-to-1 with your tutor30 minutes · video call
Your portalDiploma in Health and Social CareIn progress
  1. 01 Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Social CarePassed
  2. 02 Professional Development and Academic Writing SkillsPassed
  3. 03 Communication in the Caring ProfessionsStarted
  4. 04 Principles of Health and Safety for Health ProfessionsWaiting for you
  5. Modules 05 to 12Waiting for you

No dates. Nothing is late. Pick it up when you can.

Luca Cachia, co-founder of Elephant & Cross

“When I look at the data, most of our students are studying at 6pm and on Sunday mornings. I don’t see that as a problem to fix, it’s the whole point. This course was built for working professionals, parents, busy people.”

Luca CachiaCo-founder, Elephant & Cross

Twelve modules. Twelve assignments. No exams.

The practice of care and the management of it: equality, communication, safety, safeguarding, partnership working, then leading a team and supervising others. Each module ends in one written assignment, marked by a tutor with feedback.

120 credits · EQF Level 5 · OTHM

Level 4Modules 1 to 66 modules

  1. 01Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Social Care

    The legislation and values that promote equality; building inclusive care environments.

  2. 02Professional Development and Academic Writing Skills

    Academic writing and referencing for care studies; personal development plans for the workplace.

  3. 03Communication in the Caring Professions

    How communication underpins good care; barriers and how to overcome them.

  4. 04Principles of Health and Safety for Health Professions

    Health and safety policy in care settings; safe practice for staff and service users.

  5. 05Assessment Processes in Health and Social Care Settings

    Assessing individual needs; the ethical and professional considerations involved.

  6. 06Resource Management in Health and Social Care

    Planning, allocating and monitoring resources, and their effect on quality of service.

Level 5Modules 7 to 126 modules

  1. 07Working in Partnership in Health and Social Care

    Collaboration between professionals, individuals and carers; models of partnership working.

  2. 08Managing the Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Individuals

    Safeguarding frameworks and reporting; identifying and responding to abuse or neglect.

  3. 09Health Education and Promoting Wellbeing

    Promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing health inequalities; running health education campaigns.

  4. 10Team Management in Health and Social Care

    Leading teams in care environments; resolving conflict and lifting performance.

  5. 11Professional Supervision Practice in Health and Social Care

    Supervision for development and accountability; models and ethics of supervision.

  6. 12Research Methods in Health and Social Care

    Planning and carrying out research in care settings; data for evidence-based improvement.

Then, if you want it: the degree.

Arden UniversityAwarded by Arden University

Your 120 credits take you straight into the final year of the BSc (Hons) Health and Care Management. One more year, online, and from there a postgraduate diploma and an MBA.

About the BSc top-up
  1. Later, if you want itMBAPostgraduate diploma first, then the MBA top-up. Online, around work.
  2. Next, if you want itBSc (Hons) Health and Care ManagementFinal year only. One year, online, at Arden University.
  3. You are hereDiploma in Health and Social CareLevel 4 and Level 5, this course. Gets you straight into the final year above.
Andrew Critien, co-founder of Elephant & Cross

“The diploma gives people so much confidence. Over half of our students come back for the degree, and I am so proud of that. Nobody plans it on day one. You finish, you realise it was doable, and you want the next one.”

Andrew CritienCo-founder, Elephant & Cross
Where you live

The jobs this diploma opens.

A Level 5 in health and social care is the qualification these roles ask for. Titles from HSE pay scales and the Excel Recruitment healthcare guide.

  • Health Care AssistantCare · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in care You’ll have this
  • Senior Health Care AssistantCare · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in care You’ll have this
  • Care Assistant, Disability ServicesCare · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in care You’ll have this
  • Support WorkerCare · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in care You’ll have this
  • Activities CoordinatorCare · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in care You’ll have this
  • Team LeadCare · Full time · Malta
    RequiresLevel 5 diploma in care You’ll have this

Already in the field? The usual next step is Senior Health Care Assistant, or Team Lead.

Not this one yet: Social Care Worker (Ireland) is a protected title since December 2025, needing NFQ Level 7 and CORU registration.

Check if I qualify

“The online platform was accessible 24/7, allowing me to effectively balance my studies with my work commitments. … I feel more confident and prepared to progress in my career.”

Amy Bonnici · 1 review

In Malta, people with a tertiary qualification earn 43% more on average and are 2.8 times as likely to hold a managerial role. Two in three of Malta’s managers hold one.

In Ireland, people with a tertiary qualification earn 63% more on average and are 1.5 times as likely to hold a managerial role.

Eurostat: Structure of Earnings Survey 2022 (pay) and Labour Force Survey 2024 (management roles). Tertiary means ISCED 5 to 8; this qualification sits at ISCED 5. These are population averages rather than a promise about any individual.

Yes, it is a real qualification.

Before you pay anything, you get a recognition statement from MQRIC, Malta’s recognition centre. It says what the diploma is worth here.

The diploma is awarded by OTHM, a UK awarding organisation, and regulated by Ofqual, the UK government’s qualifications regulator. Both diplomas are on its public register. Level 5 on Malta’s framework, the EU framework and the UK framework. Level 6 in Ireland. An employer anywhere in the EU reads it the same way.

Check if I qualify

Every course at this level: Diplomas in Malta · Diplomas in Ireland

Malta Qualifications Recognition Information CentreRecognition statement
Recognised
Qualification
Diploma in Health and Social Care
Awarding body
OTHM, United Kingdom
Regulated by
Ofqual
Level
MQF Level 5 · EQF Level 5
Credits
120 credits

Issued to you before you start. Illustration; the wording on the real statement is MQRIC’s.

Still not sure?

The four questions we get asked most, in two minutes each.

Pick a question

“I haven’t studied in fifteen years. Do I even qualify?”

Yes, in most cases. The formal entry is a Level 4 qualification or equivalent. If you do not have one, years of work in care count instead. The first module covers academic writing, so you are not expected to remember it from school.

“I work full time. Where would the hours come from?”

Wherever you have them. Nothing is timetabled and nothing is due, so you can study on nights, on days off, or whenever the shift pattern allows. Most people finish in 10 to 15 months around a full-time job, and you can pause for up to 90 days.

“I was never any good at exams.”

There are none. Twelve written assignments about care practice, for example a safeguarding case. Each comes back with feedback, and you resubmit until you pass.

“I can’t afford it right now.”

€220 a month, and most of it comes back. Eighteen interest-free payments, no deposit. Finish, and Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme refunds up to 70% as a tax credit. We support you with the application.

See the numbers
“Elephant & Cross is the best and easiest way to obtain Level 4 and Level 5 without having to quit your job. … You can study at your own pace with no assignments deadlines. … I enjoyed studying here and I thank the administrator for the establishment of ‘Elephant and Cross’.”
Abraham Roland 1 review

Do you qualify?

The formal entry is a Level 4 qualification or equivalent. You must be 16 or over, with good written English and a computer with internet. Choose what describes you.

What you hold
You meet the entry

You meet the formal entry requirement.

Send your details and we confirm it, tell you the next start date and what to send.

Check if I qualify
Ask us

Years working in care are considered case by case.

Online Business School can grant an exemption for strong professional experience. We tell you before you pay anything.

Check if I qualify
Start one step earlier

Start with the Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Level 4, six modules, no exams, €220 a month for twelve months. It is the entry to this diploma.

Learn about the foundation diploma

Who you are dealing with.

Online Business School delivers the course. Elephant & Cross enrols you and supports you from Malta.

Tuition centre

Online Business School

A UK online school delivering OTHM diplomas, Level 3 to Level 7, to students in more than 100 countries. Every module is taught through its online portal: recorded lectures, notes, and a tutor for the assignments. It offers Ofqual regulated qualifications.

Your support in Malta

Elephant & Cross

Online UK qualifications for working adults in Malta, based in Sliema since 2021. Founded by Andrew Critien and Luca Cachia. About 95% of our students work full time. We tell you if you qualify before you pay, handle the enrolment and the paperwork, and support you with the Get Qualified application when you finish.

5.0 on Google148 Tower Road, Sliema

“The team is professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to supporting their students every step of the way. … I would especially like to commend Andrew Critien for his unwavering support and dedication, making the entire process smoother and less stressful.”
Vladimir Farrugia 2 reviews · 2 photos

Still wondering?

Anything else, ask us. We reply within one working day.

What do I need to get in?

You must be 16 or over, with a Level 4 qualification such as A-levels or an MCAST diploma, or equivalent. If you do not have one but have solid experience working in care, an exemption is usually granted. Good written English and a computer with internet.

Is the diploma recognised in Malta?

Yes. Both diplomas are awarded by OTHM, a UK awarding body regulated by Ofqual, and are recognised by MQRIC at MQF Level 5. That level sits on the European Qualifications Framework, so it is recognised across the EU.

Are there exams?

No. You are assessed through twelve written assignments, one per module, marked by a tutor with feedback. You can resubmit until you pass.

How long does it take?

Most students finish in 10 to 15 months around a full-time job. There are no deadlines, and you can pause for up to 90 days.

How does the 70% refund work?

Malta’s Get Qualified Scheme refunds up to 70% of your fees as a tax credit once you finish. All Malta residents are eligible. We support you with the application.

What happens if I stop paying?

You can stop future instalments whenever you need to, and nothing more is charged. Payments already made are not refunded.

Can I get a degree after this?

Yes. Your 120 credits take you straight into the final year of the BSc (Hons) Health and Care Management at Arden University, online, in one year.

When can I start?

Intakes run throughout the year. Send your details and we tell you the next start date.

Check if you qualify.

Fifteen minutes. A straight yes or no. Nothing to pay before the call.

5.0 on Google15-minute callNo obligation

“Highly recommend, very helpful and appreciate the opportunity to study at my own pace. … Thank Andrew for his support and patience.”
Ishmael Micallef2 reviews · 5.0 on Google

No obligation. Nothing to pay before the call.