Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course although good communication skills are important and you will be expected to work at National 5 level.
Why take this course?
This course will introduce you to essential care values, human health and development. You will study a range of units and develop industry-related good practice – excellent preparation for your progression towards further study or employment. During this course you will:
- Gain an understanding of the importance of care values in working with people in a healthcare setting;
- Gain an insight into human development and its value in working with people;
- Develop an awareness of health and safety issues relevant to a range of activities;
- Develop core and essential skills including communication and interpersonal skills;
- Develop industry related good practice;
- Be prepared for further learning opportunities, study and training opportunities in Health and Social Care.
What you will experience
The National 5 course is made up of the following four units:
- Working in the Health Sector
- Life Sciences Industry and the Health Sector
- Improving Health and Wellbeing
- Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
You will be taught by means of practical based activities and classroom based theory lessons in one of the North East Scotland College campuses by a College lecturer, or within your school. Study takes the form of individual research, group activities, practical activities, watching videos and through reviewing course hand-outs or textbooks provided by the College.
You will develop key interpersonal skills, as well as confidence when it comes to communication, organisation and planning. Throughout the course you will be offered an opportunity to review and identify how your skills and knowledge are developing, and will be expected to demonstrate:
- Regular attendance and good timekeeping;
- A professional attitude and an interest in healthcare;
- A willingness and commitment to learning;
- Planning, preparation and research skills;
- An ability to establish/maintain good working relationships with others;
- Problem solving skills.
To achieve the full award you must attend regularly and successfully complete all units. Assessment will be based on tests and case studies, along with project work and a portfolio. The course will show on your final SQA certificate as a National 5 qualification.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
Selection process
A selection process will be applied to all applicants.
What you will need
Students will need access to a laptop with internet access.
What you need to know
Whilst you are on the course, you will be required to:
- Always be ready to start your class at the given time
- Demonstrate a commitment to learning and self-study
- Adhere to the School Pupils Code of Commitment
Eating and drinking are not permitted in classrooms. Drinking water is available from water dispensers in the corridors within the College buildings.
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 eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
Upon successful completion of this course, you could consider Modern Apprenticeship opportunities or may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:
University
Those with the qualifications to do so may choose to apply for further study at university level.
Employment
If you would like to progress directly to work upon completion of your course, you could pursue a range of entry-level positions in the health and social care industry.
Student Stories
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
Callum Gerrie
Care
HNC Social Services
“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.”
Read more about Callum's story
Haley Robertson
Care
HNC Social Services
“I want to let people know if they are a bit scared or worried about going to college, there’s so much help and support available. It’s a really nice place to study. It will be so worthwhile – I’m so happy I did it.”
Read more about Haley's story
Samantha Ross
Care
PDA Childhood Practice
“It has definitely been the hardest and most challenging two years of my life but also the most rewarding in so many ways. I’ve even gained a new group of friends in my classmates – we still keep in touch after finishing the course in the summer.”
Read more about Samantha's story
Amanda Smith
Care
PDA Childhood Practice
“To advance my career I had the choice of a PDA or to go down the degree route and I knew from the outset that my learning style was better suited to the PDA option.”
Read more about Amanda's story
Jennifer Taylor
Care
Social Services Children and Young People, SCQF Level 7
“I started out as the lunch lady at one nursery and now I am the Manager of Peek-a-Boo nursery. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship – I would do it again.”
Read more about Jennifer's story
Sarah Jane McKay
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“I found studying at Fraserburgh campus very enjoyable, the staff motivated me to work hard and there were always plenty of opportunities to expand my learning and knowledge. When I first left school I had no confidence and doubted my abilities, NESCol changed that. “
Read more about Sarah's story
Susie Crane
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“I had the life experience but not the right professional qualifications. To open the door to the big opportunities as an Early Years Practitioner I knew had to gain HNC Childhood Practice and then a degree – that’s when I applied to College.”
Read more about Susie's story
Tiffany Burnett
Care
HNC Social Services
“I’ve really enjoyed everything about the course. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I first started because it had been a long time since I had been in education, but since coming back to College I’ve really enjoyed learning all of the subjects – even the ones that are more difficult.”
Read more about Tiffany's story
Bobbie Knowles
Care
HNC Social Services
“NEScol is an enriching learning environment where staff go above and beyond to ensure you experience great learning and understanding and also support YOU as an individual, encouraging you work to your full potential and achieve great things.”
Read more about Bobbie's story
Applications
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
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 completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
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Starts 03 Jun 2024
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Duration 1 year
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Day Monday and Wednesday
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Time 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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Course Code PTNHS-L234A
Aberdeen City Campus
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Starts 05 Jun 2024
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Duration 1 year
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Day Wednesday
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Time 9:30am - 3:30pm
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Course Code PTNHS-L234B
Fraserburgh Campus
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Starts 07 Jun 2024
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Duration 1 year
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Day Friday
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Time 9:15am - 2:20pm
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Course Code RJNHS-L234A
Please note that courses are subject to minimum viability levels. In the event of insufficient numbers of applications, courses may be withdrawn from the programme. Certain courses are arranged with schools working in a consortium arrangement – in such cases, pupils from consortium schools will be given priority in the allocation of places.
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