Health Professions & Social Services
Gateway to Health and Care Professions: Phase 1
Campus
Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Gateway to Healthcare and Social Services: Phase 1 is your first step towards a rewarding health or social care professional career.
This course will prepare you for an entry-level job in the health or social care sectors or further study at Edinburgh College. The course will suit you if you seek a career change or to further your studies.
You can progress to the Gateway to Healthcare Phase 2 or the Gateway to Social Services Phase 2, then to Level 6 Health and Social Services courses, which will lead to HNC Social Services or university places for nursing and allied health professions.
What you will learn
You will have the opportunity to learn in our sector-leading Digital Care Hub facilities, where you will gain hands-on experience working in health and social care settings. You will achieve several practical competencies, improve your employment opportunities, and gain the academic confidence to take your next educational step.
- Practical Caring Skills
- First Aid
- The Human Body
- Communication for Health and Care
- Study Coach
- Wellbeing and Resilience
Placement information
- There is no placement, but you will have a variety of guest speakers from the fields of health and social care.
How the course is assessed
- Group work
- Presentations
- Portfolio building
- Reports
- Closed-book exams
Number of days per week
- 3 days per week for 18 weeks.
Entry requirements
- Four National 4s, including English or a relevant Level 4 full-time course.
- If you are interested in progressing to a healthcare course and do not currently have Biology at SCQF Level 4, you may need to complete a preparatory course. In that case, you need to first apply to an SCQF Level 4 course with Biology before progressing onto this course.
- If you do not meet the formal entry requirements but are an adult learner with relevant employment or life experience, you will be considered for entry to this course.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- In your personal statement, be clear about your reason for applying and where you would like to work in the future.
- All applicants who meet the entry qualifications may be invited to the College for an information session, after which offers will be made.
English Proficiency Requirements
ILETS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- Progress to January Start Gateway to Healthcare Phase 2 or Gateway to Social Services Phase 2.
- Once Phase 2 is complete, you can progress to SCQF Level 6 Route to Health Professions or Access to HNC Social Services.
Career options
- Support work roles in health or social care.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Milton Road Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
