Access to Health Professions - Including Nursing - SCQF 6

Start

25 Aug 2025

End

12 Jun 2026

The Access to Health Professions - including Nursing SCQF Level 6 course comprises of a collection of units at Higher level. The course includes a care work placement. The Award also includes NPA in Health and Social Care. If you have been out of education for 3 years you will be eligible for Access to Nursing status, this will be confirmed once you enrol on the course.

This course is also part of the Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP). SWAP programmes are for adults who have few or no formal qualifications and who have been out of full-time education for at least three years (five years if you have Highers or an HN). Successful completion can lead you to a place on an HNC or degree course at college or university in the east of Scotland (for more information about SWAP and progression options, visit the SWAP East website (https://scottishwideraccess.org/east)

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Qualifications

Higher Health units at SCQF level 6:

  • Higher Human Biology Units
  • Lit 1 and Communication (equivalent to Higher English)
  • Preparation for HE/Academic writing skills
  • Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness
  • Caring for Individuals with Dementia
  • Social Issues in the UK (Scottish context)
  • Leadership in Practice
  • Numeracy @ SCQF level 5

NPA in Health and Social Care:
  • Human Development & Social Influences
  • Safeguarding People
  • Communication in Care Relationships
  • Safe Practice & wellbeing in Social Services

Delivery

Full-time 36 week course, 3 days per week in College/ online, 1 day per week on placement.

Location

Scottish Borders Campus

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Entry requirements

An award in Child, Health and Social Care Higher, or a minimum of 4 National 5 awards at C or above, to include both English and Biology. Applicants may be required to complete a preparatory course as a condition of being placed on this course.Applicants applying under the SWAP scheme will be considered according to the SWAP entry requirements.Students will also be required to complete a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) disclosure.

Progression opportunities

The course is suitable for applicants who wish to prepare for further studies in Health Care. Progression opportunities/routes include:

  • HNC Health Care at Borders College
  • Adult Nursing Degree
  • Mental Health Nursing Degree
  • Child Health Nursing Degree
  • Paramedic Science

This route is also suitable those who wish to go directly into employment in health-related areas, e.g. as a Health Care Support Worker.

*Please note this route is not appropriate for those applicants wishing to pursue specialist nursing routes such as Midwifery. Please refer to your chosen University admissions department directly for entry requirement advice for these specialist routes.

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