Health and Social Care

If you’d like to train as a Social Worker, but lack the necessary qualifications, this could be the course for you. 

Access to Social Work is part of the Scottish Widening Access Programme (SWAP) and is specifically for people who have been out of full-time education for at least 5 years. It prepares adult returners for entry into Higher Education and can lead to a place at college or university.  

This programme will be demanding, and applicants should be ready to commit and study at a high level. You will however work with staff and other students to develop the skills and confidence to be successful, and will benefit from the mutual support in the classroom environment. 

For entry to this course you’ll need:  

• A real interest in working with people 
• Previous experience in the health and social care sector 
• A comprehensive personal statement in your application which must include the following: - why you wish to study the Access to Social Work course; details of previous experience in the health and social care sector ; and the skills, characteristics, and qualities you have that would make you a good candidate for this programme 
• A willingness to commit to studying Maths at National 5, as per university social work degree entry requirements.  
• An individual or group interview where you will learn more about the course and during which you will complete a short written activity  
• A satisfactory reference 
• Applicants whose first language is not English should have a minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for level 5 courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for SCQF level 6 and HNC/D courses 
• Although this course does not include a work placement you should be aware that you will be asked to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and be occupationally fit for practice on all care courses at college and university that include a placement. 

This course develops your skills and knowledge in preparation for a degree in Social Work. Here’s some of the units you’ll study:

• Values and Principles in Care
• Social Influences
• Human Development and Behaviour
• Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness
• Social Services in Scotland
• Communication in Care Relationships
• Caring for People with Dementia
• Working with Individuals with Additional Support Needs
• Essential Skills – Communication, Mathematics and ICT 

When you successfully complete this course you will be eligible to apply for HNC Social Services or a degree in Social Work.

You will develop the caring skills and qualities essential for working in health and social care and a career in social work. This will include a range of skills such as: 

• Communication and interpersonal skills 
• Employability skills such as timekeeping and being able to use your own initiative 
• Digital skills which are becoming essential to work and home life 
• Leadership and team working skills. 

 Social Services | Careers in care | SSSC