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Pathways to Health and Social Care

  • Qualifications National Qualifications
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 5
  • Study mode
  • Campus Ayr, Kilmarnock
  • Start date January 2026
  • Duration 18 weeks or less

Attendance/Duration

Short full-time

Overview

If you’re interested in learning about people and their needs - and exploring a career in health and social care – this level 4/5 course is a great place to start.

Entry Requirements

For entry to this course you’ll need:

  • Minimum of 3 National 4 qualifications
  • A keen interest in care and caring qualities

If you don't have formal qualifications but have life experience, then we'll also consider you for a place, so please do apply.

  • You may be asked to attend a telephone, online or on campus interview and complete a short written activity

This is a route to further courses and therefore to achieve success you need to be able to demonstrate an ability to work at the required level.

Course Content

This could be a route into further courses in health and social care. It’s perfect if you want to move up quickly and build the skills and knowledge needed further courses or for securing your role in health and social care.

You’ll learn things that really matter in the care sector and get ready for bigger opportunities. But be prepared — it’s a fast-paced course, so you’ll need to stay focused, work hard, and commit to your learning.

You’ll learn why people need care services and how you can support their health and wellbeing.

What you may learn:

  • How the health and care system works in Scotland, and what jobs in care involve
  • Basic health knowledge, including how the body works and how to check things like pulse and blood pressure
  • How people grow and change, and how this affects their care needs
  • How to build your confidence, independence, and people skills through personal projects

You’ll also hear from guest speakers, such as staff from the NHS and local care services.

Skills

You will develop skills that support you in life, work, and education — including communication, organisation, and time management.

Careers and Further Study

On completion of this course you may have the opportunity to progress onto Level 5 courses such as Health and Social Care Level 5 or Early Education and Childcare Level 5.

The course also helps you prepare for career options in the care sector.

Employers and Industry Links

The Health and Social Care workforce is the largest workforce in Scotland. More than 400,000 skilled and caring people work together to support the health and wellbeing of the people in Scotland. There are always numerous job and career opportunities available in these valuable roles.