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SCQF Level 5

Health & Social Care

Learn about supporting others who may be vulnerable and in need of health and social care interventions and gain skills for a career in nursing or social care/work.

SCQF Level 5

Health & Social Care

Learn about supporting others who may be vulnerable and in need of health and social care interventions and gain skills for a career in nursing or social care/work.

Qualification

SCQF Level 5

Duration

1 year

Starts

Aug 2025

Interests

  • Care

Campus

  • Aberdeen City Campus
  • Fraserburgh Campus

Why take this course?

Grow your knowledge of the expectations and values related to care roles, in preparation for a career in healthcare or social care. You’ll be introduced to the variety of care professions across statutory, voluntary and private settings, which will help you understand the complexities of delivering care to different service users.

You’ll also develop essential skills necessary to apply for a job in the care sector or to continue studying healthcare or social care.

You should enjoy diverse group interaction and be mature enough to work on your own initiative. We look for individuals who are enthusiastic with a positive attitude towards learning and who are able to show commitment to this year-long course.

What you will experience

  • The values, principles, and legislations that underpin health and social care
  • Psychology and sociology
  • Mental health issues
  • Essential skills in communication

Key Facts

Everything you need to know before applying to this course.

Entry requirements

  • Two National 5 passes preferably including English (or equivalent)

Or

  • Completion of a relevant SCQF Level 4 course
  • A genuine aptitude for working with people
  • Good communication skills
  • Other relevant qualifications and experience may be considered but the ability to work at SCQF Level 5 is essential.

What you get

Health & Social Care (SCQF Level 5) units.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we will ask you to provide evidence of your English language skills as part of the application process. For this particular course, the English language requirements are:

  • A score of B2 is required for the College English Language test in all four disciplines (writing, reading, speaking and listening).
  • A minimum of 160 is required in the Cambridge English: First exam.
  • A score of 5.0 – 5.5 and higher is required for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in all four disciplines (writing, reading, speaking and listening).

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.

See your options here

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

Find out more about how to access this support 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.

Find out more about BYOD here

This may be funded or part-funded by a bursary, if you are eligible to receive one.

Find out more about bursaries here

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.

Opportunities

Education at NESCol

On successful completion of this course, you may apply to progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:

University

You would need to undertake further study at HNC level to progress to a range of university degrees.

Employment

Successful completion of this course will give you the transferrable skills to seek employment, or after further study, careers in this sector might include the following types of role:

  • Carer
  • Charity Officer
  • Hospital Worker
  • Playworker

Student Stories

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

  • Course Code C00064

Fraserburgh Campus

  • Starts Aug 2025

  • Duration 1 year

  • Course Code C00158

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

Opportunities

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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