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PREPARING TO WORK IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SCQF LEVEL 5

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 5
  • Course Type:   Full-time

PREPARING TO WORK IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SCQF LEVEL 5

If you are interested in developing the knowledge and skills needed for working in the health and social care professions, then this course will give you the preparation needed to either secure employment or progress onto a relevant Level 6 course at college.

Please note: Applications for all Full-Time, Part-Time and Schools courses for August 2026 entry are now closed.
If you are interested in studying with us, applications for our January 2027 Full-Time Short Courses will open on 13th October 2026.

Applications for August 2027 entry will open in mid-January 2027. These courses will be showcased at our December Showcase Event, with full details available closer to the time.

Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) still have spaces available, and applications are accepted throughout the year. For information on our available Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) and how to apply, please visit our Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) page.

Please check our website regularly for updates, course information and future application dates.

 

Start date – Aug 2026

End date –  Jun 2027

SCQF Level - 5

Mode –  Full time

This course is a stepping stone to your career in care, and you will learn the importance of care, compassion and kindness and how to develop your existing skills to support others.

Read about Nicola Boyd's West Lothian College experience here

  • What the course includes

    Units that are based on values and principles. You will explore health and wellbeing and influences on mental health.

    In addition, you will have other subjects that will further your understanding of what working in care involves. As this course prepares you to move to a L6 course you will also complete a couple of units that relate to biology topics. 

College

Why choose this course

This course will prepare you to move onto Route to Social Service Professions L6 where you will go on placement. The course will also help you to develop transferrable skills that would support employment either part of fulltime or voluntary work. 

Entry requirements

  • 4 National 4 qualifications, one of which must be English, or equivalent 
  • You must be eligible to join the PVG scheme and must not be barred or under consideration for listing (criminal record check).  
  • It is essential you are able to support others 

We may consider application from people who do not have these qualifications. 

Please note: This course is to prepare you for a career in health and social care 

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course. 

  • Where it leads

    Education: Route to Social Service Professions L6 or other NQ higher-level courses within West Lothian College. 

    Employment: Progression route to careers in social services, social work, community work.

     

Interview arrangements

If we invite you for interview, plan to be in college for around two hours. 

Please bring evidence of qualifications already gained. 

You will be asked questions about:   

The interview involves:   

  • Individual discussion  
  • Written piece  
  • Group work

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs.

Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds.

Click here to find out more

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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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