98% Of full-time students believe they are treated fairly
Care
Your future starts here.
Courses
People are at the heart of a career in care. Whether you are hoping to work in the child, health or social care field, every day will be spent making a difference to the lives of others.
View all full-time care courses
Full-time course spotlight
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.
99%
Of NESCol care students achieving SCQF Level 7 moved to work or further study¹
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 social services? 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
Childcare Support Worker, Childhood Practitioner, Childminder, Education Support Assistant, Nursery Manager and Senior Childhood Practitioner.
Healthcare
Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Children’s Nursing, Health Care Support Worker, Occupational Therapist and Paramedic Practice.
Social Care
Care Home Manager, Criminal Justice Support Worker, Social Care Assistant, Social Work Assistant and Social Worker.
208,000
Working in social work, social care and early years care in Scotland²
50%
Of employers reported having not enough qualified applicants for vacancies³
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
In autumn 2023, more than 5,000 full-time students responded to our First Impressions Survey (88% of those eligible) and we are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.
"NESCol is a fair, kind, welcoming environment, with friendly and supportive staff. I love coming here."
97% Of full-time students are satisfied with their course
"NESCol helped me gain my confidence again after a huge gap in my studies."
96% Of full-time students enjoyed attending College
Student stories
Don’t take our word for it!
Katie McCafferty & Mandy Mackintosh
Celebrating together at the NESCol Aberdeen Graduation Ceremony are Katie McCafferty and Mandy Mackintosh, childhood friends who have now achieved their HNC Childhood Practice at the same time. Katie (41)…
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Morven Cuthill
FA course title: Social Services & Healthcare Secondary school attended: Cults Academy Why did you choose this Foundation Apprenticeship? I thought it would be a good experience for me while…
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Haley Robertson
Haley Robertson wants everyone to know that, no matter what your circumstances, there is always support available at North East Scotland College (NESCol) to help you achieve your goals. Haley,…
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 Funding Council
² Source: Scottish Social Services Council
³ Source: Scottish Social Services Council / Care Inspectorate