Child, Health and Social Care SCQF 5 (Online Virtual Classroom) NQ

Calendar iconStudy mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time.

Mortar board iconCourse type: NQ

Pen iconStart in: August

Computer and book iconLearning mode: You access classes and/or materials digitally.

Clock iconDuration: Full time: 1 academic year

Book and tick iconHow: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable.

What is special about this course?

Working in an early education and childcare setting and working in health and social care are both specialised fields. If you are looking to pursue a career in either sector then this introductory course will give you a thorough foundation in the subjects and offer you the perfect platform from which you can progress.

This course has been designed to provide an overview of each industry; early education and childcare and health and social care. The course covers a wide subject range and is relevant to current industry requirements. You will also learn about health and safety issues and first aid – knowledge and skills that will be of real value to prospective employers.

During your course, we introduce you to using a range of digital technologies, which will help you get the most from your course and at the same time develop your digital skills. Find out more about key computing skills and essential student skills

Entry requirements

Applicants should have at least four National 4s or above / equivalent.

If you don’t meet these requirements, your previous experience may still qualify you for a place. Applications from mature students are very welcome and will be considered on merit.

What you study will include:

  • Play in Early Education & Childcare
  • Contemporary Families 
  • Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People 
  • Child Protection: an introduction
  • Social Services in Scotland: an introduction
  • Working with Individuals with Additional Support Needs
  • Understanding the Needs of Older People
  • Maintaining Safety in a Care Setting
  • Healthy Eating in a Care Setting
  • Prevention of Infection
  • Health Sector: Working in Health Sector Settings - Scotland
  • Health Sector: Improving Health and Well-being
  • Influences on Mental Health & Wellbeing 
  • Numeracy
  • ICT and Metaskills
     

 

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time
  • Online

You will need to commit to 3 days per week of mandatory timetabled classes, usually scheduled between 9am and 4pm. These classes are essential to your success on the course, so regular attendance is required. Due to the structure and pace of the course, part-time study is not possible.

Timetabled classes will take place in an online virtual classroom where you connect and interact with your lecturer and classmates with video, voice and text chat.  Alongside your timetabled sessions, you'll also be expected to set aside time for self-directed study - this might include working through online resources, completing coursework, or preparing for assessments.

You will be assessed through a combination of practical tasks and open and closed-book assessments throughout the year. You will have to attend a college centre or other exam centre for some of these – we can discuss this with you upon application.

We have nineteen college campuses/centres across the North and West Highlands, Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Depending on your location, you may be able to do some of your learning at your nearest campus or centre.
 

How long will my course last?

34 Weeks

Start date

Late August/early September

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

Funding

Students may also qualify for bursary funding.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you’ve successfully completed the course you might like to consider our NC Childhood Practice at SCQF 6, our NC Health and Social Care level 6, Access to Nursing and other related courses or move directly into employment.

Apply for Child, Health and Social Care SCQF 5 (Online Virtual Classroom) NQ

I want to start in 2026/27

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.