Early years and childcare
Studying care, health, wellbeing and childcare qualifications will teach you skills that are essential for supporting the physical, emotional and social development of children and adults.
If you have a passion to help and support others, a career in this sector will allow you to make a positive impact not just on individuals, but on communities too. We have a range of courses, including modern apprenticeships and degrees, that prepare you for the workplace. In many of our courses, you’ll undertake work experience, in a variety of settings, where you can apply what you have learnt in the classroom. We also provide simulated environments in college to enhance practical experiences.
Courses
- Childhood Practice NC | SCQF Level 6 - Full-time
- Social Services Children & Young People | SCQF Level 6 - Work-based
- Social Services Children & Young People | SCQF Level 7 - Work-based
- Social Services Children & Young People (Modern Apprenticeship) | SCQF Level 7 - Work-based
- Childhood Practice HNC | SCQF Level 7 - Full-time
- Childhood Practice BA (Hons) | SCQF Level 7-10 - Open Learning Part-time
- Child and Youth Studies BA (Hons) | SCQF Level 7-10 - Full-time, Part-time, Online
- Child and Youth Studies with Community Learning and Development BA (Hons) | SCQF Level 7-10 - Full-time, Part-time, Online
- Early Learning and Childcare Graduate Apprenticeship | SCQF Level 7-10 - Work-based
- Early Learning and Childcare (top up one-year honours) BA (Hons) | SCQF Level 10
Why choose childcare?
The Scottish Government's expansion of funded early learning and childcare means there has never been a better time to join the sector, with lots of job opportunities available from new start childcare practitioners to managerial roles.
Maureen Robb, studied BA Child and Youth Studies while working as an Admissions and Student Funding Officer with UHI Inverness.
"The chance to study and work in the same place was ideal for me.
My motivation to study came from being about to turn 50 and not wanting my brain to stagnate and I am extremely glad I did not let it! What I enjoyed most was having the opportunity to choose optional modules within the learning platform which were best suited to my personal interest.
I enjoyed the flexibility of studying fully online which suited me working full-time. The opportunity to attend a drop-in session one evening a week was invaluable as it allowed me to ask tutors questions and to meet fellow students face-to-face. I love that the learning materials are available 24/7 to access as and when suits you best.
I am still working in the same job, but it has given me a greater understanding of the young people that I work with and the desire to continue studying."