Entry requirements
- ESOL qualification at Pre Intermediate/ Strong B1, or IELTS 4.5 minimum, or Cambridge 153
- A genuine interest and aptitude for working with children and vulnerable adults
- Good communication and numeracy skills.
Why take this course?
The focus of the course is to increase your knowledge and appreciation of a wide range of care professions (childcare, healthcare and social care) effectively preparing you for further study, or direct entry into the workplace.
What you will experience
You will be given the opportunity to develop your English language skills and study a range of subjects in childcare, health care and social care.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying for this course.
What you will get
- Care with ESOL (SCQF level 4, College group award)
- National 5 ESOL
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on 15 March 2025.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
This may be funded or part-funded by a bursary, if you are eligible to receive one.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you may apply to progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
Employment
Employment opportunities after completing this level of study include trainee positions in the care sector.
Student Stories
Diana Barkauskyte
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“Studying at NESCol has pushed me out of my comfort zone and has made me the person I am today. I have had great experiences and the opportunity to apply my knowledge in childcare settings, which has made my learning more meaningful.”
Read more about Diana's story
Victoria Grover
Care
HNC Social Services
“I would highly recommend NESCol to anyone thinking about returning to education. As a mature student, I have been supported in many ways and had a great College experience, even with the challenges I’ve faced.”
Read more about Victoria's story
Shania Thom
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“I would definitely recommend studying at NESCol. The College environment is welcoming, and the community is diverse with different cultures and ages.”
Read more about Shania's story
Kamila Kolmetz
Care
Allied Health Professions (SWAP)
“NESCol is a great place to learn, especially if you have a gap in your education. The lecturers go above and beyond to help students achieve their qualifications and dreams.”
Read more about Kamila's story
Katie McCafferty & Mandy Mackintosh
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“Starting College as a mature student was quite daunting at first but I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. ” – Katie McCafferty
“It was a lot of hard work but it genuinely just felt like it was where I was meant to be.” – Mandy Mackintosh
Read more about Katie & Mandy's story
Callum Gerrie
Care
HNC Social Services
“My time at NESCol was a hugely positive experience – both in terms of my qualification and the knowledge, understanding and perspective I gained and the social connections I have made.”
Read more about Callum's story
Haley Robertson
Care
HNC Social Services
“I want to let people know if they are a bit scared or worried about going to college, there’s so much help and support available. It’s a really nice place to study. It will be so worthwhile – I’m so happy I did it.”
Read more about Haley's story
Samantha Ross
Care
PDA Childhood Practice
“It has definitely been the hardest and most challenging two years of my life but also the most rewarding in so many ways. I’ve even gained a new group of friends in my classmates – we still keep in touch after finishing the course in the summer.”
Read more about Samantha's story
Amanda Smith
Care
PDA Childhood Practice
“To advance my career I had the choice of a PDA or to go down the degree route and I knew from the outset that my learning style was better suited to the PDA option.”
Read more about Amanda's story
Jennifer Taylor
Care
Social Services Children and Young People, SCQF Level 7
“I started out as the lunch lady at one nursery and now I am the Manager of Peek-a-Boo nursery. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship – I would do it again.”
Read more about Jennifer's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
-
Starts Aug 2025
-
Duration 1 year
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Course Code C00055
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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