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Health and Social Care

Make a real difference in the lives of people across your community with a truly rewarding career.

Whether you’re just starting out, returning to learning or building on existing experience, our Health & Social Care courses offer flexible ways to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to move forward in this essential sector.your skills and move forward in a rewarding sector.

From senior phase study and introductory routes through to professional development and degree-level progression, there is a place for every learner at UHI Orkney.

 

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Flexible Learning

Our department supports learners beginning careers in health and social care, as well as those already working in the sector who want to build on their knowledge and progress professionally.

We offer a wide range of part-time, full-time, evening and online courses, alongside work-based vocational pathways. Whether you prefer hands-on learning in the workplace through Scottish Vocational Qualifications or classroom-based study that can lead on to degrees and beyond, there are options to suit a range of circumstances and goals.

Our tutors are vocationally qualified and experienced, bringing valuable real-world knowledge into teaching and learning.

Practical Experience

Many of our courses combine study at UHI Orkney with practical learning in real care environments, helping you connect theory with professional practice and build confidence.

You may develop skills in areas such as communication, empathy, safeguarding and person-centred support, while gaining insight into the day-to-day realities of working in health and social care.

We also work closely with employers to help ensure our programmes reflect workplace needs. Many qualifications are recognised in the workplace, and some meet Scottish Social Services Council registration requirements.

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Careers & Progression

A career in Health & Social Care is both rewarding and essential. Our courses prepare learners for a wide range of roles that support people in hospitals, care homes, supported living, community services and other care settings.

If you are looking to develop skills and explore new pathways in health and care, we can help introduce routes into healthcare professions such as nursing and allied health, as well as the many roles available across social care services.

With qualifications ranging from introductory study to higher-level learning, you can start where you are and continue to build towards employment, professional development or further study.

Get in touch

We’re here to help you take the next step and find the path that best suits your aspirations.

If you’d like to find out more about studying Health & Social Care at UHI Orkney, our team will be happy to help with any questions about courses, entry routes or progression options.

Our approach focuses on empathy, communication and the skills needed to make a positive impact in people’s lives — ensuring you are well prepared to support individuals in a range of care settings.

Please reach out to start a conversation about your next step:

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What would you like to study?