Social Care: NQ (Level 4)

What you will learn

You’ll develop a strong foundation in both practical and theoretical skills for working in care settings.

Core topics include:

• Human Development and Behaviour – understand how people grow and change throughout life.
• Social Influences – explore how society, culture, and environment affect health and wellbeing.
• Values and Principles in Care – learn about the core ethics and responsibilities of care work.
• Child Development – gain awareness of how children develop physically, emotionally, and socially.
• First Aid – learn essential emergency response skills.
• National 4 Skills for Work in Health Award – develop employability skills for care and health sectors.
• Core Skills – Communication and Numeracy to support further learning and employment.

Learning is active and supportive, combining group discussion, project work, and reflective practice to help you connect your studies to real-life care situations.

Entry requirements

✅ No formal qualifications required — enthusiasm and a genuine interest in care are essential.

✅ Selection is based on your personal statement, which helps us understand your motivation and suitability for the course.

Your personal statement should include:

• Why you wish to study Health and Social Care.
• The type of care work that interests you.
• The skills and qualities you believe make an effective care worker — and why.

ℹ️ You must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.

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

• you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 - grade C or above (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.

Career Opportunities

This course provides a strong foundation for entry-level employment or volunteering in care and community settings, including:

🏠 Care Assistant or Support Worker (trainee level)

💬 Community or Youth Support roles

🌼 Childcare Assistant (entry level)

It also helps you develop transferable skills useful across many people-focused careers.

Future prospects

After successful completion, you can progress to:

• NQ Health & Social Care (Level 5)
• NC Early Education and Childcare (Level 5)
• SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Services

This course is your first step toward a meaningful and rewarding career in care — where every skill you learn helps someone else.