Course Description
The Higher Diploma in Health and Social Care Management for the Elderly is a one-year, 60 ECTS qualification designed to develop specialised knowledge, supervisory competence, and applied research capability within elderly care management.
The programme integrates advanced gerontology, complex health condition management, dementia care, safeguarding and legal governance, leadership and strategic management, and enhanced emergency response training. Learners undertake a supervised professional placement and complete a 12 ECTS Applied Management Thesis supported by structured supervision and a formal defence process.
The qualification prepares graduates to assume supervisory and middle-management roles within residential, community, and assisted living settings, while fostering autonomous decision-making consistent with EQF Level 5 descriptors.
Course Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Develop comprehensive knowledge of biological, psychological, and social aspects of ageing.
- Equip learners to manage complex health conditions affecting older adults.
- Strengthen leadership and supervisory capabilities in residential and community elderly care settings.
- Develop competence in safeguarding, legal compliance, and governance frameworks.
- Enhance communication and person-centred care strategies.
- Build emergency response competence through advanced First Aid training.
- Enable learners to conduct applied research and implement evidence-based improvements in elderly care services.
- Prepare graduates for autonomous decision-making in unpredictable professional contexts consistent with EQF Level 5 descriptors.
Course Structure
- Advanced Gerontology & Ageing Systems
- Complex Health Conditions in Older Adults
- Dementia & Neurocognitive Disorders
- Communication, Psychology & Person-Centred Care
- Dedicated 4-Day Thesis Supervision & Defence Preparation Module
- Leadership & Strategic Management in Elderly Care
- Safeguarding, Law & Governance
- Advanced First Aid & Emergency Care
- Supervised Professional Placement
- Applied Management Thesis
Target Audience
This programme is designed for:
- Senior care assistants seeking career progression
- Care coordinators and team leaders
- Supervisors in residential or community elderly care
- Healthcare assistants aiming for managerial roles
- Professionals working in assisted living facilities
- Individuals seeking progression to Level 6 Bachelor programmes in health or social care
The qualification is suitable for experienced practitioners as well as professionals transitioning into supervisory and middle-management roles within elderly care services.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must normally meet one of the following criteria:
Academic Route:
- Level 4 qualification in Health and Social Care (or equivalent EQF Level 4 qualification)
Experience Route:
- Minimum of 2–3 years relevant professional experience in elderly care or healthcare settings
Additional Requirements:
- Evidence of English language proficiency (where applicable)
- Interview and/or statement of intent (recommended)
- Basic IT competence for research, documentation, and thesis preparation
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered in accordance with institutional policies and national quality assurance guidelines.
