The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Risk Management is a comprehensive qualification designed to develop the competencies required to identify, assess, and manage risks in modern healthcare environments. As patient safety, regulatory compliance, and organisational accountability become increasingly critical, professionals equipped with risk management expertise are in high demand across the health and social care sector.
This qualification aligns with UK and international healthcare governance standards, making it an ideal choice for healthcare professionals, administrators, and managers who are responsible for ensuring quality and safety across clinical and non-clinical operations.
Healthcare risk management involves the systematic identification, analysis, mitigation, and monitoring of risks that may affect patient care, staff safety, service delivery, legal compliance, and financial sustainability. It supports organisations in minimising adverse outcomes and ensures adherence to health laws, policies, and ethical standards.
This diploma provides a structured learning pathway that equips learners with essential knowledge and applied skills in managing operational, clinical, legal, and reputational risks. It not only prepares professionals to anticipate and respond to risks but also to foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
The course is developed according to Level 6 standards, ensuring learners are trained to a high academic and professional benchmark suitable for supervisory and mid-to-senior leadership roles.
The programme is delivered with a focus on flexibility and accessibility, allowing learners to balance their studies with professional commitments. The course structure includes interactive content, case studies, practical exercises, and tutor support to ensure effective learning outcomes.
In a healthcare landscape that demands accountability, safety, and regulatory compliance, the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Risk Management is a forward-looking qualification. It prepares professionals to navigate complex risks while contributing to safer and more efficient healthcare systems.
Whether you’re already in a healthcare role or looking to transition into risk management, this diploma provides a recognised pathway to strengthen your impact and professional credibility.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Risk Management :
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Risk Management consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC28070- 1 | Principles of Healthcare Risk Management | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC28070-2 | Clinical Risk and Patient Safety | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC28070-3 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare Risk | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC28070-4 | Organizational Governance and Risk | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC28070-5 | Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management in Healthcare | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC28070-6 | Data Protection, Privacy, and Information Security in Healthcare | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Risk Management :
Minimum Age
- Applicants must be at least 19 years old at the start of the course.
Educational Background
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- A Level 5 qualification (e.g., Level 5 Diploma in Healthcare, Management, or related discipline)
or - A higher education qualification (e.g., associate degree, foundation degree, HND, or equivalent in a relevant subject)
or - A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in healthcare, public health, nursing, management, or a related field
or - Relevant professional qualifications with evidence of appropriate work experience.
Work Experience (Preferred but Not Mandatory)
- Recommended: At least 1–2 years of relevant work experience in healthcare, risk management, patient safety, clinical governance, or a related area.
- Applicants without work experience may still be considered if they hold a relevant academic qualification.
Language Proficiency (For Non-Native English Speakers)
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency through any one of the following:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50
- Cambridge English: B2 First (formerly FCE) with a minimum of Grade C
- Completion of previous education in English (subject to review and supporting evidence)
Additional Requirements
- A completed application form
- Copy of valid photo ID or passport
- Academic transcripts or certificates
- CV/resume (if claiming work experience)
- Reference (academic or professional – optional but recommended)
Learning outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Healthcare Risk Management:
Principles of Healthcare Risk Management
- Understand the fundamental concepts and terminology of healthcare risk management
- Identify various types of risks in healthcare settings (clinical, operational, financial, strategic)
- Apply risk assessment models and tools to real-world healthcare scenarios
- Develop risk registers and prioritize risks based on likelihood and impact
- Analyze the role of risk management in improving healthcare quality and outcomes
- Evaluate international standards and frameworks such as ISO 31000
- Design basic risk mitigation strategies for a healthcare environment
Clinical Risk and Patient Safety
- Define clinical risk and explain its impact on patient safety and healthcare outcomes
- Identify common clinical risks including diagnostic errors, medication mistakes, and surgical issues
- Apply root cause analysis and other incident investigation methods
- Promote a culture of safety within healthcare teams
- Understand the principles of human factors and their role in clinical risk
- Implement patient safety strategies using international guidelines (e.g., WHO)
- Create action plans to reduce clinical risks in specific healthcare environments
Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare Risk
- Explain the legal principles that apply to healthcare risk management
- Assess the implications of negligence, liability, and malpractice in clinical settings
- Understand patient rights, informed consent, and confidentiality obligations
- Evaluate ethical dilemmas using structured decision-making models
- Interpret relevant legislation and regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR)
- Recommend risk-reducing measures to meet legal and ethical standards
- Develop ethical guidelines and compliance strategies for healthcare organizations
Organizational Governance and Risk
- Understand the role of governance in managing healthcare risks
- Define risk appetite and tolerance within a healthcare organization
- Design and implement risk management policies and procedures at an organizational level
- Evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and audit systems
- Integrate risk management into strategic and operational planning
- Identify roles and responsibilities of boards and senior leaders in risk oversight
- Monitor and review risk management performance using key indicators
Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management in Healthcare
- Understand the principles of emergency planning and crisis response in healthcare settings
- Identify and categorize different types of emergencies and threats
- Develop and implement emergency preparedness and response plans
- Coordinate with external agencies during public health emergencies or disasters
- Conduct risk assessments specific to emergency scenarios
- Evaluate the effectiveness of crisis communication strategies
- Plan and assess drills, simulations, and post-incident reviews for continuous improvement
Data Protection, Privacy, and Information Security in Healthcare
- Understand the legal and ethical importance of data protection in healthcare
- Identify key risks related to information security and patient data privacy
- Apply international and national data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)
- Conduct risk assessments for digital systems and electronic health records
- Recommend strategies to protect healthcare information from breaches and cyber threats
- Develop and enforce data governance and information handling policies
- Promote staff awareness and training on privacy and cybersecurity protocols
This course is designed for individuals who are currently working in, or aspiring to enter, roles where healthcare risk management, patient safety, or regulatory compliance are central responsibilities. It is particularly suited for:
- Healthcare Professionals
Doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and allied health workers seeking to expand their knowledge and take on risk management or patient safety roles. - Risk Managers and Compliance Officers
Those already working in healthcare risk, compliance, quality assurance, or governance who wish to formalize and enhance their expertise. - Hospital and Clinic Administrators
Individuals involved in operational oversight, policy-making, or strategic planning within healthcare settings. - Healthcare Quality and Safety Officers
Professionals responsible for developing and implementing quality improvement or patient safety initiatives. - Health Information and Data Managers
Those overseeing data privacy, information governance, or cybersecurity in healthcare environments. - Public Health Officials and Policy Makers
Government or NGO personnel involved in regulating or supporting safe and effective healthcare delivery. - Graduates in Healthcare, Public Health, or Management
Individuals with academic qualifications in health or management disciplines who wish to specialize in healthcare risk. - International Healthcare Workers
Professionals working in global or multicultural healthcare environments who need to understand international standards and practices.