NC Higher Health and Social Care

Why study at West?

Are you interested in a career in Health and Social Care, and do you believe that everyone is entitled to receive high quality care and support?

If you answered yes – then you will learn first-hand from our highly qualified and professional team of Lecturers who have a wealth of experience working in Health and Social Care settings. The team will provide you with a clear pathway for study in a variety of care related subjects developing your knowledge and skills that will prepare you for future learning, work, and life.

Our dedicated practical rooms offer a simulated environment to develop your skills, such as first aid, and include digital enabled care. Our department works closely with industry partners such as NHS Scotland, Quarriers, and local authorities. We also have a close affiliation with universities such as GCU, UWS and Stirling.

In choosing this course it will allow you to shape your career in Care and work towards your goals in whichever direction you wish to take. This may include Support Worker, Key Worker, Team Leader, supporting individuals with learning disabilities, older adults, working with children and young people, mental health and individuals living with addiction issues.

What will I learn?

This course is for learners who have an interest in Health and Social Care. It includes investigating the types of care establishments that are available and the roles of care workers in these settings. It offers you a broad perspective across key areas to prepare you for your next progression route or employment. The course is taught using a variety of Learning & Teaching methods.

You'll learn about:

• Values and Principles of Care
• Human Development and Behaviour
• Social influences
• Caring for People with Dementia
• First Aid
• Communications
• Numeracy

You may have the opportunity for a volunteering or work placement as part of this course.

We do not accept anyone into placement in the care services who is under 16 and have to amend their shift pattern until they are 18. (Working Time Regulations).

What qualifications do I need?

You will need four National 5’s at grade C or above, must include English, or equivalent qualifications or experience.

To be considered for a place on the course, you must:

• Provide 1 reference academic either from school or from the workplace. Internal students need to fulfil the following conditions. They need to complete the current course they are on and have a satisfactory reference from their class teachers. This reference will include details on attendance ,participation and engagement in lessons.
• Provide proof of your qualifications
• You must be eligible to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme and undertake an NHS occupational health screening.
• You must also attend an interview/information session

A personal statement on your application is mandatory for this course and should include the following:.

• Why do you want to study a care course?
• What field of care do you want to work in – healthcare, social care, or childcare?
• What skills and qualities do you possess and how could these be used in a care setting?
• Do you have any care / work experience to date?
• Any other information that would support your application

What can I do after?

After successfully completing this course, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to apply for a job in care, or you could develop your skills further by studying another course such as:

• HNC Healthcare Practice
• HNC Social Services
• HNC Childhood Practice
• HNC Counselling

SCQF 6

Programme Information

Start: August

End: June

Duration: 36 weeks/3 days per week