Study Health and Social Care
Build the skills, knowledge and confidence for a rewarding career that makes a real difference.
Whether you're just starting out, already working in the sector, or looking to progress into a leadership role, our health and social care courses will support you at every stage. You’ll gain recognised qualifications, develop practical skills, and prepare for a career where you can have a real impact on people’s lives.
With online, on-campus or work-based study options, from access level right up to postgraduate, you’ll have a clear path to develop at your own pace, supported every step of the way by our dedicated and experienced team.
Ready to take the next step?
Scroll down to explore our courses, check entry requirements and find the study option that fits your goals. If you have questions or want advice, our team is here to help.
Find a course
Access and entry level
- Social Care Introductory Programme SCQF 5 (Thurso)
- Access: Pathway to Health, Education and Social Care SCQF 4 (Alness and Thurso)
- NC Child Health and Social Care SCQF 5 (Online Virtual Classroom)
- NC Applied Sciences SCQF 6 (Thurso)
- NC Childhood Practice SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom)
- NC Health and Social Care SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom)
- Access to Nursing SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom)
- SWAP Access to Nursing SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom)
- SWAP Access to Allied Health Professions SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom)
Work-based qualifications
- SVQ Social Services and Healthcare SCQF 6
- SVQ Social Services and Healthcare SCQF 7
- SVQ Social Services Children and Young People SCQF 7
- SVQ Social Services and Healthcare SCQF 9
- SVQ Social Services Children and Young People SCQF 9
- Modern Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare SCQF 6
- Modern Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare SCQF 7
- Modern Apprenticeship: Social Services Children and Young People SCQF 7
Undergraduate
- HNC Social Services (Online Virtual Classroom)
- BSc Oral Health Science (Stornoway)
- BA (Hons) Health and Social Studies (Online Virtual Classroom)
- BA (Hons) Childhood Practice (Online Virtual Classroom)
- BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies (Online Virtual Classroom)
- BSc Nursing (Stornoway)
- BSc (Hons) Psychology (Online Virtual Classroom)
Postgraduate and Professional Development
- PgCert Healthcare Quality Improvement (Online Virtual Classroom)
- MA Health and Wellbeing (Online Virtual Classroom)
- CPD Award Leading and Managing Care Services SCQF 9 (Online Virtual Classroom)
- CPD Award: Child and Adolescent Mental Health SCQF 10 (Online Virtual Classroom)
- CPD Award: Digital Health and Social Care SCQF 11 (Online Virtual Classroom)
- PDA Health and Social Care Supervision (Online Virtual Classroom)
- PDA Health and Social Care: Administration of Medication (Online Virtual Classroom)
Explore a future in health and social care while still at school
Our Senior Phase courses offers school pupils the opportunity to gain early experience in the health and social care sector through courses such as Foundation Apprenticeships, Highers, and other SCQF-accredited qualifications. These options are designed to introduce pupils to key areas like social care, mental health, and child development, helping build practical skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for further study or employment in this vital sector.
Schools >
Why study with us
You’ll learn from experienced staff with strong backgrounds in health and social care, who bring real industry insight into the classroom. Our team stay up to date with current practice, legislation and sector developments, so your learning reflects what’s happening in the workplace.
We work closely with local employers to give you opportunities to build practical experience through placements, work-based learning and modern apprenticeships.
Our courses can prepare you for careers in:
- Social care and residential support
- Mental health and wellbeing services
- Community outreach and third-sector organisations
- Health-related roles and progression into further study
April Watson: Social Services and Healthcare Foundation Apprenticeship
“My foundation Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care enabled me to explore practical skills and build upon my pre-existing knowledge within an NHS care home. During my placement, I learnt in depth about NHS values, guidelines, and expectations concerning care, as well as how rewarding healthcare professions can be, directly from the staff and residents themselves. Throughout the placement experience, I gained various practical skills - specifically, in communication with individuals who suffer from dementia, which I was able to utilise when applying for a bank NHS position in Social Care Assistance. This experience was particularly insightful because I would love to pursue neuropsychology within the NHS after my studies, which involves the treatment and management of dementia. This opportunity was made possible through the partnership of my college and the NHS, both of which were an integral part of my experience.”
Find out how studying a Foundation Apprenticeship while still at school can benefit you.
