Education and Social Services: Diploma/BA (Level 8)

Two students sit at a classroom desk, one reading a first aid manual and the other taking notes, both focused and ready to learn with a whiteboard full of notes behind them.

Qualification

HND

Study Mode

Full Time

Duration

1 Year - 3 Days p/w

Start date

Aug 2026

Campus

East End

Applications open January 2026

Course overview

Build your professional future in education, health, and social care through this integrated and inspiring university partnership.

This innovative course is delivered in partnership with the University of Strathclyde and is designed for people who are passionate about supporting others through education and social services.

You’ll learn how these vital sectors work together to provide integrated care, and you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to make a difference in people’s lives.

On successful completion of the Diploma with Glasgow Kelvin College, you’ll progress directly into Year 3 of the BA (Honours) Education and Social Services at the University of Strathclyde — a recognised route to professional roles across education, health, and social work.

You’ll be supported by experienced lecturers with backgrounds in education, social care, and community practice, ensuring your learning connects real-world understanding with academic theory.

This course is ideal for learners who:

Hold a relevant HNC qualification with a mandatory placement.
Are interested in integrated care and collaborative practice.
Want to progress to degree-level study and professional work in education, health, or social services.
Enjoy teamwork, reflective practice, and person-centred learning.

What you will learn

Three days each week in college will focus on developing professional skills and knowledge across key areas of education and social care. You’ll complete the following subjects:

Academic Literacy – building confidence in university-level writing and study skills.
The Societal Context of Professional Roles – understanding how social, political, and cultural issues shape care and education.
Introduction to Integrated Services – exploring how professionals collaborate to support individuals and families.
How People Develop and Learn – examining human development, behaviour, and learning across the lifespan.
Workplace Practice – developing your professional identity through observation and reflection.
Being Professional: Working Collaboratively – learning to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

You’ll also complete a four-week full-time placement, where you’ll observe how educational and social service organisations are moving towards integrated delivery and support models.

Entry requirements

✅ HNC in a related subject that includes a mandatory placement, such as:

Social Services
Childhood Practice
Additional Support Needs
Health Care Practice
Working in Communities and Housing
Occupational Therapy

✅ Submission of a Personal Learning Statement

✅ Attendance at an information session and skills assessment

✅ Relevant workplace experience (including placements)

✅ Academic reference

✅ A PVG check from Disclosure Scotland is required for this course.

All qualifications should normally have been achieved within the last five years, unless supported by significant professional experience.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)

If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.