95% would recommend NESCol to others
Care
Bringing care to life.
Courses
People are at the heart of a career in care.
Working in care is more than just a job – it’s one of the most rewarding professions there is. No matter what path you take, you’ll have a direct impact on the lives of others.
Our care lecturing team will guide you through courses designed to prepare you for the workplace. Their professional insight is combined with hands-on training at College and during placements, so you’ll feel confident and ready to progress to further study or employment.
View all full-time care courses
As well as a host of full-time courses, we also offer part-time and distance learning in care where you can study at a location near you or choose to study online.
214,750
people employed in social work, social care and childcare in Scotland¹
My time at NESCol was a hugely positive experience — both in terms of my qualification and the knowledge, understanding and perspective I gained and the social connections I have made.”
Callum Gerrie
Callum studied an Access to Social Care course followed by HNC Social Services at NESCol. He then progressed directly into the second year of BA Hons Social Work at Robert Gordon University (RGU).
Career opportunities
What’s it really like to work in the care sector? The Scottish Social Services Council have put together a careers website, where you’ll find role descriptions and stories from real workers to help you choose which kind of job or course to apply for.
Childcare
Childminder, Childhood Practitioner/ Early Years Practitioner, Childcare Support Worker, Education Support Assistant, Nursery Manager, Playworker.
Healthcare
Health Care Support Worker, Midwife, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Paramedic, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist.
Social Care
Care Home Manager, Housing Support Office (Sheltered Housing), Social Care Assistant/ Support Worker, Social Work Assistant, Social Worker, Youth Justice Worker.
14%
of Aberdeen City's workforce is employed in healthcare²
Where you can study
Did you know we have a replica of a care ward at our City Campus, complete with hospital beds and specialist mannequins? Fraserburgh Campus also has dedicated health and social care facilities, with childcare areas also featuring materials and learning tools that help students make the transition from classroom to the workplace seamlessly.
Study care in Aberdeen
- 4,500+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 4 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
Our Aberdeen City Campus is situated in the heart of Aberdeen city centre, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.
Study care in Fraserburgh
- 950+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 2 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
The bright and modern Fraserburgh Campus provides a fantastic environment for NESCol students, staff and visitors.
Study part-time
Part-time courses are offered at locations throughout the region.
What our students think
More than 4,000 full-time students responded in our Student Satisfaction and Engagement Survey, covering the 2024-2025 academic year. We are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.
"A very supportive and welcoming community of staff from all departments and students."
96% feel safe and secure at College
"Good variety of skills taught across the curriculum."
93% feel College has helped them develop knowledge and skills for the workplace
"I enjoyed my time at College and feel it will open more opportunities for me."
Student stories
Don’t take our word for it!
Diana Barkauskyte
Diana Barkauskyte has progressed through the different levels of childcare courses offered by NESCol and collected her HNC Childhood Practice at the recent Aberdeen Graduation Ceremony at the City’s Music…
Read More
Victoria Grover
Victoria Grover is a HNC Social Services graduate and a passionate advocate for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, a cause extremely close to her heart. 43-year-old Victoria…
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Shania Thom
20-year-old Shania Thom has completed her HNC Childhood Practice and is ready to start a career in childcare as an Early Years Practitioner. Shania came straight from S4 at Banff…
Read MoreGet in touch
Our student advisers can help with any application enquiries.
Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612330, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk. Student advisors are also available on LiveChat when the chat icon appears at the bottom of our website.
¹ Source: Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
² Source: Skills Development Scotland (SDS)