Social Work - Access to Apply SCQF Level 6

What is special about this course?

If you have decided on a career in social work this course is for you. Robert Gordon University has given positive feedback on our students who have progressed on to study with them. They commented that this access course prepares students well for their degree in social work and successful completion of the access course will guarantee students an interview for the degree at Robert Gordon University.

Good reasons to study this course are:

  • you have the opportunity to gain 3 good Highers relevant to future carers
  • the academic workload is good preparation for degree courses and you are guaranteed an interview with RGU
  • other appropriate units are useful for your future career
  • there is a good choice of work experience
  • it provides a good insight into a possible future career
  • there is the opportunity for a work placement

Entry requirements

4 passes at National 5, one must be an English based subject.
Or, 4 Intermediate 2 passes (A - C), one must be an English based subject.


Or, 1 English based Higher.


Mature students will be considered without these qualifications if they can demonstrate ability to work at the required level.


You will be required to provide a referee on application.


All applicants will be interviewed.

This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit this webpage.

This course incorporates the National Certificate in Health & Social Care (Level 6).


The following subjects are covered:

  • Higher Psychology
  • Higher Sociology
  • Higher Care
  • Child Protection
  • First Aid
  • Prevention of Infection
  • Literature 1
  • Communications
  • Numeracy
  • Information Technology
  • Team Working

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time

You will study full-time at Shetland UHI, Lerwick and also have a work placement.

The course will be taught by short lectures, group discussions, individual exercises, a research project and personal study.

It is a very academic course to prepare students for progression to a professional degree.

How long will my course last?

1 Year

One year (9.15am to 4.00pm) plus six hours of study per week

Where can I study my course?

    • Lerwick Campus

Start date

August

Fees

For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

Funding

Most full-time students will have their fees paid.

Students on part-time courses may also be eligible to have their course fees waived.

For more information see the funding page. 

What can I do on completion of my course?

Academic: You can progress on to the degree in social work. Students are guaranteed an interview to study at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.


Employment/Career: This course can be used as a stepping stone into various areas of social work or similar career paths through further study in higher education.


Former students have: Gone on to employment and further study.

Is there more information available online?

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You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.

"The whole experience of going back to college to study has been one of the best decisions I have made.  The Access to Social Work course is taught by dedicated tutors who are passionate about their subjects.

"The course work can be demanding, but I came to college to learn, not to have a holiday!  What you put into the course determines what you get out of it."  Jamie Larden.

“This course introduces students to theories that they will study in greater depth at university. It also provides relevant work experience” - Susan Berry, Senior Lecturer

Apply for Social Work - Access to Apply SCQF Level 6

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25

I want to start in 2025/26

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.