Edinburgh College Banner

Health Professions & Social Services

Route to Health Professions SCQF Level 6

Campus Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2026

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

Course overview

If you're looking to pursue a career in health professions which is both challenging and rewarding, then this course is for you.

You may be a school leaver who does not have the required entry qualifications to go directly to University. The course is full-time, providing the necessary education to apply through UCAS to progress to the first year of a Nursing degree or onto HNC Healthcare Practice, which could lead to an Allied Health Profession-related degree.

What you will learn

Throughout this course, you will be studying a wide range of subject areas that will ensure that you have the best foundations to progress to the next stage of your studies.

  • Communications 4
  • Literature 1
  • Higher Care (Human Development and Behaviour, Social Influences and Values and Principles) - Units only, not SQA Higher
  • Higher Human Biology- Units onl,y not SQA Higher
  • Numeracy
  • IT
  • Caring for People with Dementia
  • Mental Health Issues

Units may be subject to change.

How the course is assessed

  • Closed-book exams
  • Essays
  • Presentations and reports.

Number of days per week

  • 4 days per week

Entry requirements

  • You must be at least 17 years of age.
  • Minimum of 1 Higher and 5 National 5s, including English and Biology.
  • If you can demonstrate your ability to work at level 6 through a recent, relevant, successful study at level 5, your application may be considered.
  • Your personal statement should demonstrate the following: your skills and qualities, and any relevant experience. You should also include the field of Nursing or the Allied Health Profession you want to progress into, and your reasons for applying for the course

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • Apply through UCAS to one of the Universities across Britain that run Nursing Degree programmes
  • Progress onto a relevant HNC course

Please note that this course would not usually give you access to Midwifery or Child Health Degree Programmes

Career options

  • Work as a health or clinical support worker
  • Social care assistant/support worker
  • Other health/social care work

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Sighthill Campus Full time 24/08/26

You may also be interested in these courses

Health Professions & Social Services

Preparation for University Access to Nursing

This fast-track course is designed for individuals with few or no qualifications who are looking to start a rewarding ca...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full time

Health Professions & Social Services

SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management SCQF level 10

This course is suitable for individuals currently employed in a management role within a care service. The course will e...

Read more and apply

Campus
OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Open learning

Health Professions & Social Services

SVQ Social Services and Healthcare 2 SCQF Level 6

This course is suitable for people who are currently employed as support workers in:Care homesCare at homeHousing suppor...

Read more and apply

Campus
OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Open learning

Health Professions & Social Services

SVQ Social Services and Healthcare 3 - SCQF Level 7

This qualification is suitable for individuals employed in the health and social care sector in a practitioner or key wo...

Read more and apply

Campus
OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Open learning

Health Professions & Social Services

SVQ Social Services and Healthcare 4 SCQF Level 9

The SVQ Social Services and Healthcare SCQF level 9 (SVQ 4) is a candidate-led program that leads to a qualification ena...

Read more and apply

Campus
OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Open learning

Health Professions & Social Services

Counselling For Beginners Level 6

Counselling for Beginners is suitable for adults aged 18 and over who are seeking to develop a career in counselling. It...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Evening

Health Professions & Social Services

PDA Health and Social Care Supervision

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Health and Social Care Supervision at SCQF Level 7 is a qualification design...

Read more and apply

Campus
OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Part time