| Start date | Suggested Length | Fee | Registration close date |
| 15th May | 12 - 18 months | £1450 | 15th March |
| 15th August | 12 - 18 months | £1450 | 15th June |
| 15th November | 12 - 18 months | £1450 | 15th September |
| 15th February | 12 - 18 months | £1450 | 15th December |
Size of qualification
This Level 3 Diploma qualification has a minimum credit value of 58.
The Level 3 Diploma Health and Social Care (Alcohol and Substance Misuse) Qualification Structure information page will show how to achieve these credits through a combination of mandatory and optional credits.
Before registering
Prior to registering for this qualification prospective learners need to complete the pre-registration assessment questionnaire. This initial assessment ensures that you have considered all the aspects involved in undertaking a supported distance learning qualification.
Supported distance learning
To achieve this Level 3 Diploma you will work through a series of ten modules. Each module is structured with set activities to enable you to:
- Gather evidence for the qualification
- Receive guidance on how to present your evidence
- Understand how to use the eportfolio system
You will have access through VQLearner Home to online resources and other Open University courses to help you develop knowledge and understanding for the qualification. An important part of the resources is the study calendar which gives you a guideline to work through your qualification. You will also receive support from the VQAC Learner Support Team and your allocated assessor.
Qualification content and how it is assessed
The majority of credit in this diploma (28 credits) is included in the nine mandatory units detailed in Group A.
A minimum of two credits and a maximum of seven credits must be achieved from optional units in Group B.
A minimum of 23 credits must be taken from the optional units in Group C.
The combined credits from Groups B and C must total at least 30 credits.
Each unit in the diploma is split into learning outcomes with associated assessment criteria.
Mandatory units
Group A:
The four shared core mandatory units cover the following topics:
- Personal development
- Communication
- Equality and inclusion
- Duty of care
The remaining five mandatory units cover the following topics:
- Role of health and social care worker
- Safeguarding of vulnerable adults
- Person-centred support
- Health and safety
- Handling information
Optional units
Group B:
This group is made up of knowledge only units. The learner makes a choice from 3 units in this section.
Group C:
This group is made up of a variety of competence units enabling learners to select units most appropriate to their role. All the units available to the learner in this qualification have an Alcohol and Substance Misuse focus.