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 2025
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Gateway to Health and Care Professions: Phase 1 is your first step towards a rewarding career as a health or social care professional. This course will prepare you for an entry-level job in the health or social care sectors or further study at Edinburgh College. This course will suit those seeking a career change or wanting to further their studies. Students on this course can progress to Gateway to Healthcare Phase 2 or Gateway to Social Services Phase 2 then to Level 6 Health and Social Services courses, leading 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 facilities in our Digital Care Hub, where you will have hands-on experience working in a variety of health and social care settings. You will achieve several practical competencies which will improve your employability opportunities and give you 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 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 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 then you need to apply to an SCQF Level 4 course with Biology first before progressing onto this course.
- If you do not have the formal entry requirements but you are an adult learner with relevant employment or life experience skills, you will be considered for entry to this course
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- Be clear in your personal statement about your reason for applying and where you would like to work in the future. All applicants meeting the entry qualifications may be invited into 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 complete 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
| Milton Road Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
