Edinburgh College Banner

Routes into Education or Employment

Routes SCP (SCQF 3 - 4)

Campus Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 3

Study mode Part time

Start date Aug 2026

Choose your study options

Campus Milton Road Campus Study mode Part time Start date 17/08/26
Campus Sighthill Campus Study mode Part time Start date 17/08/26

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

This course helps pupils with additional support needs or learning barriers transition smoothly from school to college. It offers a chance to experience the college environment while staff help identify the best next steps for each student.

Why the New Structure?

We have updated our timetable to better support students and schools:

  • School Alignment: Semesters now finish before Christmas and in May to match the school year and improve attendance.
  • Better Timings: Classes now finish by 3:00 pm to replicate the end of the school day and ensure students can travel home during daylight hours in the winter.

What you will learn

A wide range of practical and classroom-based subject areas is covered. This provides pupils with a broad experience of the college environment, a general taste of student life, and an overview of the topics they would learn on our full-time courses.

Pupils will work in groups and learn new ways of engaging with others, benefiting from a positive transition from school to college. Topics covered include:

  • Diversity and international issues
  • Teambuilding and group work
  • Digital skills
  • Environmental issues
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Social skills
  • Topical subjects

How the course is assessed

  • There are no formal assessments.

Number of days per week

  • Two sessions per week at Sighthill and Milton Road, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 PM to 3 PM
  • Midlothian, Monday 1 PM to 3 PM and  Wednesday, 9 AM to 11 AM

Entry requirements

  • Current Working Level: Students should currently be working at SCQF Level 3 or 4 within their school curriculum.
  • Learning Profile: The program is tailored for pupils with additional support needs or those facing specific barriers to learning.
  • Future Goals: Applicants should be seriously considering transitioning to college after finishing secondary education.
  • Attendance Commitment: Students must attend the revised session times to ensure a consistent learning experience.
  • Transition Readiness: A willingness to engage in a college environment to help staff assess suitability for future full-time courses.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

To ensure a smooth transition for all pupils, we have outlined the following expectations for school partners regarding the application process:

School Staff Responsibilities

School staff are expected to actively support all pupil applications and act as the Nominated Person at the point of application. This role is essential to ensure that:

  • The student receives and understands all official communications from the college.
  • Any specific conditions attached to a course offer are clearly communicated and met.

Conditions of Offer

Please note that places offered to students are conditional. An offer is only finalised once the college receives up-to-date support information via the Schools Tracker. This information is vital to us providing the correct level of care and academic support from day one.

Communication and Support

To streamline coordination, the college has a designated SCP Coordinator for Supported Schools Programs. This coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact between the school and the college to manage applications, resolve issues, and ensure a consistent learning experience.

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

Students who successfully complete this course will be better prepared to transition from school into a full-time college environment. Based on their performance and support needs, students may progress to one of the following full-time programs once they leave school:

  • Routes into Education (SCQF Level 3): Designed for students continuing their academic journey within a supported setting.
  • Routes into Employment (SCQF Level 4): Focused on developing the practical skills and independence needed for the workplace.

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Milton Road Campus Part time 17/08/26
Sighthill Campus Part time 17/08/26

You may also be interested in these courses

Routes into Education or Employment

Working With Communities PDA Youthwork

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Youth Work at SCQF Level 6 is a qualification that has been designed for tho...

Read more and apply

Campus
Midlothian Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 3

Study mode
Evening

Routes into Education or Employment

Routes to Communities

Routes to Communities is a dynamic, hands-on course designed to help you connect with your local community, understand t...

Read more and apply

Campus
Midlothian Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 3

Study mode
Part time

Routes into Education or Employment

Further Skills for Independence

This course is for you if you need support to progress towards independent living, employment, volunteering, or other co...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 3

Study mode
Full time

Routes into Education or Employment

Introduction to Computing and Digital Media

This introduction course is designed for those looking to improve their creative digital skills. You will gain knowledge...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 3

Study mode
Full time

Routes into Education or Employment

King's Trust Personal Development Award

This unique course will help you to gain new skills, meet new people and achieve qualifications. The 12-week personal de...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 3

Study mode
Full time

Routes into Education or Employment

Project Search SCQF 4

Edinburgh Project SEARCH is a unique partnership between Edinburgh College, The City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian a...

Read more and apply

Campus
Outreach - Multiple Sites

Qualification
SCQF Level 3

Study mode
Full time

Routes into Education or Employment

Routes into Care and Childhood Practice

Routes into Care and Childhood Practice is an engaging and nurturing course that allows students to learn more about how...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 3

Study mode
Full time