Entry requirements
- Two National 4 passes preferably including English (or equivalent)
- A genuine interest and aptitude for working within the care sector
- Good communication and numeracy skills
- Relevant life skills and experience may be considered.
Why take this course?
This introductory course highlights the importance of providing effective and efficient care. You’ll learn about the different people who use care services, as well as the different areas this sector covers. This course provides an opportunity to explore subjects in childcare, early education, health and social care. There is also a focus on developing your soft and interpersonal skills, such as communication and teamwork, within a care context.
You’ll also get the opportunity to investigate a range of job roles and careers in early education and childcare, healthcare and social care to help you decide on your next course and future career progression.
What you will experience
You will study topics including:
- Human development
- Health & wellbeing
- Caring skills for people from birth to older adult
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, we will ask you to provide evidence of your English language skills as part of the application process. For this particular course, the English language requirements are:
- A strong B1 score is required for the College English Language test in all four disciplines (writing, reading, speaking and listening).
- A minimum of 153 is required in the Cambridge English: Preliminary exam.
- A score of 4.5 and higher is required for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in all four disciplines (writing, reading, speaking and listening).
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on Saturday 14 March from 10am – 2pm.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
This may be funded or part-funded by a bursary, if you are eligible to receive one.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you may apply to progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
University
You would need to undertake further study at HNC level to progress to a range of university degrees.
Employment
Employment opportunities after completing this level of study include trainee positions in the care sector.
Student Stories
Abbie & Aimee McKay
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“I liked being able to expand my knowledge of childcare and experience what it was like to work in a nursery setting.”
Read more about Abbie's story
Ann-Marie Whyte
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“The best part was meeting new people and making new friends. I was fortunate with my lecturers and my classes, as everyone was very supportive.”
Read more about Ann-Marie's story
Douglas Bell
Care
NC Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 6)
“I can honestly say that coming to NESCol is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, it’s given me a whole new perspective on how enjoyable learning can be. “
Read more about Douglas's story
Katie Mitchell
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“The lecturers know the course is intense, but they are prepared to put things in place to help you.”
Read more about Katie's story
Peter Shaw
Care
Access to Nursing (SWAP)
“On the SWAP course, I found myself thriving in a way I never had before!”
Read more about Peter's story
Diana Barkauskyte
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“Studying at NESCol has pushed me out of my comfort zone and has made me the person I am today. I have had great experiences and the opportunity to apply my knowledge in childcare settings, which has made my learning more meaningful.”
Read more about Diana's story
Victoria Grover
Care
HNC Social Services
“I would highly recommend NESCol to anyone thinking about returning to education. As a mature student, I have been supported in many ways and had a great College experience, even with the challenges I’ve faced.”
Read more about Victoria's story
Shania Thom
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“I would definitely recommend studying at NESCol. The College environment is welcoming, and the community is diverse with different cultures and ages.”
Read more about Shania's story
Kamila Kolmetz
Care
Allied Health Professions (SWAP)
“NESCol is a great place to learn, especially if you have a gap in your education. The lecturers go above and beyond to help students achieve their qualifications and dreams.”
Read more about Kamila's story
Katie McCafferty & Mandy Mackintosh
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“Starting College as a mature student was quite daunting at first but I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. ” – Katie McCafferty
“It was a lot of hard work but it genuinely just felt like it was where I was meant to be.” – Mandy Mackintosh
Read more about Katie & Mandy's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Apply now
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once submitted, this will be processed by our Admissions team.
Aberdeen City Campus
StartsAug 2026
Course CodeC00063
Fraserburgh Campus
StartsAug 2026
Course CodeC00159
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application and send it to us.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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