Pathway to Health & Social Care - Level 6
The Level six Pathways to Health and Social Care course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in healthcare and social care. Successful completion of the course can prepare individuals to pursue further study at HNC (SCQF Level 7) or enter the workforce in roles such as healthcare assistants, social care workers, and other related positions.
The course includes a one-day placement (seven hours) in a healthcare or social care setting. This hands-on experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, gain practical skills, and understand the day-to-day operations of healthcare and social care organisations. As well as course certification, students will also gain the SQA National Progression Award: Practical Skills on completion of the course
Applicants will be shortlisted based on a good quality personal statement which is focused on career and/or study within health and social care.
The applicant should possess the personal skills and qualities required to support people using care services such as being an effective communicator, patience, resilience, ability to cope with life’s stresses, kindness and a genuine passion to work with people.
This course requires the student to undertake a placement and complete a short health questionnaire for suitability, which is required as part of the application process.
Content
This course has a one-day placement (seven hours per week) within a health and social care setting, which is linked to the areas you will study when in college.
Placement starts late Oct 2025 and will complete May 2026.
Academic study will look at values and principles, the influences of society and human development. Your practical skills will be developed when in placement through completion of a record of achievement linked to the support work within the placement. Study also includes an understanding of dementia as well as promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Offers for this course rely on completion of a clear PVG prior to placement.?
Career Paths
- Progression from this course into employment as a Care Worker, Health Care Support Worker and Support Assistant is possible either in a clinical area or within social care services.
- Assistance with job applications and CV development will be given.
Progression
- Academic progression will be onto HNC Social Services or HNC Healthcare Practice.
- HNC study can allow transition onto university undergraduate degree programmes, in Nursing, Social Work, Paramedic Sciences, Allied Health Professions and a variety of other related degrees.
Entry requirements
- Three Nat 5 – One of which is an English based subject, such as English, History, Modern Studies
- National Progression Award
- SVQ Level 2 (or equivalent)
- Occupational experience working in the care setting- minimum six months
- Any other relevant qualification
More Info
Further advice for full-time applicants:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as: the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Alloa Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 6
Falkirk Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 6
Stirling Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 6