Health and Social Care

If you’re interested in a career in health or social care, then this course can help you on your way. It offers you a broad perspective across key areas to prepare you for your next progression route or employment.

For entry to this course you’ll need: -  

• A real interest in working with people  
• Five relevant National 5s or equivalent including English and ideally Maths/Numeracy OR a recent and relevant NC course at SCQF Level 5 or equivalent, such as NC Health and Social Care  
• We may ask for a satisfactory reference If you don’t have formal qualifications, but have relevant life experience. 
• An interview with us during which you will complete a short written activity  
• 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 HNC/D courses 
• You should be aware that you will be asked to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme on all care courses at level 6 or above and be occupationally fit for practice. 

This course develops your knowledge and understanding for working successfully in a care practice setting. The focus is on understanding why people use care services, and developing your skills to support the health and wellbeing of others.

Here’s just some of what you’ll be doing:

• You’ll explore the health and social care provision available in Scotland to meet people’s needs. You’ll look at identifying people’s needs, legislation and promoting positive care environment and practice.
• You’ll discover how social influences can impact on people and their life chances. You’ll look at what society can do to improve the life chances of individuals using care services.
• You’ll look at human development and behaviour. You’ll explore different stages of development across the life span, the effects of life experiences on people, and psychological concepts to understand behaviour. 
• You’ll look at the causes, symptoms and effects of stress, along with techniques and coping strategies to help manage it.
• You’ll develop an understanding of mental health and mental illness. You’ll look at the difference between the two, current perceptions, effects on behaviour and treatment.
• You’ll learn about caring for people with dementia, including understanding dementia, skills and strategies to meet the needs of people living with dementia, and how to support carers.
• You’ll build transferable essential skills in meaningful contexts to help you become more effective in life, learning, and work. This could be communication, numeracy, ICT, working with others, and problem solving.

Throughout the course, you’ll hear from a range of guest speakers

When you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible to move on to an HNC course such as HNC Social Services Next Gen, HNC Healthcare Practice, HNC Counselling, or HNC Social Science. Alternatively, you may seek to start your career in the Care Sector with employment as a Support Worker, Home Care Worker or Care Assistant. 

You will develop the caring skills and qualities essential for working in health and social care. Some examples include: 

• 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. 

Careers In Care | SSSC