Health and Social Care

This course is for those who would like to explore pathways within the care sector. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to equip you for various healthcare and social services careers.

For this course you'll need:

• five relevant National 4 qualifications or equivalent, including English and ideally Maths/Numeracy, or a recent and relevant course at SCQF Level 4, such as Access to Health and Social Care or Access to Care and Early Years
• a genuine interest in working with people, caring qualities and a non-judgemental attitude
• a level of maturity that enables you to work with course materials that could relate to difficult issues or situations
• an interview with us during which you will complete a short written activity

If you do not have the required qualifications but can demonstrate the ability to work at SCQF level 5 and have life/work experience, skills and qualities relevant to the care sector we may also consider you for a place.

This course covers a wide range of subjects including:

• health and social care provision: explore care provision in Scotland, looking at positive care practices and the ways services meet the needs of people
• human development and behaviour: explore including how life experiences can impact individuals and examine psychological theories to better understand behaviour.
• social influences on life chances: explore what society can do to improve the life chances of those using care services
• explore the needs of specific groups: look at the services available for those with mental health problems, older people, and those with additional support needs (ASN)
• families in modern society: examine the different types of family, social factors influencing them and the impact of social problems
• key skills: preventing the spread of infection, first aid, promoting healthy eating and health and safety in a care setting

You’ll also gain essential, transferable skills in communication, numeracy, ICT, working with others and problem solving which can be applied to all areas of life, learning and work.

On completing this course you may:

• progress to an SCQF level 6 course such as Higher Health and Social Care; NC Oral Health; Access to Allied Health Professions or First Steps to Counselling and Mental Health
• explore career options in the care sector

Students who wish to continue onto a more advanced course that includes a care work placement and/or into employment in the care sector will at that time be required to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. This involves a police check by Disclosure Scotland. You can ask about this at the point of application or interview, and this is highly recommended for applicants who have a criminal history.

This course will many doors for you. The wide range of topics covered will ensure you gain a well rounded understanding of care practices. You’ll gain real-world insights into the care sector and develop practical skills that matter. It’s a great stepping stone to further education and a wide range of fulfilling careers.