Undergraduate Higher Diploma for Care Practitioners
Undergraduate Higher Diploma
Care Practitioners
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Course Description
The Undergraduate Higher Diploma for Care Practitioners equips individuals with advanced knowledge and practical skills to excel in direct care roles across diverse settings.
The program emphasises compassionate care, ethical practice, and a holistic approach to well-being, preparing graduates to make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.
This qualification offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates to excel in direct care roles with a focus on educational support, holistic well-being, and ethical practice. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, graduates are equipped to provide compassionate and effective care to individuals across the lifespan.
This programme ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also ready for the professional world. Its relevance lies in addressing the growing demand for skilled care practitioners who can adapt to diverse needs across residential, community, and home care contexts.
Graduates will be well positioned to pursue roles such as senior care assistants, community and disability support workers, mental health and rehabilitation support staff, while also gaining a strong foundation to progress to more advanced responsibilities or further academic studies.
Entry Requirements
- A qualification at MQF Level 4 (one ‘A’ Level or equivalent) in Care or a related field and English Language at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
- In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted on the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
*Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
Target Audience
The programme targets the following groups:
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the field of care.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the care profession.
- Individuals seeking to enhance their ability to interpret, assess, and communicate care-related information.
- Individuals already working in care who wish to progress to more advanced positions.
- Individuals aiming to continue their studies in health and social care at higher levels.
Career Paths
This qualification prepares students for advanced roles in direct care provision, including:
- Senior Care Assistant
- Community Support Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Pediatric Care Assistant
- Personal Care Assistant
- Disability Support Worker
- Palliative / End-of-Life Care Worker
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Residential Care Worker
Modules
You are required to complete 17 compulsory modules (120 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of this Higher Diploma in Care Practitioners
🏁 Amazing! You’ve just achieved your Undergraduate Higher Diploma.
Undergraduate Higher Diploma for Care Practitioners
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Course Intake Dates
October 2026
Learning Outcomes
For Knowledge:
The learner will be able to:
- Understand the role of educational support in care settings.
- Promote learning and development among individuals with diverse needs.
- Explore the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the techniques for promoting holistic health and wellness among care recipients.
- Discuss the importance of the integration of complementary therapies and holistic approaches into care plans.
- Comprehend how one can support clients’ cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Describe how collaboration with other professionals can help to enhance learning outcomes.
- Explain how to carry out certain care techniques such as medication management, wound care, mobility assistance, and therapeutic interventions.
- Identify and address ethical dilemmas in the field of care.
For Learning Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Promote holistic health and wellness among care recipients.
- Implement educational interventions to support clients’ cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Collaborate with educators, therapists, and other professionals to enhance learning outcomes.
- Integrate complementary therapies and holistic approaches into care plans.
- Support individuals in achieving optimal well-being through nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques, and social engagement.
- Demonstrate advanced care techniques, including medication management, wound care, mobility assistance, and therapeutic interventions.
- Maintain professional boundaries in care provision.
- Advocate for clients’ rights and ensure dignity and respect in care delivery.
- Apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in real-world contexts.
- Enhance the quality of care provision through self-reflection, peer feedback, and professional development.
See what students have to say about our courses
After many years – probably too many – I accepted the fact that I had to improve academically in order to get better career opportunities, as experience alone was not enough.
I knew that juggling family, work and study commitments would be a challenge and therefore finding the right institution that could understand these realities was crucial for me to ensure that I would succeed.
IDEA Academy has indeed ticked all the right boxes. The lecturers were all very knowledgeable and, more importantly, they provided everyday life examples that we could relate to. I also appreciated the Academy’s administration. They were extremely supportive and were always willing to listen to our suggestions and address any queries in an efficient and timely manner.
Claudio Cauchi
Higher Diploma in Business Management
