Health and Social Care

This course will equip you with the tools you need for a rewarding career in nursing or allied health professions. It’s a widely recognised qualification which is highly valued by universities and employers. Your course will be two evenings a week over two academic years (September to June): Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm-9pm. One evening will be on campus and the other will be online. You will gain in depth theoretical knowledge. You must be in a role that provides opportunities to complete the clinical skills module in the second year and you can demonstrate 288 hours of clinical practice while completing the course.

For this course you will need:

• to be employed or working in an appropriate care setting such as an NHS Hospital Ward or Nursing Home, that will enable you to complete the clinical skills elements of the course
• a reference from your employer confirming your suitability and their willingness to support you with respect to your availability to attend the evening classes and provide you with the opportunities to complete the clinical skills requirements
• a minimum of two relevant Highers and ideally National 5 Maths/Numeracy OR a relevant NC course at SCQF Level 6 or equivalent such as Health and Social Care; First Steps to Counselling or SVQ 3 in Health and Social Care
• a detailed personal statement on the online application form
• a successful group and/or individual interview and information session, during which you may be asked to complete a written activity
• to become an updated member of the PVG scheme

• clinical skills: develop the knowledge and practical skills which underpin safe and effective person-centred care. Your place of employment should provide the required opportunities to develop and/or demonstrate your clinical skills
• factors impacting health: explore the various factors influencing the health of people in Scotland, looking at health statistics and public health strategies to address inequalities
• safe working practices: protocols to maintain a safe care environment and skills to recognise and manage challenging situations and medical emergencies
• therapeutic relationships: understand the importance of therapeutic relationships in supporting people receiving care
• human development: explore psychological theories of human development and behaviour and how they can impact on how a care worker supports the individual
• human body: study the body’s processes for health and wellbeing, explore systems and examine different diseases and their impact on health
• professional care practice: look at care planning processes and the regulations, values and skills integral to professional care practice
• mental health: investigate poor mental health in Scotland and explore strategies for promoting mental health

On completion of this course you may:

• progress to further study in the following areas – adult nursing, mental health, child and learning disability nursing, midwifery, paramedic science or allied health professions. Please check with university websites for details of their entrance requirements
• gain entry to BSc(Hons) Collaborative Health and Social Care (possibly direct to second year)
• begin your career as a Health Care Support Worker at Band 3 within the NHS

You’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills crucial for safe and effective care. You’ll develop an understanding of factors affecting the care sector and learn how to navigate challenges within different roles. The real-life skills you’ll gain will ensure you are fully prepared to take your next step, whether it be into further study or employment.

The full two year course costs: £1303 including the PVG update, £660 payable in year 1.