Health Professions & Social Services
Social Services Professions
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Social services could be perfect for you if you are looking for a challenging career with development opportunities and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
This course combines the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required with a work placement, allowing you to take what you learn in the classroom into the professional world. It is designed to meet the most current needs of the social services industry, enabling graduates to work with a high degree of ability and confidence in these incredibly rewarding environments.
This course is designed to help you either progress to an HNC or enter employment in social services.
If you are not sure if this course is for you, try our social services quiz.
What you will learn
Keeping in regular communication with the Social Services industry, Edinburgh College has developed a first-rate curriculum.
Areas of study within the programme include -
- Mental Health
- Dementia Care
- Substance Misuse
- Data skills
- Human development
- Professional development
- Communication Skills
- Work Experience
- Plus more (subject to change)
Placement information
- There is a 1-day-per-week student placement requirement for this course.
How the course is assessed
- This course is assessed by case studies, projects, essays, presentations and group tasks.
Number of days per week
- 3 days per week
Entry requirements
- Minimum 4 National 5s (or equivalent), including English.
- Previous SCQF Level 5 Course at College.
- Mature candidates who do not possess these formal qualifications may be considered if you can demonstrate the ability to study at this level.
- Due to the work placement involved in this course, applicants must be 16 or over.
- All applicants will require an acceptable Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme record check.
- Entry requirements also include attendance and successful participation in a group information session.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- All applicants who meet the entry qualifications will be invited to the college for an information session, after which offers will be made.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- Typical academic progression routes from this course would be our HNC Social Services programme or similar.
Career options
- Care Worker roles within a broad range of social services settings.
- Progression routes to further study in Social Care, Community Education and Counselling.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
