Social Work and Social Services: Access

What you will learn

You’ll explore a wide range of subjects that build your understanding of social care, social justice, and the challenges people face in modern society.

Core topics include:

• Care: Values and Principles – understand the core ethics and professional standards of care.
• Care: Social Influences – explore how family, culture and environment affect wellbeing.
• Human Development and Behaviour – study how people grow, change and respond to challenges.
• Child Protection and Safeguarding – learn how to identify, report and respond to concerns.
• Mental Health and Mental Illness – gain insight into emotional wellbeing and support strategies.
• Health, Safety and Protection Issues in Care Settings – understand responsibilities in workplace and community care.
• Counselling, Loss and Grief – develop communication and empathy skills for supporting others.
• Criminology and Philosophy – broaden your understanding of justice, ethics and human behaviour.
• Core Skills – Communication (Levels 5 & 6) and Numeracy to strengthen your academic readiness.

You’ll be assessed through essays, presentations and class-based exams, helping you prepare for the demands of higher education.

Entry requirements

✅ No formal qualifications are required.

✅ You must demonstrate good written and spoken communication skills.

✅ Applicants must have been out of formal education for a minimum of five years.

✅ Selection is based on your personal statement and interview. 

Your statement must include:

• Why you wish to study Social Work.
• Which branch of Social Work interests you and why.
• What you believe patients are most concerned about when receiving medical care.
• An example of how you have managed a challenging situation, what you learned, and what you would do differently.
• The skills, qualities and attributes that make you suitable for a healthcare career.

If you do not meet all entry criteria, you may be offered a place on an alternative Care-related course.

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.

Career Opportunities

This qualification supports entry into roles such as:

🤝 Basic Grade Support Worker

🏡 Residential or Community Care Assistant

💬 Social Services or Support Worker

It’s also excellent preparation for further study leading to professional registration in social work.

Future prospects

Successful completion of this course can lead to progression to:

• HNC Social Services (Care) at Glasgow Kelvin College
• BA (Hons) Social Work at university

Many learners go on to work in the care, community, or youth support sectors, where they make a lasting difference to individuals and families.