Introduction
This is a Schools Foundation Academy course delivered in partnership with UWS and the NHS. You will become a UWS Associate Student on the pathway towards a degree in nursing with them.
Successfully completing this programme alongside other specific subjects at your school will mean you may meet the entry criteria for nursing.
It is a challenging theory-based course where a considerable proportion of your learning is online/face to face.
Alongside this course, at school you will be looking to have passed or be sitting in 26/27 Higher English and N5 Maths/App Maths.
The course will help you develop an understanding of the skills, principles and qualities needed to work in the sector as well as legislation and protection issues, alongside supporting and enabling people to live independent lives.
You should be interested in nursing and planning a career in that sector.
You will also be using the NHS TURAS website for some of your learning.
You will need to be an organised and independent learner who can work with minimum direction as a considerable amount of the study will be online/hybrid. For the Skills for Work Health and Social Care award you will be mostly learning inperson and for a little of that time you will be participating in simulated practice and role play in our state-of-the-art Care Hub.
Towards the end of your time with college you may move to begin a short First Steps to Nursing Course with our UWS partners. This is at SCQF level 7 and will count as one Higher.
Course code
SHFC
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Online attendance and in person, when necessary, is expected 100% of the time. You must be able to fit this in your timetable as an equal priority with school subjects.
Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher for HNC/D courses.
Entry Requirements
You must be a pupil from a school who is participating in our College Academy offering.
You must already hold N5 Maths or be working towards it during school time.
You must already hold Higher English or be working towards it during school time.
You should have a further two National 5 awards at C or above and be working towards an additional Higher.
You must have access to the internet and a device to work on.
Ideally you will be in 6th year at your school.
You must be 16 or more when the course starts.
You should fill in the application online as well as you possibly can.
Please make sure to answer the Supporting Information Questions on the application form, with as much detail as possible. This will demonstrate your commitment to the course.
You should be interested in a future career in nursing. You should be a keen reader and writer and prepared to spend additional study time out-with class time.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
You should ensure you meet or are currently working towards meeting the entry criteria prior to application. If you will be sitting your qualifications in spring 2026, your offer will be subject to you successfully meeting the entry criteria.
Fill out the application form to the best of your ability. Remember, this is a Degree Pathway programme.
Course Content
Supporting people, legislation and policy, values and principles, health & safety protection and safeguarding, skills for employment
The content is subject to change
Assessments
Essays, open book assignments, practical observation, reflective accounts
Progression
Successful completion of this programme will enable you to progress potentially to 1st year Adult or Mental Health Nursing at UWS OR HNC Healthcare Practice with the College.
Career Prospects
Study in College (full time), home care worker, care home worker, health care support worker, nursing.
Additional funding information
N/A
Course Contact Details
Michelle Hodgson email hodgsonm@dumgal.ac.uk
Selling Points
This is a partnership agreement with the NHS and UWS which is designed to allow a smooth transition to a pre-graduate degree in nursing with UWS.
The First Steps to Nursing programme allows a taste of the next level up of study from Higher.