Entry requirements
- National 4 – 3 passes preferably including English
- A genuine interest and aptitude for working within the care sector
- Good communication and numeracy skills
- Relevant life skills and experience may be considered.
Why take this course?
This introductory course highlights the importance of providing effective and efficient care. You’ll learn about the different people who use care services, as well as the different areas this sector covers. There is also a focus on developing your soft and interpersonal skills, such as communication and teamwork, within a care context.
You’ll also get the opportunity to investigate a range of job roles and careers in early education and childcare, healthcare and social care to help you decide on your next course and future career progression.
What you will experience
You will study topics including:
- Development
- Health & wellbeing
- How to care for people from birth to older adults
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will get
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 strong B1 score is required for the College English Language test in all four disciplines (writing, reading, speaking and listening).
- A minimum of 153 is required in the Cambridge English: Preliminary exam.
- A score of 4.5 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.
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 30 November 2024, register your interest.
Be among the first to apply when applications open on 30 November for full-time courses starting in summer 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 eight universities across Scotland and great 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:
University
You would need to undertake further study at HNC level to progress to a range of university degrees.
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.
Currently unavailable
This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our distance learning courses and start learning straight away!
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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